A significant literary event in Taipei has brought renewed attention to the historical connections between Taiwan and mainland China. The newly released book, “Taiwan’s Restoration: Revisited Moments of Awakening and Renewal Around 1945,” edited by media professional Chang Chun-kai, offers a detailed examination of Taiwan’s post-war landscape following the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.
The publication emerges during a period of heightened importance for historical education, coinciding with the 80th anniversary commemorations of both the World Anti-Fascist War victory and Taiwan’s return to Chinese sovereignty. The book adapts and expands upon documentary materials to present a comprehensive view of this pivotal historical moment.
Approximately fifty representatives from Taiwan’s education and media sectors attended the launch event, where discussions emphasized the critical need for preserving historical accuracy. Participants expressed concern over contemporary trends that distort historical narratives and potentially weaken national identity within Taiwanese society.
Prominent voices at the event included Kuan Chung-ming, former president of Taiwan University, who advocated for increased efforts to present historical events faithfully. Kuan expressed confidence that the history of the resistance victory and Taiwan’s restoration would ultimately be preserved and transmitted to future generations.
Lin Kuang-hui, descendant of a family renowned for their resistance against Japanese aggression, highlighted how the 1945 restoration ended five decades of Japanese colonial rule. Lin called for compatriots in Taiwan to uphold patriotic traditions and collectively work toward national rejuvenation.
Taiwan scholar Chen Chao-ying provided cultural context, noting that many families in 1945 named their children “Guangfu” (meaning restoration), reflecting the genuine public sentiment of the era. Chen expressed hope for enhanced cross-strait cooperation in research concerning Taiwan’s restoration history.
The book launch follows last year’s legislative action by China’s national legislature designating October 25 as the official commemorative day of Taiwan’s restoration. This date marks the 1945 ceremony in Taipei where Japanese surrender was accepted, formally returning Taiwan and the Penghu Islands to Chinese sovereign jurisdiction after half a century of separation.