In a significant move to honor historical milestones, Taiwan compatriots have been invited to participate in a commemorative event marking the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s restoration to China. The event, scheduled to take place on the mainland, was announced by Zhu Fenglian, spokeswoman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, on Wednesday. The gathering aims to unite Chinese people worldwide, including those from both sides of the Taiwan Strait, to reflect on the shared history of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and to honor the heroes who contributed to Taiwan’s return to the motherland.
Zhu emphasized the importance of this commemoration in safeguarding the victorious outcome of the war and protecting the common heritage of the Chinese nation. She also extended a warm invitation to Taiwan compatriots to join their mainland counterparts in celebrating the pride and dignity of being Chinese.
However, the event has faced opposition from Taiwan’s ‘mainland affairs council,’ which has prohibited public officials and related individuals from participating in mainland-organized activities. Zhu condemned this stance as a separatist move by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities, accusing them of distorting historical facts and undermining the significance of the war’s victory.
Zhu also addressed the DPP’s call for ‘equal dialogue’ with the mainland, stating that such efforts are futile without recognizing the 1992 Consensus, which affirms the principle that both sides of the Strait belong to one China. She reiterated that the 1992 Consensus remains the cornerstone of cross-Strait peace and cooperation.
Despite these challenges, the mainland continues to promote cross-Strait exchanges through various measures, including facilitating travel permits for first-time visitors from Taiwan and expanding entry ports. Zhu highlighted that the mainland’s high-quality economic and social development during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30) will provide more opportunities for Taiwan compatriots and enterprises, further enhancing cross-Strait economic and cultural ties.