People's Daily: Resolutely Defend the Victorious Achievements of Taiwan's Liberation and Return to the Motherland

    The year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's liberation. On October 24, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress passed a resolution establishing October 25 as Taiwan Liberation Day through legal means and in the name of the state, reflecting the shared aspirations and sentiments of compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

    Permanently enshrining major historical facts and commemorative activities in law not only underscores the solemnity and dignity of honoring history but also ensures the stability and continuity of related commemorative events. The liberation of Taiwan is a great day forever inscribed in the annals of our nation's history. It marks the glorious victory achieved by all Chinese people, including the people of Taiwan, through bloody struggle against Japanese colonialism and aggression. This triumph deserves to be commemorated jointly by compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. The legal establishment of the Taiwan Liberation Day reaffirms this significant historical fact and serves as a powerful measure to safeguard the victorious outcome of Taiwan's liberation and return to the motherland, providing a solid institutional guarantee for the sustained conduct of various commemorative activities.

    History must not be forgotten; historical events demand reflection. On December 1, 1943, the governments of China, the United States, and the United Kingdom issued the Cairo Declaration, stating that their purpose was to restore to China the territories stolen by Japan, such as Northeast China, Taiwan, and the Penghu Islands. On July 26, 1945, the Potsdam Proclamation, jointly signed by China, the United States, and the United Kingdom and later joined by the Soviet Union, reaffirmed that “the terms of the Cairo Declaration shall be carried out.” In September of that year, Japan signed the Instrument of Surrender, pledging to “faithfully fulfill the obligations of the provisions of the Potsdam Proclamation.” On October 25, the Chinese government declared the recovery of Taiwan and the Penghu Islands effective immediately, “resuming the exercise of sovereignty over Taiwan.” Taiwan's return to China was not only a landmark event symbolizing the Chinese nation's redemption from a century of humiliation but also an integral part of the post-war international order. Elevating the commemoration of Taiwan's liberation to the national and legal level serves to deepen the collective memory among compatriots on both sides of the Strait of shared resolve against common enemies and united defense against external threats. It凝聚s the driving force of unity and self-reliance, further reinforcing the historical and legal fact that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. This holds significant importance for promoting peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and advancing the cause of national reunification.

    In the face of ironclad facts, lies appear particularly feeble. In recent years, Lai Ching-te and the DPP authorities have persistently engaged in provocative moves toward “independence,” aggressively peddling the separatist fallacy of “Taiwan independence,” deliberately downplaying or denying the historical fact of Taiwan's liberation, and even whitewashing and glorifying Japanese colonial rule by substituting “end of the war” for “War of Resistance.” They seek to sever the historical ties and spiritual bonds between compatriots on both sides of the strait. Those who abandon national righteousness, lose their national stance, and forget their roots are doomed to fail. Those who challenge national sovereignty and territorial integrity by pursuing “Taiwan independence” separatism are walking a dead-end path and will inevitably be held accountable by history. Compatriots on both sides of the strait are one family. No one can sever our blood ties and kinship, and no one can stop the historical trend of national reunification. Any forces or actions seeking to divide the motherland will be met with a decisive blow from all Chinese people. The establishment of Taiwan Liberation Day demonstrates our unwavering resolve to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity and safeguard the spiritual bond between compatriots on both sides of the strait. It also serves as a solemn warning to “Taiwan independence” separatist forces.

    The Taiwan issue arose from national weakness and turmoil and will inevitably be resolved with national rejuvenation. A strong and unified nation remains the destiny of all Chinese people, including our compatriots in Taiwan. Taking the establishment of the Taiwan Liberation Day as an opportunity, compatriots on both sides of the Strait will continuously strengthen their resolve, backbone, and confidence as Chinese people. By deepening exchanges and cooperation, promoting common development, advancing national reunification, and steadfastly safeguarding the shared homeland of the Chinese nation and the fundamental interests of compatriots on both sides, we will surely join hands to create a bright future of national reunification and national rejuvenation.