China to Commemorate 80th Anniversary of Taiwan’s Retrocession Amid Historical Tensions

China announced plans to hold a major ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s “retrocession” from Japanese rule, a move underscoring long-standing historical and political divides across the Taiwan Strait. The event, expected this weekend at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, will celebrate Taiwan’s 1945 handover from Japan to the Republic of China (ROC) following World War II.

Beijing’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian emphasized that the retrocession symbolizes a “great victory of the Chinese people,” highlighting contributions from “compatriots on both sides of the Strait.” She said the event aims to honor shared history and unity, inviting people from Taiwan to attend, though she did not specify which Chinese leaders will participate.

Sources told Reuters that invitations have been distributed, but details remain scarce regarding speakers or the event’s full program. The commemoration aligns with China’s broader campaign to reinforce its historical narrative asserting sovereignty over Taiwan.

However, Taiwan’s government rejects Beijing’s framing, stressing that the 1945 transition placed the island under the Republic of China—not the People’s Republic of China (PRC), which was founded in 1949 after the Chinese Civil War. Taipei maintains that the ROC still exists as Taiwan’s official government and recently barred its officials from attending any “retrocession” events in China, accusing Beijing of manipulating history for political gain.

Beijing countered that Taipei was attempting to “distort and deny historical facts,” criticizing the island’s restrictions on participation. The debate over Taiwan’s wartime legacy has intensified amid rising cross-strait tensions and China’s assertive nationalism.

While Beijing prepares for its commemoration, Taipei will host East Asia’s largest Pride parade this weekend, showcasing its vibrant democracy and support for LGBTQ+ equality—an image starkly contrasting Beijing’s political message.