Beijing commemorates end of Japanese rule over Taiwan with call for reunification

Mainland China commemorated "Taiwan Restoration Day" on October 25 to mark the end of Japanese rule over the island. The annual event was established last year on the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's return to Chinese control. State media and the military released promotional materials to highlight the significance of the day. CCTV, the state broadcaster, released a 42-second video showcasing Taiwan's landmarks and natural features from satellite imagery, emphasizing the island's integration with China.

President Xi Jinping echoed the sentiment in an article, stating that the return was a result of China's broader resistance to Japan and the Allied victory in World War II. He reiterated that Taiwan is part of one China and called for the eventual reunification of the motherland. The People's Liberation Army Eastern Theatre Command shared a message urging people to "return home" and reminded of the 1945 handover as an irrefutable link in the chain of historical and legal facts confirming Chinese sovereignty.

Meanwhile, Taiwanese political parties have differing perspectives on the anniversary, with the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) downplaying its significance and the mainland-friendly pan-blue coalition emphasizing it. This year's anniversary comes weeks before Taiwan's local elections, where the history and national identity of the island have become contentious issues between the rival political camps.