Marking History: China's Ceremony for Taiwan's Retrocession

China announced it will commemorate the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's return to Chinese rule post-World War Two. This timeline reviews Taiwan's history, from its 1895 cession to Japan after the First Sino-Japanese War, to its contentious political status following China's civil war and subsequent developments.

In a historical nod, China has disclosed its plans to conduct a ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's 'retrocession' to Chinese authority post World War Two. This symbolic event seeks to revisit pivotal moments in Taiwan's complex history.

The backdrop to these commemorations began in 1895 when China, after losing the First Sino-Japanese War, ceded Taiwan to Japan under the Treaty of Shimonoseki. Subsequently, the Qing dynasty's fall and the ensuing political turbulence set the stage for further complications regarding Taiwan's status.

Despite various declarations and treaties post major conflicts, Taiwan's political standing remains contentious. The island, synonymous with the Republic of China, faces ongoing diplomatic challenges as Beijing and Taipei continue to operate without mutual recognition, highlighting persisting geopolitical tensions.

(With inputs from agencies.)