China's Commemoration of Taiwan's Retrocession: A Historical Controversy

China will commemorate the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's 'retrocession' this weekend, amidst contested interpretations of history. The celebration, scheduled in Beijing, highlights the ongoing tension between China and Taiwan regarding historical narratives and sovereignty. The Republic of China, not the People's Republic of China, initially received Taiwan from Japan in 1945.

China is preparing to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's 'retrocession' to Chinese rule, with a celebration set for this weekend in Beijing's Great Hall of the People. The term 'retrocession' refers to Taiwan's transfer from Japanese colonization to the Republic of China government in 1945, after Japan's defeat in World War Two.

The event has sparked discord, as both China and Taiwan present differing accounts of this historical episode. Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for China's Taiwan Affairs Office, underscored the event's significance, hailing it as a triumph of the Chinese people's relentless struggles during World War Two, and called for joint commemoration across the Taiwan Strait.

However, Taiwan asserts that the Republic of China, not the People's Republic of China, was the entity that received Taiwan post-World War Two. Beijing, viewing itself as a successor to the Republic of China, claims sovereignty over Taiwan, an assertion repeatedly rejected by Taiwan. In response, Taiwan has banned its officials from attending the event, accusing Beijing of historical distortion.

(With inputs from agencies.)