80 Years of Taiwan’s restoration to China
By Kirtan Bhana - TDS
26 October 2025
Eighty years ago, Taiwan was restored to China. This moment, often overlooked or reframed in Western narratives, marked the end of Japanese imperial occupation as well as the reassertion of China’s territorial integrity after a century of foreign aggression.
As more facts, archives, and testimonies from World War II emerge, the global narrative of that conflict continues to evolve. For Europe, it remains the “Great Patriotic War” — a triumph over fascism. For China and much of Asia, it was the “War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression,” a struggle not only for liberation, but also for the restoration of sovereignty and dignity after decades of colonial intrusion.
This year the Chinese Embassy in Pretoria hosted a commemoration to mark the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s restoration to China, reaffirming the historic moment when Japan’s defeat in 1945 ended its half-century occupation of the island. In his address, Ambassador Wu Peng of the People’s Republic of China to South Africa, recalled that the Cairo Declaration (1943), the Potsdam Proclamation (1945), and Japan’s Instrument of Surrender all unequivocally recognized that Taiwan, then referred to as Formosa, would be restored to China.
"All the territories Japan has stolen from the Chinese, such as Manchuria, Formosa (Taiwan), and the Pescadores, shall be restored to the Republic of China."
The ambassador highlighted that these documents form the foundation of international legitimacy on the Taiwan question, asserting that “the post-war order was built upon the principles of justice and respect for sovereignty, principles that remain at the heart of China’s pursuit of peaceful reunification.”
The One-China Policy is neither new nor ambiguous. It is the internationally recognized acknowledgment that there is only one China, and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of it. This policy forms the cornerstone of China’s diplomatic relations and has been reaffirmed repeatedly by the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 (1971), which restored the lawful seat of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in the UN and recognized it as the sole legitimate representative of China, including Taiwan.
Today, 183 countries — including South Africa — adhere to this principle. It is not a matter of political preference but of international law and historical fact. Any attempt to redefine or “reinterpret” this principle challenges the very foundations of the UN system and the global commitment to national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In his remarks, Ambassador Wu Peng reiterated this position, emphasizing that “the reunification of China is the aspiration of all Chinese people, on both sides of the Strait, and no external interference can alter this course.”
Taiwan’s modern status cannot be divorced from its history. Following the collapse of the Qing Dynasty in 1911, internal divisions between the Kuomintang (KMT) and the Communist Party of China (CPC) left the country vulnerable to foreign exploitation. However, during Japan’s occupation, the two factions united against imperial aggression — a moment of shared sacrifice that underscores the unity of the Chinese nation.
After the war, as the CPC established the People’s Republic of China in 1949, remnants of the KMT retreated to Taiwan. However, this internal political shift did not alter China’s sovereignty over the island. No international treaty or legal instrument ever transferred Taiwan’s status to any foreign power.
Today, under the leadership of Cheng Li-wun, the newly elected head of the KMT opposition in Taiwan, there are signs of recalibration. Her call for peace across the Strait and her support for the One-China framework signal a potential return to the spirit of mutual understanding that once defined the relationship between the mainland and Taiwan.
China’s position has remained consistent and principled: reunification must be achieved through peaceful means. This is not only a political stance but a reflection of a deep cultural belief that harmony and unity must prevail over division and confrontation.
China’s phenomenal growth over the past four decades has demonstrated the tangible benefits of stability, development, and cooperation. The mainland’s rise has not only transformed its own society but also created vast opportunities for regional and global development. For the people of Taiwan, the continuation of cross-strait exchanges — in trade, technology, education, and culture — has been mutually beneficial and remains the most practical path toward prosperity.
Yet, the question of Taiwan has too often been exploited by external powers pursuing their own strategic agendas. By manipulating the issue under the guise of “democracy” and “freedom,” these forces aim to contain China’s rise and destabilize the region. Such interference not only threatens peace, but undermines the very principle of self-determination they claim to uphold.
It is therefore vital that the international community resists such coercive politics and reaffirms its respect for the One-China principle, which safeguards peace, promotes dialogue, and prevents escalation.
As we commemorate eighty years since Taiwan’s restoration to China, we are reminded that history, when seen clearly, leaves little room for distortion. The restoration of Taiwan was an act of justice, a rightful correction of colonial aggression and a reaffirmation of China’s sovereignty.
The journey toward complete reunification continues, not through conflict, but through dialogue, development, and shared destiny. As China embarks on its 15th Five-Year Plan, focusing on innovation, self-reliance, and high-quality growth, it does so with the same determination that guided its historic restoration — unity through peace, and progress through partnership.
South Africa, in line with its foreign policy of respect for sovereignty and non-interference, has consistently upheld the One-China Policy since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1998. This position reflects the principles enshrined in the UN Charter and echoes Africa’s historical struggles against colonial fragmentation and external manipulation.
In reaffirming this commitment, Pretoria continues to advocate for peaceful dialogue and cooperation across the Taiwan Strait — in the spirit of mutual respect, solidarity, and shared development that defines the China–Africa partnership.