Taiwan Bans Officials from Joining China’s “Retrocession” Events, Citing Distorted History

Post by : Saif Nasser

Taiwan’s government has officially banned its officials from attending any events organized by China next week to mark the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s so-called “retrocession” — the day when Japan handed control of the island back to the Republic of China (ROC) after World War Two.

Officials in Taipei said that Beijing is using the anniversary to spread false historical claims and push its political agenda of unifying Taiwan with mainland China.

What Is “Retrocession Day”?

The “retrocession” refers to October 25, 1945, when Japan gave up control of Taiwan after being defeated in World War Two. Japan had ruled the island since 1895, following the First Sino-Japanese War. After Japan’s surrender, the Republic of China — which was then the official government of all China — took control of Taiwan.

At that time, there was no People’s Republic of China (PRC). The PRC was founded in 1949 by communist leader Mao Zedong after his forces won the Chinese civil war. The defeated Nationalist government, led by Chiang Kai-shek, retreated to Taiwan and continued to call itself the Republic of China.

This historical background is the core of the dispute today. Taiwan says the “retrocession” belongs to the Republic of China, not the communist People’s Republic of China.

Taiwan Accuses China of Twisting History

In a video statement released on Friday, Chiu Chui-cheng, who heads Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council, said that Beijing has been spreading “false narratives” about Taiwan’s past. He accused China of trying to create a false impression that Taiwan has always been part of the People’s Republic of China.

“The ultimate goal of Beijing’s actions is to erase the Republic of China and annex Taiwan,” Chiu said.

He added that Taiwan’s government had banned all officials, teachers, and students from attending any “retrocession” events organized by China. He also called on ordinary citizens to “put the national interest first” and not participate in Chinese ceremonies.

China’s View on the Anniversary

So far, China has not announced exactly what events it will hold to mark the 80th anniversary. However, Chinese officials have already hinted that they see the “retrocession” as proof that Taiwan belongs to China.

Earlier this week, a spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office said the “retrocession” was a “great victory for all Chinese people, including those in Taiwan.” Beijing insists that Taiwan is a part of China and has repeatedly warned against any moves by Taipei to assert its independence.

Last month, China marked the anniversary of the end of World War Two with a large military parade, which some observers saw as a signal of national pride and military strength.

Taiwan’s Stand for Independence and Identity

Taiwan’s government says that it has been separate from China’s communist rule for more than seven decades. The island operates its own democratic government, military, and economy, and most Taiwanese people identify as “Taiwanese,” not “Chinese.”

In recent years, tensions between Taipei and Beijing have grown sharply. China has increased military pressure on Taiwan by flying fighter jets near the island and conducting naval drills. Meanwhile, Taiwan has worked to strengthen its international partnerships and resist any attempts at political control from Beijing.

For Taiwan, the “retrocession” anniversary is not about returning to China but about remembering its complex history — one that includes Japanese rule, war, and the struggle for democracy.

Pride and Freedom Amid Tensions

While China plans political and military-style events, Taipei will host East Asia’s largest Pride march on the same day. The annual event is a colorful and joyous celebration of LGBTQ+ equality and diversity, reflecting Taiwan’s reputation as one of Asia’s most open and progressive societies.

The timing of the Pride march, coinciding with China’s “retrocession” commemoration, highlights the deep contrast between the two sides — one focusing on freedom and inclusion, and the other emphasizing national unity and political control.

Taiwan’s decision to ban its officials from attending China’s anniversary events is a strong message of resistance against Beijing’s growing efforts to rewrite history. Taipei’s government insists that its identity as the Republic of China — a free and democratic nation — cannot be erased by political propaganda.