A Territory Unbroken: Thematic Exhibition Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of Taiwan’s Recovery from Japanese Occupation

Hosted by: National Museum of China
Guided by: Communication Bureau of Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council PRC, Office of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People's Republic of China, Office of the Committee for Liaison with Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and Overseas Chinese of the National Committee of the CPPCC
Co-organized by: The First Historical Archives of China, The Second Historical Archives of China, Museum of the War of the Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, Beijing Federation of Taiwan Compatriots, Memorial Hall of the Taiwan Volunteer Force
Supported by: Liaoning Provincial Institute of Archaeology

Taiwan has been an inalienable part of China’s sacred territory since ancient times.

This year marks the 75^th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the 75^th anniversary of Taiwan's recovery from Japanese occupation. From 1895 to 1945, a return journey that stretched over half a century not only recorded the sorrows and tears of Taiwan compatriots, but also recorded their magnificent poems of defying violence and bravely resisting Japanese colonial rule.

This period of shared joy and sorrow tells us that the Chinese people living on both sides of the strait are united by a common destiny. Since the signing of the Treaty of Shimonoseki (1895), juren (graduates of the provincial examinations) from the 18 provinces have participated in the “Gongche Shangshu” movement (a political movement seeking reforms and expressing opposition to the Treaty of Shimonoseki) opposing the cession of Taiwan. People from the southeastern provinces donated money for the soldiers and ventured to Taiwan to join the resistance. The people of Taiwan have always held the motherland in their hearts and mounted unyielding military, cultural and political resistance against all invaders.

With the passage of time the historical reality has become increasingly clear: the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression completely crushed the advances of Japanese militarism seeking to colonize and enslave China, secured Taiwan’s recovery from Japanese occupation and vigorously defended China’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity. This history cannot be denied or distorted. Although the two sides of the Taiwan Strait have remained in a special state of political confrontation since 1949, the historical and legal facts proving that Taiwan is part of China’s territory can never be changed.

Through the trails and hardships of history, compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait have been united by a common blood and memory, embracing a bright future marked by the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. On the occasion of the 75^th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, an exhibition was held to commemorate the major historical event of Taiwan’s recovery, cherish the historical achievements of our revolutionary martyrs, review the heroic struggle against foreign aggression and carry forward the great spirit of resistance. It is undoubtedly of great significance for safeguarding China’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity, promoting the peaceful development of cross-strait relations and advancing the process of China’s peaceful reunification.