A six-part documentary series commemorating the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s restoration is released by China Media Group.
To mark the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s restoration, China Media Group (CMG) has released a six-part documentary series commemorating the event.
The documentary combines rigorous historical research with insights from scholars and firsthand witnesses. It traces the origins of Taiwan’s people to the Yangtze River Basin, highlighting their shared roots with people on the Chinese mainland. The series also documents Taiwan people’s resistance against Japanese occupation, exposing the exploitation and oppression they endured during Japan’s 50-year colonial rule.
It features the stories of Taiwan people who refused to live under colonial rule, many of whom restored their Chinese nationality and relocated with their families to the Chinese mainland. Archival materials presented in the documentary underscore their steadfast commitment to the nation.
During the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, many Taiwan compatriots crossed the strait to support the Chinese mainland, with some making the ultimate sacrifice. Rare historical artifacts and personal accounts are shown for the first time, including letters and memoirs from Taiwan compatriots who volunteered to aid the Chinese mainland during the war.
The documentary also highlights the role of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in uniting progressive Taiwan youth, guiding anti-Japanese movements on the island, and promoting Taiwan’s restoration.
Addressing Taiwan’s status, the series presents a draft press release of the Cairo Declaration from the US National Archives and documents the 1942 efforts of both the Kuomintang and the CPC to oppose proposals for international trusteeship over Taiwan, reinforcing the historical fact of Taiwan’s return to China.
The series also depicts efforts to restore Chinese culture after Taiwan’s restoration, including ancestor worship ceremonies, visits by Taiwan delegations to Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum in Nanjing, the repatriation of Japanese prisoners of war and civilians, the renaming of streets, and the restoration of Mandarin education.
Filming spanned more than a dozen provinces across the Chinese mainland and the Taiwan region, incorporating archival research at institutions in China, Japan and the United States. Many previously unseen documents, letters, diaries, and historical artifacts are featured for the first time.
Zhang Han, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, described the documentary as a high-quality television production that combines both intellectual depth and compelling storytelling. She noted that many people across the Taiwan Strait praised its rigor, academic value and theoretical insight.
Zhang added that the film not only defends the historical truth of Taiwan’s restoration, but also serves as a strong correction to the “Taiwan secession” historical narrative.
“History is the best textbook,” Zhang said. “We believe that after watching the film, compatriots on both sides of the strait, as well as Chinese people overseas, will remember history, safeguard its achievements, actively oppose ‘Taiwan secession’ and foreign interference, and contribute to advancing the cause of national reunification.” (PD/GSF)
