Historical Facts: This year marks the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s retrocession and the 76th anniversary of the Battle of Guningtou. October 25, 1945, commemorates the Republic of China’s acceptance, on behalf of the Allied powers, of the Japanese surrender in Taiwan. At that time, the People’s Republic of China did not yet exist; thus, Taiwan’s retrocession is entirely unrelated to the PRC. October 25, 1949, marks the unity of ROC military and civilians in successfully repelling communist forces, safeguarding Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu, defending the sovereignty of the Republic of China, and opposing PRC aggression and attempts to annex Taiwan.
Mainland Affairs Council, Republic of China (Taiwan)
Press Release No. 070
Date: October 25, 2025
In response to the PRC’s event held today under the title of “Commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of Taiwan’s Retrocession,” during which Beijing once again misrepresented historical documents and asserted false claims of sovereignty over Taiwan—while reiterating its positions of the “One China Principle,” the so-called “1992 Consensus,” “opposing independence and external interference,” and “promoting integration and unification”—the Mainland Affairs Council issues the following three points of refutation and one call to action:
1. The Republic of China and the People’s Republic of China Are Not Subordinate to Each Other, and the PRC Has Never Ruled Taiwan.
This is an objective historical fact. The PRC’s distortion of post-World War II documents to construct the false narrative that Taiwan belongs to the PRC is unfounded. Its attempt to impose a unilateral political framework of “One China across the Strait” and “One China internationally” seeks to diminish the status of the Republic of China and falsely claim Taiwan as part of the PRC. The people of Taiwan will never accept this.
2. The “One China Principle,” the So-Called “1992 Consensus,” and “One Country, Two Systems” Aim Ultimately to Eliminate the ROC and Annex Taiwan.
The PRC’s renewed call for “peaceful unification” under its political preconditions constitutes a strategic approach that leaves no room for the existence of the Republic of China. This approach has been clearly rejected by mainstream public opinion in Taiwan.
3. The Core Issue in Cross-Strait Relations Lies in Fundamental Differences in Political Systems.
The PRC’s attempt to present supposed “benefits of unification” seeks to entice Taiwan; however, the essence of cross-Strait relations is a contest between democracy and authoritarianism. Taiwan’s people firmly uphold freedom and democratic values. The experience of Hong Kong unequivocally demonstrates that “One Country, Two Systems” leads inevitably to authoritarian rule. Therefore, the PRC’s promised “post-unification prospects” hold no appeal for the people of Taiwan.
4. A Call to the PRC to Cease Coercion and Engage in Dialogue with Taiwan’s Democratically Elected Government on an Equal Footing.
The ROC government’s cross-Strait policy remains consistent: steady, principled, and committed to maintaining the status quo. We urge the PRC to adjust its approach, abandon coercive tactics, face the reality of mainstream public opinion in Taiwan, and engage in respectful dialogue. Peaceful coexistence and constructive interaction best serve the shared interests of people on both sides of the Strait.
