China declares October 25 as commemoration day of Taiwan’s restoration
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China designates October 25 as the Commemoration Day of Taiwan’s Restoration, marking the 1945 return of Taiwan from Japan, according to NPC decree.
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A pro-Beijing supporter holds Chinese national flag to mark the 76th National Day of the People's Republic of China in Hong Kong, Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025. (AP)
Lawmakers from the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) have officially designated October 25 as the Commemoration Day of Taiwan’s Restoration, according to state-run Xinhua news agency.
The decision was adopted during the committee’s 18th session held on October 24. The decree establishes that October 25 will be observed nationwide with state-level commemorative events marking the return of Taiwan to China in 1945.
"The return of Taiwan is an important achievement of the Chinese people's victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and a significant proof that the Chinese government restored its sovereignty over Taiwan," the decree stated, as quoted by Xinhua.
Return of Taiwan in 1945
On October 25, 1945, Japan handed over the island of Taiwan and the Penghu Archipelago to China, following its defeat in World War II. The event was a significant moment in modern Chinese history, affirming its territorial sovereignty.
After the Chinese Civil War, which lasted from 1945 to 1949, the PRC was established on the mainland, while the KMT-led ROC government retreated to Taiwan. Most countries, including the US, recognize the PRC as the sole government of China.
The United States has traditionally adhered to the One China Policy, recognizing the PRC as the sole legal government of China and limiting official ties with Taiwan. However, recent developments have raised questions about Washington’s commitment.
Tensions around Taiwan escalated in August 2022, when then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the island. Beijing condemned the visit as an endorsement of Taiwanese separatism and responded with large-scale military drills near the island.
In 2025, the State Department removed longstanding language asserting it does not support Taiwan independence, while Congress debated resolutions advocating closer ties with Taipei. The US has also conducted military exercises and approved arms sales with Taiwan, prompting Beijing to warn that such actions contravene the policy.
