The 12th Dajiang Forum, hosted by the Central Committee of the Taiwan Democratic Self-Government League (TDSL) in Beijing on Tuesday, focused on the theme "Chinese Heart, National Soul - Commemorating the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's recovery from Japanese occupation." During the event, participants from across the Taiwan Straits stressed that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, asserting there is "no room for negotiation" on this matter.

The year 2025 marks both the 80th 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 80th anniversary of Taiwan's restoration. In 1895, following its defeat in the First Sino-Japanese War, the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) was forced to cede Taiwan and the Penghu Islands to Japan. 

Half a century later, in 1945, Japan's surrender ended its colonial rule over the island, and Taiwan returned to the embrace of the motherland. On October 25, 1945, a formal ceremony was held in Taipei for Japan's surrender in the Taiwan Province of the Chinese theater.

The forum brought together representatives from pro-reunification political parties and social organizations from the island of Taiwan, as well as Taiwan youth representatives working across the mainland. Participants paid tribute to the martyrs, rejected "Taiwan independence" separatist activities, and expressed hopes for the reunification of the motherland.

Su Hui, vice chairperson of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and chairperson of the Central Committee of the TDSL, said at the opening ceremony that people on both sides of the Taiwan Straits have shared the same suffering since modern times, jointly writing a glorious chapter of resistance against Japanese colonial rule and striving for Taiwan's return to the motherland. "The people of Taiwan made indelible sacrifices and contributions to the national war of resistance," Su said.

Wu Jung-yuan, chairman of the Labor Party in Taiwan, noted that commemorating the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's restoration is about passing on the national spirit of Taiwan's forefathers who would "rather die with honor than live in disgrace." He said this history should serve as a bond of unity across generations. 

"The historical fact of Taiwan's restoration deeply proves that people across the Straits share the same roots and destiny. It was not only a return of historical justice but also a reaffirmation of our shared national identity," Wu said.

Criticizing the Democratic Progressive Party authorities for attempting to obscure or distort history by denying Taiwan's restoration and portraying Japan's colonial rule as a "modernization process," Wu said such actions betray national sentiment and are "acts of betraying one's ancestors." He added that external forces are further exploiting the situation for geopolitical manipulation to internationalize the Taiwan question. "History has already given the answer: Taiwan is China's Taiwan. There is absolutely no room for negotiation on this," Wu stressed.

Xu Mengxiang, deputy secretary-general of the Labor Party, added that commemorating Taiwan's restoration reflects not only a national position but also a people's standpoint. "From anti-colonialism to opposing separatism, from resisting imperial invasion to rejecting foreign interference, the line has always been consistent - national autonomy, reunification of the country, and peace for the people," Xu said. He emphasized that the spirit of restoration lives on only when peace and reunification can truly deliver social justice and improve people's livelihoods. 

"We must use social practice to prove that peaceful reunification is not just a political option, but the path to a better life for our people," he noted.

Since its establishment in 2014, the Dajiang Forum has focused on cross-Straits peace and integrated development. It regularly gathers political, economic, cultural, and technological figures from both sides to discuss topics such as youth exchanges, think tank cooperation, and historical and cultural heritage, while promoting the principle of peaceful reunification and "one country, two systems" to deepen understanding and recognition among Taiwan compatriots of the mainland.