Toronto, Canada — October 23, 2025 A forum marking the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s restoration was held in Markham, part of the Greater Toronto Area, hosted by the Canadian Committee for the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of World War II. Nearly one hundred participants attended the event, including leaders of local Chinese community organizations, representatives of Taiwanese Canadians, descendants of anti-Japanese generals, and youth delegates.
In 1945, after fourteen years of resistance, China achieved victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, part of the global fight against fascism. On October 25 of that year, a ceremony held at the Taipei City Hall marked the end of Japan’s colonial rule over Taiwan and its return to Chinese administration—an event remembered as Taiwan’s Restoration Day.
During the event, attendees watched the documentary Taiwan Restoration, which reviewed the island’s fifty years under Japanese rule and its return after World War II. The screening encouraged reflection on the post-war international order and the historical significance of Taiwan’s reintegration within that context.
In his remarks, Cheng Hongbo, Acting Consul General of China in Toronto, said that the history of Taiwan’s restoration serves as a reminder of the shared destiny of the Chinese nation. Cheng emphasized that peaceful development and national unity are common aspirations among Chinese communities worldwide and encouraged continued cultural and people-to-people exchanges to strengthen understanding across the Taiwan Strait.
Zhang Jian, Chair of the Organizing Committee, noted that Taiwan’s restoration symbolizes the nation’s resilience and renewal. He added that both sides of the Strait share deep historical and cultural ties, and that peaceful dialogue remains the best path forward for lasting stability and mutual prosperity.
In a video message, Canadian Senator Victor Oh stated that the end of World War II marked not only the victory of the Allied Forces but also the conclusion of Japan’s colonial rule in Taiwan. He expressed his wish for continued peace and prosperity in the region.
Former Canadian Senator Victor Oh (胡子修) noted that the restoration of Taiwan represents both a historical return and a continuation of shared cultural values, calling for ongoing dialogue and understanding among peoples.
Former Member of Parliament Chung-Yim Leung, who was born in Taiwan, reflected on the island’s complex history and emphasized that cross-strait relations should be approached through peaceful engagement and mutual respect.
Dai Guofen, Honorary Chair of the Canadian Alliance for China’s Peaceful Reunification (GTA), who was born in Taiwan in 1944, shared his personal reflections on the era before and after Taiwan’s restoration. He expressed hope that more people would learn about this part of history objectively and work toward greater understanding between communities.
Several community representatives also spoke at the forum. Kwan Boxiong, Vice President of the Canadian Whampoa Military Alumni Association, emphasized that peace and unity align with the spirit of perseverance exemplified during the war years.
Wang Ti, Vice President of the Canadian Alliance for China’s Peaceful Reunification, said that the event highlighted how the end of colonial rule helped restore national confidence.
Shui Shousong, President of the Canada-China Entrepreneurs Association, remarked that mutual understanding and cooperation are essential for future prosperity.
Shen Hao, Honorary President of the Jiangsu International Chamber of Commerce in Canada, suggested that more members of the Taiwanese Canadian community should be encouraged to join cultural and historical dialogue initiatives.
Speaking on behalf of the younger generation, Zhang Kunyue, 24, said that understanding shared history and promoting cross-cultural connection are responsibilities that youth should embrace in the pursuit of peace and progress.
In a written statement read by Guo Ran, Wu Longguang, President of the Canadian Whampoa Alumni Association, reviewed China’s sacrifices during World War II and the historical background of Taiwan’s restoration. He emphasized that remembering history is essential to preserving peace and strengthening cooperation for the future.
The forum marked the conclusion of a year-long series of commemorative events organized by the Canadian Committee for the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of World War II. The committee stated that these programs aim to deepen public understanding of World War II history, promote respect for historical truth, and uphold the universal values of peace, justice, and reconciliation in the modern world.(LJI by Rita)
