China Media Group (CMG) has released a six-part documentary series to mark the 80th anniversary of the rebuilding of Taiwan.

The series combines in-depth historical research with expert commentary and eyewitness accounts. It traces the origins of the people of Taiwan back to the Yangtze River basin and highlights their common roots with the people of the Chinese mainland. The documentary also chronicles the resistance of the Taiwanese people to Japanese occupation, reveals their suffering during 50 years of colonial rule, and highlights the stories of those who refused to live under colonial rule, renewed their Chinese citizenship, and moved with their families to the mainland.

The series shows the participation of Taiwanese during the Chinese war against Japanese aggression, when many crossed the strait to support the mainland, and some made the ultimate sacrifice. Rare historical artifacts and personal records are presented for the first time, including letters and memoirs of volunteers who helped China during the war.

The document also highlights the role of the Communist Party of China in uniting Taiwan's progressive youth, leading anti-Japanese movements on the island, and supporting Taiwan's reconstruction. The series also presents a draft press release of the Cairo Declaration from the U.S. Archives and documents the 1942 efforts of the Kuomintang and the Communist Party of China against proposals for international administration of the island, thus confirming the historical fact of Taiwan's return to China.

The series also describes the restoration of Chinese culture after Taiwan's return, including ancestor worship rituals, visits by Taiwanese delegations to the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum in Nanjing, the repatriation of Japanese prisoners of war and civilians, the renaming of streets, and the resumption of Mandarin language instruction.

Filming took place in more than ten provinces on the Chinese mainland and Taiwan and included archival research in China, Japan and the USA. The series features many previously unpublished documents, letters, diaries and historical artifacts.

Zhang Han, spokeswoman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, described the documentary as a quality piece of television combining intellectual depth with a compelling narrative. She noted that many people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait appreciated its historical accuracy, academic value and theoretical contribution.

Zhang added that the film not only defends the historical truth of Taiwan's reconstruction, but also serves as a powerful corrective to the narrative of „Taiwanese secessionist“ history. „History is the best textbook,“ Zhang said. „We hope that after watching the film, fellow citizens on both sides of the Straits and Chinese people abroad will recall history, protect its achievements, actively oppose ‚Taiwan secession‘ and foreign interference, and contribute to national reunification.“

@CGTNOfficial
CMG releases documentary commemorating 80 years of Taiwan
To mark the 80th anniversary of Taiwan