Core Viewpoint - The commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's liberation aims to awaken the Chinese identity among Taiwanese youth, which has been obscured by "de-Sinicization" education, and to refute the fabricated narratives of "Taiwan independence" [1][2] Group 1: Historical Context - During the 50 years of Japanese occupation, Taiwanese ancestors never succumbed to colonial rule, as evidenced by historical figures like Li Youbang and Xie Xuehong who actively participated in the anti-Japanese movement [1] - The historical facts demonstrate that the Chinese identity of Taiwanese people has never wavered despite colonial oppression [1] Group 2: Current Perspectives - The narrative that the Chinese identity is imposed by external forces is dismissed as unfounded, with the last two to three decades of "de-Sinicization" education being a temporary deviation in a long historical context [2] - Younger Taiwanese are increasingly recognizing their Chinese identity without bias, facilitated by direct interactions with peers from mainland China through various media platforms [2]

Core Viewpoint - The seminar held in Taipei aims to restore the historical truth regarding the乙未战争 (Taiwanese resistance against Japanese invasion) and counter the Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) narrative that promotes "Taiwan independence" while neglecting significant historical events [1][2]. Group 1: Historical Context - The乙未战争 was a patriotic war initiated by the Taiwanese people as part of the Chinese nation, occurring after the Qing Dynasty's defeat in the First Sino-Japanese War and the signing of the Treaty of Shimonoseki in 1895, which ceded Taiwan to Japan [1]. - The battle lasted nearly six months, with over 14,000 casualties among the Taiwanese resistance fighters, who were primarily composed of soldiers from Hunan, Anhui, and Guangdong provinces, alongside local civilians [1]. Group 2: Academic Perspectives - Scholars at the seminar criticized the DPP for deliberately obscuring historical facts and distorting the narrative of Taiwan's anti-Japanese resistance, emphasizing the importance of remembering history to cherish peace [2]. - The Taiwanese resistance against Japanese colonial rule spanned various forms, from armed conflict to cultural opposition, reflecting a deep-rooted national consciousness among the Taiwanese people, who primarily identified with China as their homeland [2]. Group 3: Call for Historical Recognition - There is a strong call from scholars to construct a correct historical narrative for Taiwan, advocating for the defense of "Chinese historical perspective" to awaken the true historical memory of Taiwanese society [2].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the historical significance of Zheng Chenggong (Koxinga) in reclaiming Taiwan from Dutch colonial rule in 1661, emphasizing his status as a national hero and cultural icon in Taiwan [1][3][11]. Historical Context - Zheng Chenggong, born in 1624 in Fujian, led a military campaign from 1661 to 1662 to expel Dutch colonizers from Taiwan, marking a pivotal moment in Chinese history [3][4]. - The historical site of Chihkan Tower in Tainan is noted as the "first footprint" of Zheng Chenggong in Taiwan, originally built by the Dutch as Fort Zeelandia [3][4]. Cultural Significance - Zheng Chenggong is revered in Taiwan as the "Holy King of Opening Taiwan," with numerous schools, streets, and places named after him, reflecting his esteemed position in Taiwanese society [1][4]. - The article mentions the annual commemorative rituals held at the Yanping Junwang Temple, which honors Zheng Chenggong's contributions, with over 170 related temples and more than 2 million devotees [6][8]. Political Implications - The article discusses the contemporary political landscape, noting that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has attempted to reinterpret Zheng Chenggong's legacy, labeling him as a "colonizer" in an effort to promote a "Taiwan independence" narrative [11]. - The article argues that such attempts to distort Zheng Chenggong's historical significance are seen as efforts to sever the historical ties between Taiwan and mainland China [11].