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[Source<\/a>]<\/p>\n China has designated Oct. 25 as the Commemoration Day of Taiwan\u2019s Restoration, a new national observance intended to reinforce Beijing\u2019s sovereignty claim over the self-ruled island. The measure was approved Friday<\/a> in Beijing during a session of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People\u2019s Congress, which adopted the decision at the close of a five-day meeting.<\/p>\n Beijing\u2019s sovereignty message<\/strong><\/p>\n State media said<\/a> the move was made in line with the Constitution \u201cto safeguard the achievements of the World Anti-Fascist War and the post-war international order\u201d and \u201cto defend national sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.\u201d The observance will include nationwide commemorative activities marking the end of Japanese rule in Taiwan in 1945.<\/p>\n Lawmakers said the move underscores China\u2019s position that Taiwan\u2019s postwar transfer from Japan to the Republic of China represented the island\u2019s return to Chinese sovereignty. Shen Chunyao, director of the legislature\u2019s Legislative Affairs Commission, said, \u201cOn Oct. 25, 1945, the ceremony to accept Japan\u2019s surrender in the Taiwan Province of the China war theater of the Allied powers was held in Taipei, marking the return of Taiwan and the Penghu Islands to China\u2019s sovereign jurisdiction.\u201d<\/p>\n Trending on NextShark: Rina Sawayama criticizes Sabrina Carpenter performance for mishandling Japanese culture<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Competing historical claims<\/strong><\/p>\n Oct. 25 commemorates the 1945 handover of Taiwan to the Republic of China following Japan\u2019s surrender, ending five decades of colonial rule. In Taiwan, the same date is observed as Retrocession Day, though it carries different political meaning as the island evolved into a self-governing democracy after the Republic of China government relocated there in 1949.<\/p>\n Beijing\u2019s new commemoration formalizes its position that the 1945 handover established a legal basis for sovereignty over Taiwan, which it considers part of China\u2019s territory. The move follows a period of increased military and diplomatic pressure on Taipei. Chinese state media said related ceremonies will be held nationwide, but did not specify whether it will become a public holiday. Taiwan\u2019s government had yet to issue a statement responding to the move.<\/p>\n Trending on NextShark: Dodgers\u2019 Yamamoto makes World Series history<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter \u2014 a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what we\u2019re building, consider becoming a paid member \u2014 your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n Trending on NextShark: Beijing creates new national observance linking Taiwan to China\u2019s wartime victory<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Subscribe here now<\/i><\/b><\/a>!<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Trending on NextShark: Kamala Harris signals 2028 presidential run: ‘I am not done’<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Download the NextShark App:<\/strong><\/p>\n