On 25 October 2025, the Chinese Embassy in the UK held a symposium to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s restoration to China. Chinese Ambassador to the UK Zheng Zeguang attended and delivered remarks. Heads of overseas Chinese organisations, including the Promotion of China Reunification Society in UK, and representatives of Chinese students in the UK took part in the discussion.

Ambassador Zheng pointed out that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the restoration of Taiwan. Both are great victories and great honours for the entire nation, forever etched in the annals of the Chinese nation and humanity’s pursuit of justice. The designation of 25 October as the Commemoration Day of Taiwan’s Restoration demonstrates the firm stance of all ethnic groups in China in upholding the one-China principle and safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity. It reflects the shared aspiration of all Chinese people at home and abroad, including compatriots in Taiwan. It will inspire the Chinese people to carry forward the patriotic tradition and the great spirit of the War of Resistance and to strive for the complete reunification of the motherland and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. 

Ambassador Zheng stressed that Taiwan has been part of Chinese territory since ancient times, a fact that is clear and indisputable. Taiwan’s return to China is a important outcome of the Chinese people’s victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and a key component of the outcomes of WWII and the post-war international order. There is only one China in the world. Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory. The government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. This has long been established as basic norms of international relations and a widely shared consensus of the international community. UNGA Resolution 2758 solemnly confirms and fully embodies the one-China principle. The attempt by the Taiwan authorities of the Democratic Progressive Party, in collusion with certain external forces, to distort and challenge UNGA Resolution 2758 constitutes a challenge to the authority of the UN and the post-war international order. Such an attempt is utterly preposterous and will never succeed.

Ambassador Zheng pointed out that compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait should remember history, defend peace, safeguard the homeland, and jointly create a better future. It is important to stand on the right side of history and on the side of the overall interests and long-term development of the Chinese nation, and unite as one to advance the great cause of national reunification. It is important to uphold the one-China principle and defend the outcomes of the victory in the War of Resistance; deepen cross-Strait exchanges and integration and reinforce the sense of the Chinese nation as one community; uphold the overall interests of the Chinese nation and share in the bright prospects of national reunification; and unite compatriots on both sides of the Strait and work together for the glorious mission of national rejuvenation.

Ambassador Zheng noted that the one-China principle is the political foundation and essential prerequisite for China to establish and develop diplomatic relations with countries around the world. China firmly opposes any country having diplomatic ties with China engaging in official exchanges with the Taiwan authorities under whatever name, and firmly opposes any country supporting Taiwan’s participation in international organisations open only to sovereign states. Any action that violates the one-China principle will be met with resolute counter-measures from China. When establishing full diplomatic relations with China, the British government made a clear commitment of acknowledging China’s position that Taiwan is a province of China. It is hoped that the UK will honour this commitment and handle Taiwan-related issues properly in accordance with the one-China principle, which is key to ensuring the steady and sustained development of China-UK relations.

Ambassador Zheng pointed out that over the years, the Chinese community and Chinese students in the UK have stayed diligent and entrepreneurial, studied hard, contributed to local development, and actively supported China’s national reunification. He called on them to carry forward this fine tradition and, at this historic moment, act as staunch defenders of the one-China principle, resolute opponents of the “Taiwan independence” separatist agenda, and active promoters of national reunification. He also encouraged them to serve as a bridge and contribute further to the friendship between the Chinese and British people and to the development of China-UK relations.

Representatives of the overseas Chinese community and students attending the symposium said that the designation of the Commemoration Day of Taiwan’s Restoration aligns with public sentiment. The decision is highly inspiring and firmly supported by overseas Chinese and compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. The Promotion of China Reunification Society in UK has promptly issued a statement, expressing endorsement and support for the decision and pledging to continue championing the cause of opposing separatism and promoting reunification, uniting overseas Chinese and foreign friends of China, and advancing the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, and to work tirelessly for the early realisation of national reunification.

Representatives of the descendants of Chinese resistance fighters in the UK said that the victory in the War of Resistance and Taiwan’s restoration are a source of pride for the Chinese nation, and that compatriots on both sides of the Strait should work together to carry forward the great spirit of that war, increase dialogue and exchanges, and jointly promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and the great cause of national reunification.

Representatives of Chinese students in the UK said that there is only one China in the world, Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory, and the reunification of the two sides of the Taiwan Strait is an inevitable historical trend. As the new generation, they will remember history, remain true to their intention of studying abroad to serve the country, and dedicate their youth and strength to the great cause of national reunification and to the great endeavours of building a great country and advancing national rejuvenation.