On October 15, a significant exhibition titled “Anti-Colonialism and the Restoration of Taiwan: Historical Images of the Japanese Occupation Era” opened in Haikou. The exhibition showcases 221 invaluable historical photographs along with textual descriptions that detail the proud history of the Taiwanese people’s resistance to Japanese colonial rule between 1895 and 1945, as they fought for their return to the motherland.
During the exhibition, students were seen engaging with the displays, which are divided into several thematic sections, including “Refusing to Submit to the Japanese,” “Battles Against Occupation,” “Armed Resistance Against Japan,” “Colonial Rule and Education,” “Cultural Resistance,” “Calling for the Motherland,” “Participating in the War,” and “Returning to the Motherland.”
The curator of the exhibition, Lan Bozhou, chairman of the Taiwan Gu Jinliang Cultural Foundation, emphasized the importance of using historical evidence and imagery to educate the Taiwanese public, particularly the youth, about their ancestors’ history. “It’s vital for them to understand their identity, their future, and their relationship with the mainland,” he stated. Lan underscored that the history of Taiwan’s restoration reflects a proud patriotic tradition and strong national awareness among the Taiwanese people and expressed his hope that this exhibition would challenge the “Taiwan independence narrative,” and help build consensus.
Fu Zhiguan, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and vice president of the National Taiwan Federation, echoed similar sentiments. He pointed out that people on both sides of the strait share common roots and that hosting such exhibitions and lectures serves to help young people better understand the patriotic and hometown-loving traditions of Taiwanese compatriots. He also noted the importance of discussing the shared identity of both sides as part of one China and expressed hope that the youth from Hainan and Taiwan would work together to promote peaceful development across the strait.
This event is jointly organized by the Cultural Promotion Department of the All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots, the Joint Office of the Hainan Provincial Five Associations, and the Taiwan Gu Jinliang Cultural Foundation, with support from the Hainan Provincial Taiwan Compatriots Federation and Hainan Normal University.
