Seminar held in Taipei to mark 80th anniversary of Taiwan's restoration

A seminar was held in Taipei on Friday to mark the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's restoration to the motherland from Japanese occupation.

Taiwan was restored to China following Japan's unconditional surrender at the end of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in 1945.

At the seminar, many descendants of anti-Japanese patriots, scholars and experts in Taiwan emphasized the importance of remembering the history of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the significance of Taiwan's restoration.

In his speech, Eric Chu Li-luan, chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) party, said that this event is one of the key activities celebrating the highly meaningful 80th anniversary of Taiwan's restoration.

"We must ensure that our next generation clearly understands the historical significance of Taiwan's restoration and recognizes the connection between the victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the history of Taiwan's restoration," Chu said.

Many descendants of anti-Japanese patriots in Taiwan who fought in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, including Li Yu-pang, Chiang Wei-shui and Lin Yu-ch'un, attended the seminar to share the patriotic stories of their predecessors.

The guests at the seminar said that during the 50 years when Japanese colonists occupied Taiwan, people in Taiwan staged various activities to resist Japanese aggression. However, the separatist forces in Taiwan deliberately ignore or even distort that part of history. At the event, attendees underlined that it is essential to restore the historical truth.

"The significance of Taiwan's restoration lies in the fact that without the united resistance of all Chinese people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait against Japan's aggression, Taiwan could never have been restored. It's essential for young people in Taiwan to understand how Japanese militarists launched the aggression on Taiwan, as this will help foster their sense of national identity." said Li Li-chun, son of General Li Yu-pang, who fought in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.

"We hope that hosting such events will deepen everyone's understanding of history and offer a more accurate perspective. Awakening a sense of love for our nation among all people is very important," said Lin Ming-ts'ung, descendant of activist Lin Yu-ch'un.

Seminar held in Taipei to mark 80th anniversary of Taiwan's restoration

Giant pandas Chen Xing and Xiao Yue from China officially made their public debut in Malaysia on Saturday.

In a ceremony marking the event at the Giant Panda Conservation Center (GPC) at Zoo Negara, the country's national zoo in Selangor, the pair met eager visitors following their quarantine and acclimatization.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was the guest of honor. In his remarks at the ceremony, Anwar thanked China for the cooperation in the conservation of giant pandas, noting that they are hugely popular with the Malaysian public.

The Malaysian side has prepared high-quality bamboo for the giant pandas to help them better adapt to local life. The two pandas are now in good health and have fully acclimated to their new home.

Many local visitors waited in long lines and braved crowds for their chance to catch a glimpse of the pair.

"It's such a surprise to see a giant panda. We looked forward to it and had waited for a long time outside," said a visitor.

Many visitors said it was their first time to see a giant panda.

"We feel very happy because for me it's my first-time experience to see them in real life. [They are] very cute and very big also. So, I wish all of them well since they came to Malaysia," said a visitor.

"I hope they will be healthy and happy, feeling at home here," said another visitor.

China and Malaysia launched their first round of international cooperation on giant panda conservation in 2014.

Xing Xing and Liang Liang were the first pair of giant pandas sent to Malaysia in 2014 and completed an 11-year stay in Malaysia before returning to China last May.

Malaysia welcomed the arrival of new pair of giant pandas Chen Xing and Xiao Yue last November. This couple is to stay in the Southeast Asian country for 10 years.

New giant panda couple makes public debut in Malaysia