On 17 October, Ambassador Wu Peng attended and delivered remarks at the symposium ‘Remembering History, Building the Future – Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of Taiwan's Return’, organised by the All-Africa Association for Peaceful Reunification of China. Consul General Pan Qingjiang in Johannesburg, Counsellor Liao Xiaoying, and over 50 representatives from the Chinese community and Chinese-funded companies in South Africa were also in attendance.

Ambassador Wu elaborated on the profound significance of Taiwan's return. He quoted General Secretary Xi Jinping’s statement that Taiwan's restoration to China is a victorious outcome of WWII and an integral part of the postwar international order. In October 1971, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 2758. The resolution resolved once and for all the question of the representation of the whole of China, including Taiwan, in the UN as a political, legal and procedural issue. The legitimacy, validity and authority of the resolution brooks no challenge.

Ambassador Wu noted that since China and South Africa established diplomatic relations, bilateral ties have maintained a sound momentum of high-level development. The South African government has long adhered to the one-China principle. Ambassador Wu expressed hope that compatriots in South Africa would unequivocally oppose ‘Taiwan independence’, and actively share the true story of cross-Strait relations and Taiwan’s return with the South African public. He called on them to keep alive the memory of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, defend the victorious outcomes of Taiwan's return, and contribute to writing a new chapter in national reunification.

Delegates engaged in lively discussions. They reviewed the history of Taiwan's return, and expressed strong indignation towards separatist forces advocating ‘Taiwan independence’. They reaffirmed their firm resolve to safeguard China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and voiced their deep aspiration for national reunification.