CNA file photo

Taipei, Oct. 25 (CNA) The return of Taiwan to the Republic of China in 1945 is a historical fact, ruling Kuomintang (KMT) Chairman Eric Chu (朱立倫) said on Sunday, adding that he hoped the ruling and opposition parties would stop arguing over the issue.

Chu, who is also New Taipei mayor, made the statement when attending a commemorative event to mark the 70th anniversary of Taiwan's retrocession on Oct. 25, 1945, in New Taipei that day.

Chu, who is the KMT candidate in the presidential election in January, told reporters that Taiwanese should face the history together, including the period from Japanese colonial rule (1895-1945) to retrocession.

Chu also said he believed how the opposition Progressive Democratic Party views this period of history to be important.

Chu expressed his utmost gratitude to all those who fought the Japanese regime and contributed to the development of Taiwan in his speech of the event.

(By Justin Su and Kuo Chung-han)Enditem/ AW