Photo:Xinhua

A grand commemorative meeting marking the 110th anniversary of the 1911 Revolution is held on Saturday in Beijing. The historical mission of the revolution was to overthrow the monarchy, establish a republic and realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. And the reunification of the country is undoubtedly an indispensable part of the great rejuvenation.

The 1911 Revolution ignited hope and passion across China, providing key thrust to the Chinese revolution at that time. The thrust was later integrated with arduous efforts made by the Communist Party of China (CPC), shaping the big picture of the historical process of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. 

The Kuomintang reactionaries were given up by people, defeated in the mainland, retreated to Taiwan, but still clung to the title of "Republic of China." The mission of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation continued vigorously on the Chinese mainland, with decisive progress that shocked the world. At this time, the two sides of the Taiwan Straits are supposed to maintain the original intention of the 1911 Revolution for national rejuvenation, follow the historical trend, complete the reunification of the country in a peaceful manner, and realize the historical aspiration of the revolutionaries 110 years ago as well as the heroes thereafter who shared the same goal. 

However, it is regrettable and indignant that Taiwan island's ruling interest groups completely abandoned the primal purpose of the 1911 Revolution and betrayed the political goals and connotations of the past "Republic of China." Secession and turning the island into a so-called independent sovereign state by "occupying the land while acting as lords" have become their political goal. They turned to external forces to confront the central government. Worse, they have been comprehensively promoting the de-sinicization in social, cultural and psychological aspects of the island. 

All this clearly show that the Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authority is now a completely separatist and secessionist force. The so-called Republic of China has long become a disguise that they reluctantly used as a tactic and could be abandoned any time. If it had not been for the mainland maintaining strong military pressure, they would have discarded the last disguise and moved toward de jure independence of the Taiwan island. 

China's history has proven that those who forget their roots, betray their motherland, or split their country will never end well. The DPP authority has not only misjudged the current situation, but also misunderstood history, placing themselves in a shameful position against the tide of the times. If they insist on going their own way, what awaits them will be a pathetic ending and a ruthless historical trial.

The author is editor-in-chief of the Global Times. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn