As the world prepares to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War in 2025, voices from across generations and borders are reflecting on its enduring lessons. Moraima Ordonez, a Mexican student at Peking University, shares her perspective on why this historical milestone matters for today’s youth.
"The Chinese battlefield was a linchpin in defeating fascism globally," Ordonez explains, emphasizing China’s sacrifices during the conflict. "Over 35 million casualties—this isn’t just Chinese history; it’s a chapter in humanity’s shared struggle for justice."
Her analysis bridges past and present: "Understanding how nations united against fascism helps us address modern challenges like climate crises and inequality. History teaches us that collective action works."
Ordonez particularly urges young people to engage with historical memory: "We’re inheritors of peace built through immense sacrifice. By learning from wartime cooperation, we can combat today’s divisions and uphold fairness in international systems."
This international perspective comes as institutions worldwide plan commemorative events, with scholars noting renewed interest in Asia’s underrecognized contributions to 20th-century geopolitical shifts.
