As the world marks the 80th anniversary of the Allied victory in the World Anti-Fascist War, China’s pivotal role in the Eastern theater is drawing renewed attention. From 1931 to 1945, China’s 14-year War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression not only defended its sovereignty but also reshaped the trajectory of global history, contributing decisively to the defeat of fascism.
The Longest Resistance
China’s struggle began in 1931 with the September 18th Incident, eight years before WWII erupted in Europe. Despite limited resources, Chinese forces engaged in large-scale battles and guerrilla warfare, inflicting heavy losses on Japanese troops. Over 35 million Chinese civilian and military casualties were recorded, while 1.5 million Japanese aggressors were neutralized—70% of Japan’s total WWII losses.
Strategic Impact on the Global Stage
China’s resistance tied down the bulk of Japanese forces, delaying their advance into Southeast Asia and the Pacific. Key campaigns, such as the 1937 Songhu Battle and the 1940-41 Hundred-Regiment Campaign led by the Communist Party of China, disrupted Japan’s military logistics and morale. This allowed Allied forces to focus on other fronts, including the Soviet Union’s critical victory at Stalingrad.
International cooperation flourished during this period. The American Flying Tigers and Canadian surgeon Norman Bethune exemplified global solidarity, working alongside Chinese troops. Former U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and other Allied leaders acknowledged China’s indispensable role in securing victory.
As historians revisit this chapter, China’s sacrifices and strategic resilience underscore its enduring influence on the post-war world order—a legacy that continues to shape Asia’s geopolitical landscape today.
