On the night of September 18, 1931, the Kwantung Army of militarist Japan staged a deliberate act of sabotage by blowing up a section of the South Manchurian Railway near Shenyang in northeast China. Blaming the explosion on Chinese forces, this orchestrated event, known as the “September 18 Incident,” became the pretext for Japan’s full-scale invasion of northeast China, marking the beginning of a 14-year-long struggle against Japanese aggression.
This Monday marked the 92nd anniversary of the incident. Across China, air defense sirens wailed, echoing the solemn remembrance of a nation. The hearts of 1.4 billion Chinese people were stirred, reflecting on a period of profound suffering and resilience. To forget history is tantamount to betrayal; remembering it is a commitment to peace.
The commemoration of this historical event is not to perpetuate hatred or seek vengeance, but to honor the sacrifices made and to underscore the value of peace. The painful lessons etched in history remind us of the high price of conflict and the enduring importance of unity and strength.
The events of the past illustrate the necessity for a nation to be strong and modernized in all respects to protect its people. Without the protection of a strong motherland, basic rights and freedoms can be jeopardized. It is incumbent upon every individual to cherish the hard-won independence and prosperity of their country.
As we honor those who suffered and fought, we also look forward, reaffirming our commitment to peace and development. The best way to commemorate the September 18 Incident is to remember the past, cherish peace, and work towards a future where such tragedies never occur again.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
