China commemorated the 88th anniversary of the start of its nationwide resistance against Japanese aggression on Monday, hosting a solemn ceremony and launching a thematic exhibition in Beijing. The event, held at the Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, underscored the historical significance of July 7, 1937 – the date Japanese forces attacked Chinese troops at the Lugou Bridge, sparking a full-scale invasion.
Cai Qi, a senior leader of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, emphasized during his speech that the resistance symbolized 'the unyielding spirit of the Chinese people and their contribution to the global anti-fascist struggle.' The newly opened exhibition, titled 'For National Liberation and World Peace,' features artifacts, documents, and multimedia displays chronicling China's wartime sacrifices and its role in shaping post-war international order.
The museum's location near the historic Lugou Bridge – where the Marco Polo Bridge Incident occurred – serves as a poignant reminder of the conflict's origins. Visitors to the exhibition can explore rarely seen photographs of cross-strait cooperation during the war and accounts of international alliances forged against fascism.
This annual commemoration comes amid renewed academic interest in Asia's wartime history and its modern implications. Analysts suggest the event reinforces China's emphasis on historical memory as a cornerstone for regional stability and peaceful development.
