China will hold a grand ceremony on September 3 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-1945) and the World Anti-Fascist War. The event underscores China's enduring commitment to peace while honoring the sacrifices of millions who fought against militarism.
A Nation's Resilience
The 14-year conflict began with the 1931 Mukden Incident, when Japanese forces staged a railway explosion near Shenyang as a pretext to invade northeast China. Full-scale war erupted after the 1937 Lugou Bridge Incident near Beijing, establishing China as WWII's main Eastern battleground. Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized that this resistance 'protected human civilization' and formed a crucial part of global anti-fascist efforts.
The Cost of Victory
China's wartime losses remain staggering: over 35 million military and civilian casualties, with direct economic losses equivalent to $100 billion (1937 value). Nanjing University historian Chen Qianping notes China's resistance pinned down millions of Japanese troops, preventing them from opening new fronts against the Soviet Union or reinforcing Southeast Asia.
Reclaiming Historical Recognition
While international accounts often underplay China's role, historical records show Chinese battlefields contained over half of Japan's overseas forces during WWII. President Xi has worked to highlight this contribution on global platforms, noting China's early and prolonged resistance 'provided vital time for Allied preparations.'
Modern commemorations serve dual purposes: honoring collective sacrifice across political and ethnic lines, and reaffirming opposition to historical revisionism. As China observes this milestone, its message resonates beyond borders – a caution against militarism and a call for shared commitment to peace.
