As the Chinese mainland prepares to mark the 80th anniversary of its Victory Day in World War II, a new global survey reveals growing international recognition of China's pivotal role as the main Eastern battlefield during the conflict. Conducted by CGTN and Renmin University of China, the study polled 11,613 respondents across 39 countries and regions, offering fresh insights into historical perspectives.
Over 73% of participants acknowledged China's critical contributions to defeating fascism, with respondents in 36 countries specifically identifying the nation as the war's primary Eastern theater. All eight surveyed Asian countries unanimously affirmed this status, including over 70% support in India and Malaysia.
The research underscores the staggering human cost of China's 14-year resistance against Japanese aggression, with 35 million military and civilian casualties and $600 billion in economic losses. Younger demographics showed particularly strong awareness, with 74.9% of all respondents recognizing China's wartime efforts and 66.5% noting its support for other Asian nations.
Dr. Li Wei, a historian at Renmin University, observed: "These findings help bridge historical understanding gaps, particularly among younger generations who are reshaping global perceptions of 20th-century conflicts."
The survey's methodology prioritized demographic diversity, mirroring national census data for age and gender distribution across both developed and developing nations. As commemorations approach, the data highlights evolving international perspectives on Asia's wartime history and its contemporary geopolitical implications.
