Sirens echoed across Shenyang City on Thursday as China commemorated the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident – a pivotal moment marking the start of Japan's 14-year invasion. At 9:18 a.m., the exact time of the 1931 provocation, drivers honked horns, pedestrians paused in silence, and transport vessels sounded alarms in unison, creating a nationwide moment of reflection.
The incident began when Japanese troops detonated a railway section they controlled near Shenyang, falsely blaming Chinese forces to justify their invasion. This led to the bombardment of local barracks and the eventual occupation of Northeast China.
At the September 18 Incident Historical Museum, young students recited poetry honoring heroes like General Yang Jingyu, who led resistance efforts during the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Following a three-minute siren tribute, community representatives toured museum exhibits detailing this transformative chapter in modern Asian history.
Observances emphasized historical education and peace preservation, with state media noting: "Remembering past hardships strengthens our commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty and promoting regional stability." The event underscores China's focus on patriotic education while fostering dialogue about Asia' s wartime legacy.
