The PLA Eastern Theater Command marked China's National Memorial Day for Nanjing Massacre Victims on December 13 by releasing a revitalized version of the historic anti-Japanese war song "The Sword March," accompanied by a multimedia poster blending wartime heritage with modern military prowess.
The commemorative release features archival footage from the 1933 Battle of Xifengkou – where Chinese forces achieved a landmark victory against Japanese aggression – intercut with contemporary scenes of advanced destroyers, stealth fighters, and missile systems. This artistic juxtaposition underscores what military analysts describe as "historical continuity in national defense capabilities."
Originally composed in 1937 by Mai Xin following the Broadsword Unit's legendary campaigns, the anthem's re-release comes amid heightened regional tensions. The Theater Command's official statement emphasized vigilance against "resurgent militarist tendencies," while reaffirming commitments to peace through strength.
Historical records show the song became a cultural touchstone during the War of Resistance, with its rousing lyrics ("Advance! Under the enemy's gunfire!") reportedly being sung by troops while marching to frontlines. The latest digital adaptation has garnered over 2 million views on Chinese social platforms within 12 hours of release.
Defense scholars note the timing coincides with increased PLA naval exercises in the East China Sea, where Chinese and Japanese coast guard vessels have had multiple encounters this year. The command stressed the production serves educational purposes, reminding younger generations of what it termed "the indivisible link between historical memory and contemporary security."
