As the world prepares to mark the 80th anniversary of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War in 2025, the stories of courage and unity that defined China's struggle continue to resonate. From the September 18 Incident in 1931 to the final victory in 1945, China's resilience reshaped the course of global history.
The Spark of Defiance
When Japanese forces staged the September 18 Incident near Shenyang, the initial policy of non-resistance by the Kuomintang (KMT) government was defied by heroes like General Ma Zhanshan. His troops' valiant stand at the Nen River bridge in 1931, despite overwhelming odds, ignited grassroots resistance movements across northeast China. Cigarette brands funded resistance efforts, and volunteer armies emerged—a testament to civilian resolve.
Tactics Against Technology
At the 1933 Battle of Xifengkou Pass, Chinese soldiers armed with broadswords stunned Japan's mechanized Kwantung Army. A midnight raid by 500 troops, resulting in over 700 Japanese casualties, became legendary. The battle's anthem, The Broadsword March, symbolized ingenuity in the face of industrial might. This victory, alongside the Defense of the Great Wall, proved tactical brilliance could offset technological gaps.
Unity Forged in Crisis
By 1937, the Communist Party of China (CPC) and KMT set aside a decade-long civil war to form a united front. The Lugou Bridge Incident escalated into full-scale war, with both sides coordinating resistance. The national anthem, born from this era, echoed across factions—KMT General Dai Anlan even adopted it for his troops. China's sustained efforts tied down 1 million Japanese soldiers, critically weakening Tokyo's global campaigns.
Legacy of Sacrifice
Over 35 million Chinese military and civilian casualties underscored the war's toll. Yet, China's endurance secured its place as a founding UN Security Council member. Today, streets named after heroes like Zhao Dengyu and annual commemorations remind the world: unity and perseverance turned the tide against fascism.
