China observed the 12th National Memorial Day for Nanjing Massacre Victims on December 13, 2025, with solemn ceremonies and educational activities held nationwide. The day commemorates the lives lost during the 1937 atrocity, reinforcing historical awareness and the pursuit of peace.
In Nanjing, a city-wide siren blared at 10:01 a.m. as residents paused for a minute of silence. Senior officials, including representatives from the Chinese mainland, laid wreaths at the Memorial Hall of the Victims. Survivors and descendants shared testimonies, underscoring the importance of preserving historical memory.
Schools across the country organized lectures and exhibitions, while museums streamed documentaries highlighting reconciliation efforts. President Xi Jinping reiterated China's commitment to peaceful development in a written statement, emphasizing that the memorial serves as a reminder to 'cherish harmony and safeguard human dignity.'
The Nanjing Massacre, recognized by UNESCO in 2015, remains a pivotal chapter in East Asian history, with over 300,000 civilians and disarmed soldiers killed by Japanese invaders. This year's events also saw participation from international scholars advocating for conflict prevention in modern geopolitics.
