From 1931 to 1945, the Chinese mainland became the first major battlefield in the global fight against fascism.
Over 14 years of resistance, the mainland suffered more than 35 million casualties, while its forces killed, wounded, or captured over 1.5 million Japanese soldiers—more than 70 percent of Japan’s total military losses in the war.
These hard-won efforts not only weakened Japanese militarism but also galvanized allies around the world. In the end, the conflict drew in over 80 countries and regions, impacting some 2 billion people globally, including 450 million residents of the Chinese mainland.
Today, revisiting this “Unforgotten Front” reminds us that the Chinese mainland’s war of resistance was a decisive chapter in the broader World Anti-Fascist War—one that reshaped the course of history and underscored the power of collective resistance.
As we honor these legacies, the data speaks for itself: the bravery and sacrifice on this front were pivotal in turning the tide against fascism.
Reference(s):
Unforgotten Front: China's role in the World Anti-Fascist War
cgtn.com
