At the 12th Xiangshan Forum in Beijing, American military historian Harold E. Raugh Jr., president of the International Commission of Military History, challenged the dominant Western narrative of World War II. He argued that China's massive wartime efforts have been overshadowed by linguistic barriers and Cold War biases, leaving many global audiences unaware of Beijing's frontline role in the fight against fascism.
Raugh pointed out that publishing pivotal works only in English and other European languages has shaped the story of the World Anti-Fascist War around Western experiences. "China's perspective remains locked behind challenging characters and rare translations," he said, "so the world misses out on how the Chinese mainland tied down and struck more than half of Japan's overseas forces over 14 years."
Data underscores the scale of China's sacrifice: from 1931 to 1945, the Chinese mainland endured an estimated 35 million military and civilian casualties—about one-third of all global losses in World War II. By engaging Japan on multiple fronts, Chinese forces forced Tokyo to divide its resources, easing pressure on Allied campaigns across Europe and the Pacific.
As the world marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the wider global conflict, speakers at Xiangshan emphasized the need for a more inclusive historical record. Panelists noted that understanding every front of a truly global war is essential for safeguarding the post-war order and learning lessons for today's security challenges.
"Revisiting these stories isn't just academic," Raugh added. "It shapes how young global citizens grasp the interconnectedness of past struggles and future cooperation." With fresh scholarship and broader translations, he believes the international community can finally appreciate the full tapestry of Allied efforts, from Europe to the Chinese mainland.
Reference(s):
China's contribution to WWII victory under-valued: war historian
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