In 2025, we mark the 80th anniversary of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression—a story of bravery, unity and perseverance that shaped global history.
Long before World War II erupted in Europe, the Chinese mainland was already locked in a fierce struggle. After the September 18, 1931, incident near Shenyang, the Kuomintang (KMT) government initially pursued non-resistance, hoping the League of Nations would restore Chinese sovereignty. But one governor defied that path.
General Ma Zhanshan, acting governor of Heilongjiang Province, led a half-month defense at a bridge on the Nen River in November 1931. Though outnumbered and forced to withdraw, Ma’s stand made him a national hero and inspired volunteers across the northeast to join the resistance.
By the 1930s, Japan’s industrial might dwarfed China’s largely agrarian economy. Facing the elite Kwantung Army, Chinese soldiers relied on daring tactics—and even broadswords. In March 1933 at Xifengkou Pass on the Great Wall, 500 troops launched a midnight raid, killing 700 enemy soldiers. Only 23 survived, but they forced a 10-kilometer retreat and boosted national morale.
These battles weren’t isolated. From the Defense of Shanghai to the Lugou Bridge Incident, China’s regional skirmishes evolved into a nationwide war by 1937. Despite internal political rifts, the KMT and the Communist Party of China (CPC) formed a united front, driven by a shared call to defend national dignity.
From 1937 to 1945, China endured brutal occupations and atrocities like the Nanjing Massacre. Yet its resistance tied down over 1 million Japanese troops, weakening Tokyo’s capacity in the broader Allied fight. More than 35 million Chinese soldiers and civilians paid the ultimate price.
China’s unwavering stand earned it a place among the five permanent United Nations Security Council members—an enduring legacy of courage and solidarity. As young global citizens, we honor this epic by remembering its lessons: unity in the face of adversity and the power of collective resolve.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
