Editor's note: Xin Ge, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is an associate professor at the School of Public Economics and Administration, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

September 3, 2023 is the day to commemorate the 78th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. This war represents the Chinese people's most extensive and enduring struggle against foreign aggression in modern history, marked by immense sacrifices. Nonetheless, it culminated in the nation's first resounding triumph, achieving great liberation.

In the process of this war, the Chinese people and the Chinese nation, under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), forged, nurtured, and developed the great spirit of resistance, which includes: patriotism that inspires the individual to work for the wellbeing of the country; dauntless national character that prepares to sacrifice oneself for the greater good; heroic valor that nurtures a national will to confront brute force and to never surrender; great perseverance and an unfailing belief in victory; and national unity to achieve victory against foreign aggressors.

Not only does it serve as a profound representation of the unwavering Chinese national spirit amidst tumultuous times, but it also stands as an invaluable asset for nurturing the present-day Chinese ethos. As we forge ahead with sweeping reforms and strive towards the monumental rejuvenation of our nation, it becomes imperative to ponder upon the contemporary significance of this spirit.

To begin with, the spirit of resistance in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression embodies the core value of patriotism that has been formed by the Chinese nation throughout history. It vividly displays the patriotic sentiments, national integrity, heroic demeanor, and unwavering belief in victory of the Chinese people and the Chinese nation. During the war, the spirit of resistance emerged as a crucial lynchpin and formidable catalyst propelling the Chinese people and the nation toward victory.

Patriotism, an ever-present spiritual summons throughout the formation and evolution of the Chinese nation, transcends its mere origins in family and kinship. Instead, it blossoms into a universal sentiment encapsulated by the age-old saying that "the rise and fall of the nation resonates with every individual."

Furthermore, the preservation of national integrity remains just as pertinent in contemporary times as it has been throughout history. Although the challenges posed by national development differ from the life-or-death struggles experienced during wartime, they continue to serve as a litmus test for the unyielding unity of the Chinese people. In the ever-expanding and complex landscape of international interactions, it becomes crucial to uphold the dignity, independence, and self-assurance of the Chinese populace, firmly rooted in the enduring spirit of indomitability and resilience that defines the nation.

Whether in the realms of academia or business, whether as individuals, collectives, or social organizations, it becomes imperative to steadfastly maintain unwavering confidence in the theoretical, ideological, and institutional underpinnings of building a socialist nation with distinctive Chinese characteristics.

Thirdly, the history of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression is not only a chronicle of heroic individuals but also embodies the spirit of heroism itself. This spirit, rooted in an unwavering refusal to submit to malevolent forces and a relentless commitment to bloody struggle, has served as the timeless spiritual foundation of the Chinese nation in times of resisting enemies and withstanding abuse since ancient times.

Although countless martyrs and national heroes from the war have passed, their indomitable spirit lives on forever. This heroic zeal continues to inspire our nation to advance fearlessly today. In order to comprehensively deepen reforms and advance the construction of socialism with distinctive Chinese characteristics, we require more courageous heroes unafraid of difficulties and dangers, who persist unwaveringly until the very end. Furthermore, it is essential for the entire nation to collectively uphold and propagate the heroic spirit of daring to confront challenges, daring to surmount obstacles, and never relenting until the ultimate goal is achieved.

Lastly, what supported the Chinese people and the Chinese nation in fighting to the end and salvaging the national crisis in the midst of life and death was an unwavering belief in victory. While the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression now resides within the annals of history, this conviction in triumph epitomizes the quintessential character and prevailing willpower of a nation's spiritual realm, extending its influence to the present era. It can be said that this unwavering faith in victory stands not only as the guarantor of triumph during the war but also as the bedrock for constructing our modern nation.

As Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized at the 2020 symposium commemorating the 75th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, "The great spirit of resisting aggression bred during the war is an invaluable source of inspiration, and will always motivate the Chinese people to overcome all difficulties and obstacles and strive to achieve national rejuvenation."

To carry forward the spirit of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, it is necessary to combine the spirit with the tasks of the times and the specific practice of building socialism with Chinese characteristics, and continue to radiate light in the new era. To perpetuate this enduring legacy, it is imperative to merge the spirit with the demands of the times and the distinctive tasks of constructing socialism with Chinese characteristics, ensuring its continued radiance in this new era.

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