Remembering July 7: Honoring history, safeguarding peace

Editor's note: Xu Ying, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is a Beijing-based international affairs commentator. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

July 7 marks the 88th anniversary of the historic Lugou Bridge Incident, known in history as the beginning of China's whole-nation resistance war against Japanese aggression. On this day in 1937, under the pretext of a missing soldier, Japanese troops launched a sudden and unprovoked attack at the Lugou Bridge outside Wanping Town. This marked not only the beginning of Japan's full-scale invasion of China but also the awakening of an entire nation in the face of existential peril.

The incident is a somber reminder of the price the Chinese people paid in their struggle for national survival, freedom and dignity. It catalyzed a profound transformation in Chinese society. In the face of brutal aggression, the Chinese nation united across regions, classes and ideologies to mount a heroic and resilient resistance that lasted 14 bitter years. Through shared suffering, a new sense of collective identity was forged.

It was during this pivotal period that the ideas of national unity and sovereignty began to take deeper root in the Chinese consciousness. The Communist Party of China's (CPC) unwavering stance against foreign aggression, its call for national unity and its commitment to the people's welfare have won the trust and support of broad sectors of the population. The war thus became a pivotal moment in the transformation of modern China, not only in resisting foreign occupation but also in laying the groundwork for future social and political development.

As we commemorate this day, it is critical to remember that peace is not to be taken for granted. The memory of July 7 is not merely an exercise in remembrance – it is a historical warning. The shadow of militarism, responsible for immense suffering in Asia, must never again be allowed to rise. Historical revisionism and any attempts to whitewash wartime atrocities must be firmly opposed, wherever they occur. The truth of the past must be defended with facts, conscience and clarity.

China's remembrance of the war is a solemn appeal for peace. It is a call for the international community to remain vigilant against the resurgence of hegemonic thinking and confrontational bloc politics. It is a reaffirmation that only through mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and cooperation can the horrors of history be prevented from repeating.

Indeed, the Chinese people, having experienced the ravages of invasion and occupation, understand more than most the value of peace and stability. That is why China remains firmly committed to the path of peaceful development. China does not subscribe to the outdated notion that a strong nation must dominate others. Strength, for China, is a means to safeguard sovereignty, ensure development and promote international harmony, not to assert superiority.

At the same time, China will resolutely defend its national dignity and territorial integrity. The memory of the July 7 incident reminds us that a strong and united country is the bedrock of national security and development. It is also a solemn pledge never to allow such humiliation to befall the nation again.

Across the country, commemorative events are being held – from official wreath-laying ceremonies at the Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression to local educational activities and youth-led remembrance campaigns. These are not mere rituals. They are acts of collective memory, reflecting historical responsibility and generational inheritance. They remind us that the sacrifices of our forebears must be remembered, respected and carried forward.

In particular, these commemorations hold a special significance for youth across both sides of the Taiwan Straits. The spirit of national resistance is not confined by geography – it is a shared legacy of the entire Chinese nation. It is through such shared historical memories that the cultural and emotional bonds of the Chinese people are deepened and strengthened. In resisting aggression together, our forefathers affirmed the indivisibility of national identity.

As the world grapples with geopolitical uncertainties and increasing tensions, the lessons of the July 7 incident remain timely and essential. Peace is precious; sovereignty is sacred; unity is powerful. The 88th anniversary of the Lugou Bridge Incident is both a moment of remembrance and a call to action – for China to remain committed to its historical mission of peaceful development and for the world to uphold a just and equitable order built on the ashes of war and the hopes of a shared future.

Let us remember history, honor the heroes, guard the truth, and work tirelessly – generation after generation – for a world where peace prevails, where dignity is protected, and where justice is never forgotten.

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at opinions@cgtn.com. Follow @thouse_opinions on X, formerly Twitter, to discover the latest commentaries in the CGTN Opinion Section.)