Before D-Day or Pearl Harbor, World War II began in the East

A new journey through Beijing's historic sites uncovers the story of the China theater – a battlefield of immense sacrifice and global significance.

Key Facts:

1931: The first shot of WWII was fired in China (Sep. 18th Incident).

14 Years: China endured the world's longest fight against fascism.

35 Million+: Chinese military and civilian casualties.

China's resistance tied down millions of Japanese troops, crucial for Allied victory.

In 1945, this sacrifice was recognized when China became a founding member of the UN. This is the story of a struggle that helped shape our modern world.

Watch the full journey with CGTN's Wang Mangmang and British editor Tom Surlis.