Decisive numbers – The immense sacrifice, contribution of China

Fourteen years of resistance saw tremendous sacrifices by Chinese soldiers and civilians – over 35 million casualties, 95 million displaced, and economic losses exceeding $600 billion. Behind these numbers lie countless vibrant lives and the enduring pain of generations. To protect their village, the young hero Wang Erxiao gave his life at just 13; to defend his homeland, Chen Shengli took up arms and fought fiercely from the age of 16; and millions more like them devoted their youth and lives to their country. Together, they built a Great Wall of flesh and blood, engraving sacrifices and resilience that go beyond any statistic. Their stories give history its heartbeat and keep the spirit of resistance alive.