Honoring main Eastern battlefield of Anti-Fascist War

Editor's note: Pang Xinhua is a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily those of CGTN.

On September 3, China held a globally watched military parade, attended by more than 20 heads of state and government. This national ceremony, themed around commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, was not only a profound look back at history but also a lofty tribute to the Eastern main battlefield of World War II. As the troops marched toward Tiananmen Square and their formidable array unfolded before the world, the Chinese nation rendered its highest honors to those blood-soaked years and offered its most solemn salute to the heroic sons and daughters who paid the ultimate price for world peace.

China's blood-soaked struggle and global contribution

China's role as the Eastern main battlefield of World War II was determined by its strategic importance, the scale of the conflict, and its historic contribution. On September 18, 1931, Japanese aggressors launched the September 18 Incident, and China was forced to fire the opening shot against fascist aggression. From that day until September 2, 1945, when Japan signed its surrender in Tokyo Bay, the Chinese people fought for 14 blood-drenched years against the invader – the earliest and longest resistance in the entire World Anti-Fascist War.

China's vast battlefields became the main force that pinned down Japanese militarism. For eight years, even before the full outbreak of war in Europe, China fought Japan alone. Statistics show that Chinese military and civilians neutralised more than 1.5 million Japanese troops – over 70 percent of Japan's total World War II casualties. Especially before Pearl Harbor, the China theater held between 80 and 94 percent of the Imperial Japanese Army's total strength, greatly easing pressure on the rest of the Asia-Pacific and creating the conditions for the Allied strategic counteroffensive.

The Chinese people paid a staggering price for the world's anti-fascist victory. There are 35 million casualties. The war inflicted direct economic losses of $100 billion on China and indirect losses exceeding $500 billion. Yet this immense national sacrifice thwarted Japan's plan to link up with Germany in Central Asia and shattered Tokyo's strategic designs to advance north against the Soviet Union and south into the Pacific. As former U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt observed, if China had not held, if China had been defeated, Japan would have turned south to the Indian Ocean and north to Siberia, rewriting world history.

China's War of Resistance against Japan erased the humiliation of repeated defeats since modern times and achieved the nation's first complete victory in a war of liberation. This triumph not only safeguarded China's sovereignty and territorial integrity but also remolded the Chinese national spirit, laying a crucial foundation for the birth of New China.

Respecting history and safeguarding peace

As the highest state ritual, the September 3 military parade carries profound, multi-layered meaning: It salutes victory, commemorates sacrifice, and sounds a call for peace. When the Banner Formation strode past Tiananmen, we saw not just scarlet flags blazing under the sun but living history; when the newest weapons and equipment rolled by, we displayed not only the fruits of military modernization but also an unshakable resolve to defend world peace.

The parade was a vibrant continuation of the spirit forged in the War of Resistance – the patriotism that "every man is responsible for his country's fate," the national character that "prefers death to surrender," and the heroism that "fights to the end against any tyranny." These qualities remain a powerful force driving us forward. Through the parade, we proclaim to the world: The Chinese nation cherishes peace, yet will never compromise its core interests; the Chinese people love peace, yet will never allow history to be distorted.

The parade was also a firm defense of the correct historical perspective. At a time when historical nihilism is gaining ground worldwide, only such a national ceremony can strengthen the collective memory of our people and safeguard the achievements of the World War II victory and the post-war international order. For the younger generation in particular, the parade offered a vivid history lesson, teaching them how dearly peace was won and what responsibility they now bear to defend it.

The post-war international order inviolable

Regrettably, the Japanese government attempted to interfere with China's legitimate right to hold a military parade, urging Eurasian countries not to attend the commemorations. Such conduct not only violates diplomatic protocol but also lays bare the distorted historical outlook of certain forces in Japan.

For decades, right-wing elements within Japan have sought to deny the country's record of aggression and glorify its wartime actions. From rewriting history textbooks to politicians' visits to Yasukuni Shrine, from denying the Nanjing Massacre to refusing an apology on the comfort women issue, these acts have wounded the peoples of China and other Asian nations and constitute an open affront to the conscience of humanity. Of particular concern is Japan's recent move to loosen constraints on collective self-defense and expand its military capabilities, progressively eroding the limits of its pacifist constitution – a trend that warrants the highest vigilance from the international community.

History is no plaything to be dressed up at will; truth does not vanish through denial. The Japanese government must recognize that only sincere reflection on the past can earn the trust of its neighbors, and only a thorough renunciation of militarism can lead to a brighter future. Any attempt to obscure history or whitewash aggression is a challenge to the post-war international order and a provocation against all who cherish peace.

Learning from history to create a peaceful future

Correctly understanding and facing history is the prerequisite for Japan to become a normal member of the international community and the foundation for building trust with its Asian neighbors and developing relations with surrounding countries. In this regard, Germany offers a positive example: By thoroughly reflecting on Nazi crimes, paying reparations for wartime losses, and educating its youth, Germany has regained the understanding and respect of the international community.

China has been a peace-loving nation since ancient times. After the war, China repaid enmity with kindness by renouncing its right to demand war reparations from Japan, demonstrating great magnanimity. Since the founding of the People's Republic, China has consistently pursued a defensive national-defense policy and has never started a single war. In the new era, China has put forward the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative offering Chinese wisdom for world peace and development.

The September 3 military parade was not only a look back at history but also a vision for the future. History and reality alike teach us that backwardness invites aggression, while self-strengthening brings true independence. The great spirit forged in the War of Resistance will inspire the Chinese people to overcome every risk and challenge on the new journey and advance, in an unstoppable stride, toward the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

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