September 18 Incident: China pays tributes to victims on 88th anniversary of first Japanese assault

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Wednesday marks the 88th anniversary of a harrowing event in northeastern China. The September 18th Incident in the city of Shenyang was a precursor to Japan's launch of a full-scale invasion in China and was a key event ahead of the outbreak of World War Two in Asia. CGTN reporter Wang Mengzhen reports.

Wailing sirens, warning bells, followed by a moment of silence. This has been a routine observed each September 18 for decades in the city of Shenyang. Officials, representatives from the People's Liberation Army, and students gather in front of the September 18 Incident History Museum. Memories of that painful part of history remain.

"We locals commemorate the event every year, holding national flags and singing the national anthem. This's a reminder that we shall never forget the national humiliation."

"As a student at Shenyang University, this is my second time attending the memorial. It's indeed a touching moment for younger generations."

WANG MENGZHEN SHENYANG "Behind the museum is a railway still in operation. The tracks were once part of the so-called south Manchuria railway, where the incident took place 88 years ago."

The Japanese military destroyed a section of this railway and blamed the Chinese side for the explosion. Then it used this as a pretext to invade China over the next 14 years. Refurbished 2 decades ago, this museum gives visitors a glimpse into an important, though tragic part of history through its display of more than 700 exhibits.

FAN LIHONG, DIRECTOR SEPTEMBER 18 HISTORICAL MUSEUM, SHENYANG "Our display has expanded largely in quantity and variety. We now have both objects and increasing archives to present the 14-year war against Japanese Aggression. We've also broadened our channel of collection both at home and abroad, so researchers can get first-hand information."

Despite her young age, Li Yufan, speaking Chinese, Japanese, and English, performs her job at the museum with a deep respect for history.

LI YUFAN, INTERPRETER SEPTEMBER 18 HISTORICAL MUSEUM, SHENYANG "I feel a sense of mission working here, especially telling more young people about what happened in World War Two after the September 18 incident. And I'm able to talk with people from all walks of life every day."

Yufan adds that it's the lessons drawn from history that teach young people like her to cherish peace and move on. WMZ, CGTN, Shenyang, LIAONING PROVINCE.