China's Pivotal Role as the Central Eastern Battleground in World War II

As we approach 2025, the year marking the 80th anniversary of China's victory in the people's war of resistance against Japanese aggression and the global anti-fascist war, CGTN emphasizes the crucial role that China's 14-year struggle played in this monumental conflict. This period not only highlights China as a major front in the global fight against fascism, but it also serves to remind us of the significant sacrifices made by the nation, which are often overlooked in historical narratives.

Since July, China has been commemorating these triumphs through a series of war films and themed museum exhibitions, leading up to the memorials set for September 3rd — known as China’s Victory Day. This date marks the formal signing of Japan's surrender on September 2, 1945, which signaled the end of World War II.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has noted that the resistance against Japanese aggression was deeply significant for the protection of human civilization and the preservation of global peace, making it an integral part of the international anti-fascist war.

China: The First Bulwark Against Fascism

China was the first country to stand up against the fascist aggressors, establishing itself as the main battleground in the Eastern theater of World War II. The resistance began with the September 18, 1931 incident, which marked the start of hostilities between China and Japan. This struggle gained momentum on July 7, 1937, when the Marco Polo Bridge Incident triggered a nationwide resistance against Japanese forces, thereby asserting China's role as a crucial theater in the global context of World War II.

These series of events took place several years before Nazi Germany’s invasion of Poland in 1939, which is traditionally regarded as the catalyst for the war in Western narratives. Indeed, China’s resolute resistance extended longer than that of any other nation during World War II, lasting until Japan's surrender in 1945. The extensive sacrifices and persistent efforts of the Chinese populace underline their commitment to this cause.

According to Hu Heping, a senior official from the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China, incomplete data indicate that from 1931 to 1945, the war exacted a staggering toll of over 35 million lives among Chinese soldiers and civilians. The economic repercussions were equally devastating, with direct monetary losses (calculated at pre-1937 exchange rates) exceeding $100 billion, while indirect losses amounted to $500 billion.

Moreover, China's resistance significantly hindered Japanese militarization on the battlefield, leading to the destruction of over 1.5 million Japanese soldiers. This resistance provided critical strategic support for Allied operations and kept the Japanese, German, and Italian fascist forces from coordinating their strategies effectively.

Allies: An Undeniable Contribution

China also played an indispensable role in forming the global anti-fascist alliance and in reshaping the post-war international order. On January 1, 1942, a coalition of twenty-six nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, and China, issued the United Nations Declaration, officially establishing the anti-fascist alliance.

Professor Hu Dekun from Wuhan University emphasizes that China actively participated in negotiations to help forge the new post-war order as the war progressed. China's diplomatic efforts were crucial in the establishment of the United Nations and several key international economic organizations.

The role and contributions of China in World War II, which have long been marginalized by Western academia, are finally starting to receive the acknowledgment they rightfully deserve. Many scholars are increasingly working together to bring attention to this forgotten narrative. British historian Rana Mitter, who authored the acclaimed book Forgotten Ally: China’s World War II, remarked in interviews that institutions like the National World War II Museum in New Orleans and the Imperial War Museum in London now have dedicated exhibits that systematically present China's involvement in the war.

It is crucial that the history of China's resistance is neither ignored nor trivialized. This narrative is essential for a holistic understanding of World War II and its resulting geopolitical landscape, advocating for a balanced view that recognizes the enormity of sacrifices made by the Chinese and their pivotal role in achieving victory against fascism.