#Taiwan #China #Beijing #Peking University #World War II

Peking University Academic Symposium Explores China's Wartime History

On November 2 and 3, 2025, Peking University hosted an important international academic symposium that brought together nearly 100 notable scholars from around the world. The event aimed to examine the history of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the restoration of Taiwan to China through a global lens.

Scholars from various regions, including the Chinese mainland, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macao, and countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan, gathered to share insights, fostering a rich academic dialogue. The symposium's objective was to facilitate a broader understanding of the global significance and contemporary relevance of China's wartime history.

The opening ceremony featured keynote speeches from a distinguished lineup of scholars, including:

• - Zhang Baijia from the Institute of Party History and Literature of the Communist Party of China.
• - Lu Fang-sang, a Research Fellow at Academia Sinica in Taiwan.
• - Hans van de Ven, a visiting chair professor from Peking University and a specialist in modern Chinese history.
• - Liu Wei-kai, a professor of history at Chengchi University, Taipei.
• - Weili Ye, a history professor at the University of Massachusetts Boston.

The symposium comprised 20 parallel panel sessions and a roundtable discussion, giving attendees ample opportunity to delve deeply into various dimensions of wartime history. Topics spanned economics, military affairs, international relations, and individual experiences, among others. The diverse nature of the event enabled comprehensive discussions that transcended geographical borders and academic disciplines.

In addition to academic exchanges, the event was marked by efforts to promote unity among participants from both sides of the Taiwan Strait. The symposium served as a platform for fostering dialogue regarding sensitive historical issues, contributing to stronger connections and collaboration in the region.

The year 2025 marks a significant milestone, as it aligns with the 80th anniversary of both the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and Taiwan's restoration to China. The symposium not only aimed to highlight these historical events but sought to build a consensus regarding their importance, enriching the understanding of historical facts and perspectives across the Taiwan Strait.

By emphasizing a more balanced and multidimensional narrative, the Peking University symposium is a step towards acknowledging the complexities of wartime history. The discussions aim to play a role in advancing the great cause of national reunification, underscoring the importance of cohesive understanding between compatriots.

Through such events, Peking University continues to contribute to the intellectual discourse surrounding vital historical narratives, ensuring that the legacies of the past resonate with future generations. The contributions made during this symposium underscore the importance of collaborative academic efforts in addressing complex historical issues, promoting peace and unity in a divided time.

Overall, the Peking University symposium stands as a testament to the importance of academic inquiry into the past, enriching our understanding of global history through localized perspectives and collaborative dialogue.