#China #Beijing #Peking University #War of Resistance #Taiwan's Restoration

Peking University Symposium Explores Military History

On November 2nd and 3rd, 2025, approximately 100 prominent scholars gathered at Peking University for an international academic symposium. This event aimed to delve into the history of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese aggression and the return of Taiwan to China, framed within a global context. Scholars attended from mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macao, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan, creating a rich tapestry of perspectives.

A Platform for Dialogue

The symposium facilitated an expansion of academic perspectives and encouraged dialogue to reevaluate the global significance and contemporary relevance of the War of Resistance. Initially, representatives from leading institutions opened the symposium with keynote presentations. Some notable speakers included Zhang Baijia from the Central Committee of the Communist Party, Lu Fang-sang from Academia Sinica in Taiwan, and Hans van de Ven, a professor at Peking University and a member of the British Academy.

This gathering featured 20 parallel panel sessions and one roundtable discussion, providing invaluable opportunities for participants to focus on diverse aspects of wartime history. The international composition of speakers and wide-ranging topics enabled a comprehensive discourse that transcended borders and disciplines, with discussions that encompassed economics, military affairs, international relations, and cultural exchanges.

Topics of Discussion

The sessions covered various fields such as international cooperation, humanitarian aid, science and culture, ideology, and law. The in-depth academic exchanges and programmatic presentations enriched the attendees' understanding of the War of Resistance, promoting a more authentic, balanced, and multidimensional view of this critical period in history.

Additionally, the symposium provided a unique opportunity for individuals from both sides of the Taiwan Strait to engage in personal dialogue, aimed at fostering unity and advancing the great cause of national unification.

Historical Significance

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese people in the War of Resistance against Japanese aggression, as well as the victory in World War II against fascism and Taiwan's return to China. The aim of the symposium, organized by Peking University, is to achieve consensus and enhance knowledge about the historical facts surrounding these events while strengthening the bonds between communities divided by the Taiwan Strait.

Through this academic initiative, Peking University hopes to not only disseminate knowledge but also to reinforce cultural and historical ties that contribute to a shared understanding of China's past and present in the global landscape. The continuing dialogue initiated at this symposium underscores the significance of historical events in shaping contemporary international relations and stability in the region.



The Peking University symposium did not just look back at history; it sought to create pathways for future interactions that inspire collaborative understanding and support the ongoing narrative of national unity.