Peking University Hosts Symposium to Explore China's War History from a Global Viewpoint
In a notable gathering on November 2 and 3, Peking University hosted an international academic symposium that drew nearly 100 distinguished scholars from diverse backgrounds, aiming to delve into the complexities of China's War of Resistance against Japanese aggression and the restoration of Taiwan through a global lens. This symposium sought to foster deeper academic discussions and rediscover the international significance of China's resistance struggle.
Scholars in attendance hailed from mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao, as well as nations including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan. The multidisciplinary and international character of the event created a vital platform for dialogue and collaborative insights, allowing for comprehensive investigations of the historical events surrounding the war.
The opening ceremony featured prominent keynote speakers, such as Zhang Baijia from the Central Committee of the Communist Party’s Institute of Party History and Literature, Lu Fang-sang from Taiwan’s Academia Sinica, Hans van de Ven from Peking University and the University of Cambridge, Liu Wei-kai from Chengchi University in Taipei, and Weili Ye from the University of Massachusetts Boston. Their collective expertise set the tone for an event focused on mutual understanding and historical integrity.
Over the course of the symposium, participants engaged in 20 parallel sessions and a roundtable discussion, addressing a variety of themes such as economics and finance, military affairs, international relations, cooperation, humanitarian assistance, scientific and cultural exchanges, ideologies, laws and societies, as well as personal narratives. This multifaceted approach encouraged a well-rounded discussion that examined the era's complexities from various perspectives.
One of the main achievements of this symposium was its contribution toward creating a more accurate, balanced, and multidimensional portrayal of China’s resistance war. It facilitated dialogues that not only focused on academic inquiry but also fostered personal connections among attendees from both sides of the Taiwan Strait, aiming to enhance unity and advance the shared aim of national reunification.
This year holds significant weight as it marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in China's War of Resistance against Japanese aggression, and in the Anti-Fascist World War. The event also commemorates the restoration of Taiwan to China, highlighting the importance of these historical events in today’s socio-political context. Through this scholarly platform, Peking University endeavors to promote consensus, expand understanding of historical facts, and strengthen bonds across the Taiwan Strait.
The symposium underscores the imperative to implement a holistic educational approach to history, ensuring that past experiences translate into valuable lessons for current and future generations. As scholars reflect on the events that shaped modern China, they advocate for a continued dialogue that honors the sacrifices of those who fought for resistance, highlighting their relevance in ongoing global conversations about identity, conflict, and peace. Ultimately, initiatives like this symposium are crucial in fostering a comprehensive understanding of history that bridges gaps and promotes collaboration across cultures and nations.