China Commemorates the 80th Anniversary of Victory in Resistance War
Honoring the Spirit of Resistance
In July 2025, China prepares to commemorate a significant historical milestone: the 80th anniversary of its victory in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. This anniversary not only marks a militarily significant moment but also symbolizes the resilience and unity of the Chinese people in the face of adversity. The commemorative events planned for this occasion reflect deeply on China’s past while illustrating how it fuels contemporary modernization efforts.
The Hundred Regiments Campaign
One of the most prominent events during this war was the Hundred Regiments Campaign, launched by the Eighth Route Army under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in northern China. Spanning from August 1940 to January 1941, this was the largest and most extended strategic offensive during the nation’s resistance against Japanese aggression, involving over 200,000 soldiers from 105 regiments. The campaign aimed to disrupt enemy supply lines and significantly delayed Japan’s military expansion southward.
In more ways than one, this campaign transcended a mere military achievement. It emerged as an enduring symbol of national unity and determination under extreme hardship, showcasing the unwavering resolve of the Chinese people to push back against foreign aggression and reclaim their future.
A Global Context: China’s Impact in WWII
Amidst the global context of World War II, China's prolonged resistance aided the Allies. By tying down a substantial number of Japanese troops, China alleviated pressure on Allied forces stationed in the Pacific and Europe. Thus, the Hundred Regiments Campaign highlighted China's crucial contribution to the collective victory over fascism, a legacy that continues to shape the nation's identity.
To honor their contributions, the country will hold solemn ceremonies to remember fallen heroes and the sacrifices made during the war. A military parade in Tiananmen Square in Beijing on September 3 will be one of the key events showcasing honor and remembrance.
Remembering the Past to Guide the Future
During a visit to the Hundred Regiments Campaign Memorial Hall in Yangquan, Shanxi province, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of remembering this past. “If we do not forget our history, it can guide us into the future,” he stated, reiterating the value of historical commemorations in shaping contemporary national policy.
The memorial hall itself is a place of reflection, once a battleground that has transformed into a site for national remembrance. Inside, exhibits featuring scorched uniforms, worn rifles, and black-and-white photographs narrate stories of bravery amidst adversity. Notably, items associated with the 'Heroic Bayonet Assault Company' exemplify the courage displayed in encounters where hand-to-hand combat was necessary.
Legacy of Unity and Modern Development
The spirit of unity established during the war continues to be a driving force in modern China, manifesting in capabilities for disaster relief, defense, and peacekeeping operations. Xi’s gesture of laying flowers in honor of wartime sacrifices serves as a reaffirmation of enduring values forged through struggle. “No matter how far we progress, we must never forget the path we traveled and why we embarked on this journey,” he reflected.
With a view toward the future, since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, Xi has made several visits to Shanxi, urging the province to harness its rich revolutionary heritage to facilitate high-quality growth and development. The region, traditionally reliant on coal, has initiated transformations towards ecological sustainability and advanced manufacturing practices. By August 2024, the province achieved 48% capacity in new and clean energy sources, a marked increase from 2019.
Additionally, efforts to promote ‘Red Tourism’—travel experiences centered on revolutionary heritage—have proliferated in Shanxi, creating a blend of cultural preservation and rural revitalization. Promoting 35 themed routes, the province connected over 3,400 historical revolutionary sites, leading to significant increases in tourism, with 318 million domestic visits recorded in 2024, reflecting a 13.9% rise from the prior year.
This interweaving of historical memory with modern-day progress embodies a dual transformation—spiritual and structural—that harnesses the spirit of revolution as a productive force for the country's revitalization.
In today's world, marked by increasing uncertainty, the values born from the resistance war remain critical for China's journey towards modernization, reinforcing its commitment to peace and stability forged through adversity.