#China #Beijing #Peking University #Global History #Chinese Military

Peking University Hosts International Symposium on Chinese Military History

On November 2nd and 3rd, 2025, Peking University welcomed nearly 100 distinguished scholars at an international academic symposium. This event focused on the history of China's War of Resistance against Japanese aggression and the restoration of Taiwan to China, emphasizing a global context. Scholars traveled from mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan to participate, aiming to develop a broader academic perspective and foster deeper dialogue about the global significance and contemporary relevance of China's resistance war.

The symposium kicked off with keynote presentations from leading figures in the field, including Zhang Baijia, a researcher from the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China's Institute of Party History and Literature; Lu Fang-sang, a researcher at Academia Sinica's Institute of Modern History; and international historians like Hans van de Ven from Cambridge University

The symposium featured a series of 20 parallel panel discussions and a roundtable discussion, providing participants with invaluable opportunities to delve into various aspects of military history. This diverse and international character facilitated discussions that crossed borders and disciplines, while offering a refreshed perspective on this historical period. Key discussion areas included economics and finance, military affairs, international relations, cooperation and assistance, academic contributions, cultural ideologies, law and society, as well as personal experiences.

Through extensive academic exchanges and presentations, the symposium contributed to the development of a more authentic, balanced, and multidimensional narrative regarding the Chinese War of Resistance. Moreover, it provided an opportunity for individuals from both sides of the Taiwan Strait to engage in personal dialogues aimed at enhancing unity and collectively promoting the cause of national reunification.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in China's War of Resistance against Japanese aggression and its significance in the global anti-fascist coalition, alongside the reunification of Taiwan with China. Through this symposium, Peking University aims to reach consensus, enrich understanding of historical facts, and strengthen cohesion in the Taiwan Strait. As scholars dissect these complex issues, their findings will contribute not only to academic discourse but also to public understanding of China's military history in a global context, potentially shaping future perspectives on cross-strait relations.

Given the historical significance of this event, it serves as an important reminder of the need for continued dialogue and understanding among nations. By examining the lessons of past conflicts, the symposium seeks to inform present and future international relations, emphasizing that history, when shared and understood collaboratively, can pave the way for peace and unity.

This symposium at Peking University exemplifies the vital role of academic institutions in facilitating critical discussions on historical matters that resonate globally, encouraging scholars to collaborate across borders and contribute to a more nuanced understanding of complex historical events that shape our world today.