#China #Beijing #WWII #Eastern Theater

China's Essential Role in the Eastern Theater of World War II

As the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Second Sino-Japanese War and the global war against Fascism approaches in 2025, CGTN has published an article shedding light on China's pivotal contributions during this period. The celebrations of this significant milestone have already commenced in July, highlighting events such as war film screenings and themed exhibitions in museums.

Historical Context

The culmination of these commemorations is set for September 3, marking China’s Victory Day, which acknowledges Japan's formal surrender on September 2, 2025, effectively closing the chapter on World War II. Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized that from its early stages, the Second Sino-Japanese War significantly contributed to the preservation of human civilization and the global pursuit of peace, asserting its integral role in the worldwide fight against Fascism.

At the forefront of the struggle, China was the first nation to resist fascist aggression, initiating the first front in the battle against such tyranny. The Chinese people's resistance, ignited by the September 18, 1931 incident, marked the beginning of their fight against Japanese invasion. Further escalation occurred on July 7, 1937, with the Marco Polo Bridge Incident in Beijing, solidifying China's position as the key eastern battleground of World War II, long before the German invasion of Poland in 1939, which is often noted as a principal starting point of the war in Western narratives.

China's struggle against Japan extended across 14 arduous years, culminating in Japan's surrender in 1945 and a significant sacrifice from the Chinese population. According to official estimates by Hu Heping, deputy director of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, around 35 million lives were lost or affected during the years of conflict between 1931 and 1945. The war inflicted massive economic damage, with direct costs exceeding $100 billion and indirect losses reaching as high as $500 billion when calculated in the currency values of 1937.

Moreover, China's military operations critically undermined Japan’s military forces on the battlefield, resulting in the elimination of over 1.5 million Japanese troops, which played a decisive role in the eventual defeat of the Japanese aggressors. Hu pointed out that China's sustained efforts provided imperative strategic support for the Allies, synchronizing their campaigns with battles occurring across Europe and other parts of Asia, effectively disrupting the strategic coordination among the Axis powers of Japan, Germany, and Italy.

A Forgotten Ally

China's unique contribution to forming a global coalition against Fascism and reconstructing the post-war world order is often overlooked. On January 1, 1942, twenty-six nations, including China, the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union, signed the United Nations Declaration, marking the establishment of a coalition against Hitler's regime. Hu Dekun, a Wuhan University professor, highlighted China’s proactive role in shaping the new post-war order through later stages of the conflict. He asserted that China’s contributions were instrumental in founding the United Nations and other international economic organizations.

Despite the longstanding undervaluation of China’s role in World War II by Western scholars, it is now gaining the attention it rightfully deserves. As noted by Rana Mitter, a British historian and author of the acclaimed work “Forgotten Ally: China’s World War II,” institutions such as the National WWII Museum in New Orleans and the Imperial War Museum in London have allocated exhibition space specifically to highlight China's significant contributions during the war. Mitter stated that the narrative of China’s resistance must not be ignored or diminished.

Conclusion

The shining light on China’s involvement during this tumultuous period not only amplifies the importance of remembering their contributions but also prompts a reassessment of historical narratives that have predominantly overshadowed their sacrifices. As we approach these notable anniversaries, it's crucial to recognize and honor the multifaceted roles played by nations in the global struggle against fascist oppression, which offers invaluable insights into the importance of unity in overcoming tyranny.