#China #Beijing #Peking University #Taiwan Restoration #China War History

Peking University Symposium Explores China's War History

On November 2 and 3, nearly 100 prominent scholars came together at Peking University for an international academic symposium focused on the history of China's people's resistance against Japanese aggression and the restoration of Taiwan from a global perspective. This significant event brought together researchers from Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, as well as countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan, aiming to enhance the academic dialogue surrounding China’s war history.

The symposium kicked off with keynote speeches from distinguished figures such as Zhang Baijia, a researcher at the Institute of Party History and Literature of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China; Lu Fang-sang, a researcher at the Institute of Modern History at Academia Sinica in Taiwan; and Hans van de Ven, a visiting professor at Peking University’s history department, who holds a professorship in modern Chinese history at the University of Cambridge.

Over the course of the event, there were 20 parallel panel discussions and one roundtable discussion, allowing participants to delve into various aspects of war history. The symposium's international and diversified nature fostered in-depth discussions that transcended borders and disciplines, contextualizing this historical period from multiple viewpoints. Topics discussed included economic and financial matters, military affairs, international relations, cooperation, international aid, academic contributions, culture, ideology, law, and individual experiences.

Through these in-depth academic exchanges and major addresses, the symposium contributed to the development of a more authentic, balanced, and multidimensional understanding of the Chinese War of Resistance. Furthermore, it offered a platform for personal dialogues between compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, reinforcing unity and progress towards the critical endeavor of national reunification.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of victories in both the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the global anti-fascist war, as well as the restoration of Taiwan to China. Through the symposium, Peking University seeks to achieve consensus, enrich knowledge of historical facts, and strengthen cohesion across the Taiwan Strait. This gathering not only enriched the participants' understanding but also laid the groundwork for future cooperation on historical narratives, contributing to a more harmonious relationship between all involved parties.

In conclusion, the symposium at Peking University exemplifies a commitment to fostering a nuanced understanding of historical events through collaborative scholarship, ensuring that the importance of China’s historical narrative is acknowledged and appreciated worldwide.