Author: Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan, Founding Chair GSRRA, Sinologist, Diplomat, Editor, Analyst, Advisor, Consultant, Researcher at Global South Economic and Trade Cooperation Research Center, and Non-Resident Fellow of CCG. (E-mail: awanzamir@yahoo.com).

On July 7, 1937, a thunderous moment in history unfolded on the Lugou Bridge—known to the world as the Marco Polo Bridge—just outside Beijing. Japanese troops opened fire on Chinese forces, triggering what would become an agonizing 14-year-long struggle: the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. This marked the beginning of the main Eastern battlefield in the global war against fascism and the start of an epic saga of suffering, resistance, resilience, and ultimate victory.

Eighty-eight years on, China solemnly commemorates that momentous chapter of national agony and heroism. In Beijing, at the Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, a powerful ceremony was held and a grand exhibition launched, titled “For National Liberation and World Peace.” The event was a poignant reminder not only of the brutal past but also of China’s enduring commitment to truth, peace, and justice.

The Scars of Invasion: A History of Brutality

The Japanese aggression against China was marked by unrestrained cruelty. Well before the full-scale invasion in 1937, Japan had seized Manchuria in 1931, setting up the puppet state of Manchukuo and initiating a reign of terror. But the Lugou Bridge Incident ignited a nationwide resistance and began one of the bloodiest and longest confrontations of the Second World War. Over the course of 14 harrowing years, more than 35 million Chinese soldiers and civilians perished.

The Japanese military’s conduct in China was characterized by systemic atrocities and crimes against humanity. The Rape of Nanjing alone, in late 1937, saw the massacre of over 300,000 civilians and prisoners of war, with countless women subjected to barbaric sexual violence. Cities were razed, villages torched, and chemical and biological weapons used indiscriminately against civilians. The infamous Unit 731 conducted grotesque human experiments in northeastern China—evidence of a cruelty that defied the very essence of human decency.

These were not random acts of violence, but part of a calculated strategy of subjugation and terror, meant to break the spirit of the Chinese people. Yet it was precisely that spirit—deep, enduring, and unyielding—that rose in resistance.

A Nation United in Resistance

The Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was not fought by armies alone—it was a people’s war in the truest sense. Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the resistance transformed into a nationwide movement that drew strength from every town, village, and home.

At the forefront stood the CPC, which galvanized the masses and coordinated both military and civilian resistance. From the scorched battlefields of Shanghai to the mountains of Shanxi, and from the guerrilla warfare in the countryside to diplomatic efforts abroad, the Chinese people demonstrated unparalleled unity and determination.

The exhibition in Beijing—featuring over 3,200 artifacts and 1,500 photos—offers a panoramic view of that heroic struggle. It tells the story of martyrs who gave their lives, of families who sheltered fighters, and of youth who joined the resistance with little more than a dream of liberation. Their courage forged the soul of modern China.

As Cai Qi, a senior leader of the CPC Central Committee, emphasized at the event: “United in purpose, the Chinese people fought with unwavering resolve—for the country's survival, national rejuvenation, and the cause of justice for all humanity.” It was this spirit that made China a decisive force in the global anti-fascist war.

Contribution to Global Victory and Peace

Often overlooked in Western narratives, China’s role in the Allied victory during World War II was critical. By tying down vast numbers of Japanese troops and resources, China relieved pressure on Allied forces in Southeast Asia and the Pacific. It stood alone in East Asia during the early years of the war, buying precious time for global resistance to coalesce.

The Chinese battlefield was not only a theater of combat, but a moral front line—where the fight was for human dignity, for sovereignty, and for the principle that aggression must never be rewarded. China's perseverance and eventual triumph were a blow not only to Japanese militarism but also to the broader fascist axis threatening global peace.

Honoring the Legacy, Defending the Truth

At Monday’s ceremony, Cai Qi and other leaders, joined by citizens from all walks of life, paid floral tributes to the martyrs. Their names, etched into stone and memory, form a sacred roll of honor for a grateful nation. As young official Qu Bin movingly remarked, "Each martyr stands as an eternal symbol of courage. Their unwavering patriotism and valor remain a wellspring of determination."

Today, remembrance carries a double purpose. It honors those who died so others could live free, and it resists the slow erosion of historical truth. As Wang Taihe, the son of a resistance veteran, stated: “We must expose distortions of history that deny aggression, and fortify our collective commitment to lasting peace.” In an age where historical revisionism is on the rise, such commitment is more vital than ever.

A Spirit That Endures

For China’s younger generations, the memory of the resistance war is not a distant tale, but a call to duty. Middle school student Zhu Jiangyu spoke for millions of youth when he said: “The necessity of national rejuvenation is sealed within our hearts. Propelled by the spirit of our forebears, we, the youth, will hold fast to our ideals, nurture profound dedication to our nation, fulfill our mission, and shine brightly in our era.”

This spirit—of patriotism, resilience, and faith in a better future—is the ultimate legacy of the war. It is not driven by hatred, but by remembrance and resolve. The war against Japanese aggression is a closed chapter of history, but the lessons it offers are timeless: unity is strength, peace must be defended, and the cost of freedom is eternal vigilance.

From Resistance to Rejuvenation

The commemoration of the 88th anniversary of China’s resistance against Japanese aggression is more than a historical ritual—it is a reaffirmation of national identity, moral clarity, and global responsibility. The Chinese people, forged in the crucible of war, emerged stronger, more united, and more committed to peace.

As China marches toward national rejuvenation and modernization, it does so with a deep sense of history and duty. The blood shed by millions is not forgotten—it fertilizes the soil of a nation that seeks harmony, justice, and a shared future for all humanity.

The echoes of Lugou Bridge remind us that peace is not inherited; it is won, cherished, and defended—by courage, by memory, and by the undying will of the people.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)