Commemorative Literary Evening Celebrating the 80th Anniversary of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War

China Commemorates 80th Anniversary of Victory in World War II with Grand Literary Evening

Beijing, September 4, 2025 – A grand literary evening, titled “Justice Victory”, was held in the Great Hall of the People on September 3rd, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the broader World Anti-Fascist War. The event drew approximately 6,000 attendees, including high-ranking Chinese officials and international dignitaries.

Leadership in Attendance

Party and state leaders including xi Jinping, Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, and Han Zheng were present at the commemoration. Their attendance underscored the importance China places on remembering its contributions and sacrifices during the global conflict.

A Night of Remembrance and Reflection

The Great hall of the People was adorned with banners proclaiming “Remember history, remember the martyrs, cherish peace and create the future.” A prominent display of the Great Wall symbolized the nation’s resilience, while golden characters proclaimed “Justice will win.” The evening’s program featured a blend of musical performances, poetry recitations, and dramatic presentations, revisiting the key moments and sacrifices of the war years.

Honoring Veterans and Building Connections

Prior to the commencement of the formal program, Young Pioneers presented flowers to veteran soldiers and comrades who had participated in the War of Resistance.A touching moment occured when the veterans were seated alongside the Young Pioneers, receiving a standing ovation from the audience.This symbolic gesture highlighted the intergenerational continuity of remembrance and respect.

Program Highlights

The performance included segments entitled “Roar, the Yellow River,” “Red Stars Shine in china”, “Invincible Power” and “Common Dawn.” Each segment incorporated music, dance, and dramatic elements to portray the hardships, heroism, and ultimate triumph over adversity. The finale, featuring the song “Share of Destiny”, emphasized the importance of international cooperation and a shared future for mankind.

The audience culminated the event with a collective singing of “Singing the Motherland”, accompanied by sustained applause.

A legacy of resilience and Peace

the event served as a powerful reminder of China’s critical role in defeating fascism and securing global peace. Officials stated that the commemoration aimed to reinforce the values of patriotism, international solidarity, and the pursuit of a peaceful future. China’s contribution to the Allied victory, frequently enough overshadowed in Western narratives, was prominently highlighted throughout the evening.

Attendees Representing Diverse Backgrounds

Along with Chinese leadership,the event welcomed representatives from various sectors,including veteran soldiers,relatives of war martyrs,international envoys,and cultural figures. this diverse portrayal underscored the widespread impact of the war and the collective effort required to achieve victory.

The Significance of WWII Commemorations

Commemorations of World War II remain vital in the 21st century, serving as a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict and the importance of international cooperation. As geopolitical tensions rise globally, remembering the lessons of the past is crucial to preventing future atrocities. According to a 2024 Pew research Center study,a majority of adults across numerous nations believe international cooperation is essential for addressing global challenges.

Did You Know? China suffered an estimated 15 to 20 million casualties during World War II, making it one of the most affected countries in the conflict.

Frequently Asked Questions about China and World War II

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How did the Chinese People’s War of Resistance impact the broader World Anti-Fascist War?

Commemorative Literary Evening: 80 Years On – Remembering the Chinese People’s War of Resistance & the Anti-Fascist struggle

The Significance of the 80th anniversary

This year, 2025, marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1937-1945) – a crucial component of the broader World Anti-Fascist War. Commemorative events, like the literary evening, serve as vital reminders of the immense sacrifices made and the global effort required to defeat fascism. The war in China wasn’t a peripheral conflict; it tied up a significant portion of Japan’s military resources, directly impacting the Pacific Theater of World War II. Understanding this history is paramount to appreciating the current geopolitical landscape and fostering international cooperation.

literary Expressions of Resistance: Themes and Forms

The literary evening will likely showcase a diverse range of artistic expressions reflecting the experiences and emotions of the time. Expect to encounter:

Poetry: Poems often served as powerful tools for morale boosting, documenting suffering, and expressing patriotic fervor. Many poems from this era focused on themes of national unity, resilience, and the horrors of war.

Prose & Short Stories: These narratives provided intimate glimpses into the lives of soldiers, civilians, and resistance fighters. They often explored themes of loss, courage, and the struggle for survival.

Drama & Play Readings: Dramatic performances were used to rally support for the war effort and to educate the public about the realities of Japanese aggression.

Songs & Ballads: Patriotic songs and folk ballads played a crucial role in maintaining morale and fostering a sense of collective identity.

Calligraphy & Visual Arts: Artistic representations of the war, including paintings and calligraphy, served as powerful visual reminders of the conflict and its impact.

These forms collectively represent the cultural front of the War of Resistance, a vital aspect frequently enough overshadowed by military history.

Key Ancient Context: The Long Road to victory

The Chinese Resistance against Japan wasn’t a single, unified campaign. It evolved over 14 years, beginning with the Mukden Incident in 1931 and culminating in Japan’s unconditional surrender in 1945. Here’s a breakdown of key phases:

1. Early Resistance (1931-1937): Initial skirmishes and localized resistance movements following the Japanese invasion of Manchuria. This period saw the rise of guerilla warfare tactics.
2. The Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945): The full-scale invasion of China following the Marco Polo Bridge Incident. This phase was characterized by large-scale battles, brutal atrocities (like the Nanjing Massacre), and the establishment of a united front between the Kuomintang (KMT) and the Communist Party of China (CPC).
3. Guerilla Warfare & Base Areas: The CPC established extensive base areas in the countryside,employing guerilla warfare tactics that proved highly effective in tying down Japanese forces.
4. International Support & the Allied Effort: While facing immense challenges, China received limited material support from the Allies. The war in China significantly contributed to the overall Allied war effort by diverting Japanese resources.

The Role of Intellectuals and Artists in the Resistance

Intellectuals and artists played a pivotal role in mobilizing public opinion and sustaining the resistance movement. Many writers, poets, and artists actively participated in the war effort, using their talents to:

Document Atrocities: Exposing the brutality of the Japanese invasion to both domestic and international audiences.

Promote Patriotism: Inspiring a sense of national unity and encouraging citizens to contribute to the war effort.

Provide Psychological Support: Offering solace and hope to those affected by the war.

Disseminate Information: Spreading news and propaganda to counter Japanese misinformation.

Figures like Lu Xun (though he died before the full-scale war) laid the groundwork for a socially conscious literature that fueled the resistance. Later writers and artists continued this tradition, creating works that remain powerful testaments to the resilience of the Chinese people.

Remembering the Nanjing Massacre: A Somber Reflection

No commemoration of this period would be complete without acknowledging the Nanjing Massacre (December 1937 – January 1938). This horrific event, in which Japanese soldiers murdered hundreds of thousands of Chinese civilians and disarmed combatants, remains a deeply sensitive and painful memory. The literary evening may include readings or performances that pay tribute to the victims and serve as a warning against the dangers of unchecked aggression and dehumanization. Remembering this tragedy is crucial for promoting peace and preventing similar atrocities from happening again.

The legacy of the War: Shaping Modern China

The Chinese People’s War of resistance had a profound and lasting impact on China. It:

Strengthened National Identity: Forged a stronger sense of national unity and purpose.

Elevated the CPC’s Status: The CPC’s effective guerilla warfare tactics and commitment to the resistance significantly enhanced its prestige and influence.

Laid the Groundwork for Post-War Reconstruction: The war experience shaped the policies and priorities of the post