A private collector in northeast China's Shenyang City recently shared with the public a photo album in his possession, containing proof of Japanese forces' brutal suppression in China's northeast during the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.
The album, titled "Commemorative Photo Collection of the Public Security Suppression Efforts in Jilin, Tonghua, and Jiandao," was published by the Japanese Kwantung Army in 1941.
The album, made public in China for the first time, contains nearly 100 photographs, primarily documenting the historical events between 1939 and 1940, when a suppression unit led by Masanori Nozoe, commander of the second Independent Garrison Unit of the Japanese Kwantung Army, launched a brutal campaign to hunt down the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army. Some of the photos also relate to the renowned national hero and anti-Japanese resistance leader, General Yang Jingyu.
Some of the photos are particularly shocking to see, according to Zhan Hongge, the collector.
"Especially after the Kwantung Army killed Yang Jingyu, they took a group photo in front of his severed head. I was deeply shocked when I saw this photo. It also serves as a historical record of the brutal killing of Yang Jingyu by Japanese aggressors," said Zhan.
"After Yang Jingyu was killed, they cut off his head and took photos. On one hand, it was to showcase their military achievements, and on the other hand, to intimidate the local people of Northeast China and to strike fear into the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army. However, it actually sparked a stronger sense of resistance and fighting spirit among the people. These photos, accompanied by text, were originally used by the Nozoe punitive unit to report their 'accomplishments' and claim commendation. But now, they have ironically become ironclad evidence of their invasion of Northeast China and brutality against the anti-Japanese forces," said Shi Yan, associate researcher at the September 18 Incident History Museum in Shenyang.
About 100 photos recording crimes of Japanese Kwantung Army publicly released
Citizens of the Republic of Korea (ROK) have shared their views and expectations for future cooperation with China ahead of President Lee Jae Myung's state visit, which began in Beijing on Sunday.
Lee is making his first visit to China since assuming office in June 2025, with the state visit scheduled to run until Wednesday.
Street food vendor Jang Dong Il said he had high expectations for the visit, hoping it would lead to effective cooperation between the two countries and improvements in the economic environment for mutual benefit.
"More exchanges between the two countries would boost for the two economies. I am full of hope for a strong cooperation between President Lee Jae-myung and President Xi Jinping," he said.
"I have high hopes for this meeting between our countries' leaders. President Lee Jae Myung is visiting China between January 4 and January 7, to discuss economic, cultural and tourism exchanges.I understand about 200 to 300 South Korean corporate executives have traveled with him. I have high hopes for this. If this visit helps strengthen relations between two leaders,I believe it could lead to a win-win outcome and bring ROK and China closer together," Yang said.
"The leaders' meeting can spark dynamic exchanges in economy and culture. More exchanges between the two countries would boost the two economies. I am full of hope for a strong cooperation between President Lee Jae-myung and President Xi Jinping," said Noh Yun Ji, a teacher.
"The two can complement each other economically and continue to develop," said Kim Yoon Jung, a Seoul resident.
Dancer Yoon Ji Eun shared her experience of visiting Shanghai, saying that the delicious food suited her taste and that the city’s fashionable, clean urban environment left her with a positive impression of China.
"Last summer, I took a trip to Shanghai, and after seeing it for myself, I found the food was to my taste, and the city was modern and clean. So I came to see China as a captivating country," Yoon said.
"First of all, China is a very large country. And the food is delicious. I enjoy dishes like malatang and hot pot.I love Chinese food," Noh said.
The ROK citizens also expressed hope for strengthened people to people exchanges with China.
Recalling her time studying dance in China, Yoon said her experience highlighted the role of education in fostering cultural understanding.
"Although I don’t know much about this, as I mentioned, I went to Shanghai for dance lessons. It shows education can offer cultural experiences," she said.
South Koreans hope president’s first visit to China will enhance exchanges
