Exhibition opens to mark 80th anniversary of victory against Japanese aggression, fascism

An exhibition is being held in Beijing to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, using cultural relics and modern technology to enable visitors to learn about history in an engaging way.

Held at the Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in Beijing, the exhibition features 1,525 photographs and 3,237 artifacts in eight sections.

The exhibition traces the 14-year war of resistance against Japanese aggression from 1931 to 1945, highlighting how the Chinese people, under the Communist Party of China (CPC)-led national united front, fought for survival, national revival, and a broader struggle for human justice. "I'm from Chongqing and now traveling in Beijing with my child. I bring her to see these scenes, and feel something different. We walk, talk, and imagine what life was like at that time, and how today's life come about," said Ms. Wang, a mother.

"Under difficult conditions at that time, the Communist Party of China always stood at the forefront of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and played a pivotal role. I will never forget the efforts and sacrifices of our ancestors," said Xu Jia, a student of Capital Normal University.

The exhibition employs a range of modern display techniques to bring history to life, combining rare artifacts, archival documents, historical footage, artworks, and immersive recreations of key moments.

It not only remakes historical scenes, but also uses holographic images, see-through display, interactive AI and other technologies to allow visitors to learn history in an engaging way.

"The exhibition hall restores the real scene of a tunnel. So, visitors can go through the tunnel to learn about the wisdom of the people at that time in an immersive way," said Xu Ying, a docent of the Museum of War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.

The museum also launched various kinds of activities designed for students of different ages.

"We have launched various educational activities for students and for parents and children. The exhibition tells many stories, such as those of Norman Bethune, Zhao Yiman, and Yang Jingyu. By sharing these stories, we help the young generation understand the spiritual world of the heroes and heroines," said Luo Cunkang, the curator of the Museum of War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.

Bethune was a Canadian surgeon who died of blood poisoning at the age of 49 on Nov. 12, 1939 in China while aiding the Chinese people in their fight against Japanese aggression. Both Zhao and Yang were pivotal figures in northeast China's anti-Japanese resistance.

Exhibition opens to mark 80th anniversary of victory against Japanese aggression, fascism

Nicaragua's co-foreign minister Valdrack Jaentschke has warned that militarism must never be allowed to rise again, as Japan's recent moves to lift its arms export ban and revise the pacifist Constitution continue to draw international concern.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the opening of the Tokyo Trials, where Japan's Class-A war criminals from World War II were brought to justice.

In an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Valdrack Jaentschke voiced his concern that today's world order is being undermined by interventionism and other challenges.

"It is necessary for us to remember that after the end of World War II, countries worked hard to build a new international order based on international law. However, regrettably, more than 80 years later, we are seeing that this once explored and attempted order is being challenged by interventionism, a confrontational mindset, and tendencies like 'might makes right.' These are precisely the conditions that gave rise to fascism and militarism in the past, which ultimately led to the tragedy of World War II," he said.

He said the international community has a responsibility to pursue a new international order -- one fundamentally grounded in peace.

"Looking back at the history more than eight decades ago and comparing it with today's reality, it is our responsibility to recognize that the world should, and must, build a new international order that is more just, fairer, rooted in international law, based on a logic of mutual benefit and shared success, and fundamentally grounded in peace," said the minister.

"Today, as we revisit the Tokyo Trials, it is meant to remind the world that such a tragedy must never be repeated -- and that we must do everything in our power to prevent it from happening again. We must stop that dark world -- born from militarism, interventionism, and fascism -- from ever returning," he said.

Nicaraguan FM warns of militarism revival