Chinese and global media outlets, including Russia Today, Sky News and NBC News, gathered at a symposium in Beijing on Monday to learn about the history of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.
During the symposium, Chinese authorities asserted the historical view that in the eastern battlefield, the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression lasted from 1931 to 1945. Among all the conflicts in World War II, it was the earliest to begin, the longest lasting, involved engaging and eliminating the largest number of Japanese troops, and came at the highest cost. Moreover, it played a decisive role in the complete defeat of Japanese fascism.
When taking a question on whether China is re-interpreting history to enhance its international influence, Chinese authorities give a clear answer on the country's stance.
"The CPC Central Committee has set the theme of this year's commemoration as 'Memorize the History, Honor the Martyrs, Cherish Peace, Open up to the Future.' First, we need to remember the great contribution that the Chinese people made to the victory of the world anti-fascist war. To cherish peace is to condemn the war crimes and crimes against humanity of the aggressors. To open up to the future is to promote national rejuvenation with Chinese-style modernisation in an all-round way. This is our new thinking, a new interpretation of history," said Wang Junwei, Director of Academic and Editorial Committee of Institute of Party History and Literature of the Communist Part of China (CPC) Central Committee.
When answering a question from China Global Television Network (CGTN), authorities said China played a critical role in post-war reconstruction following World War II, as well as in the founding of the United Nations.
"China is not only a founding member of the United Nations but also a permanent member of the Security Council. China was the first country to sign the UN Charter and remains the only developing country among the permanent members of the UN Security Council. Therefore, China has consistently upheld the provisions of the UN Charter through its propositions and actions, demonstrating its responsibilities as a major country," stated Wang Chaoguang, a researcher at Institute of World History of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.
As the year marks the 80th anniversary of the victories of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War and the World Anti-Fascist War, Chinese authorities said the country will also hold joint commemorative activities with Russia while enhancing communication between the youth of the two countries.
China has said it also appreciates America’s help in World War II, adding that the further development of bilateral ties would be beneficial to the peoples of both sides.
Beijing hosts media forum on history of Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression
