China's contribution to World War II is underestimated by the rest of the world, said former British Business Secretary Vince Cable in London recently.
The Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was the first to break out and lasted the longest in the World Anti-Fascist War, resulting in over 35 million Chinese military and civilian casualties.
In the main Eastern battlefield in the global fight against fascism, China's resistance effort was decisive in defeating Japanese fascism and supporting other fronts in Europe and Asia, profoundly contributing to the final victory and world peace.
During an exclusive interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Cable said China's sacrifices lay the groundwork for the West to finally win in World War II.
"As far as our lessons from the past are concerned, what happened in Asia I think unfortunate has been rather forgotten in Europe. But the war in east Asia, particularly Japan's invasion of China and its aftermath, was actually a major factor in the outcome because the war with China by Japan caused an enormous amount of casualties and horrific experience in China. But the fact that the Chinese kept fighting, whereas the empires of France, Holland and Britain gave up. The fact that they kept fighting tied down the Japanese forces and made it possible for the West, particularly the U.S., eventually to win. And I think China's contribution, in the war, something we probably don't understand enough, appreciate enough, and should revisit it," he said.
He also attributed the current thriving Asian economy to China's indomitable resistance against Japanese aggression.
"I think more neglect and of course the war was followed by civil war and people have perhaps focused more on the nationalists and the Communist Party struggle. But it was a major part of our history. It actually the war and its aftermath was one of the factors which led to the end of the British, the French and the Dutch empires which was a major step forward historically. And that was one of the factors which has led to Asia emerging now as probably the center of gravity of the world economy with the rapid development that's happened not only in China, but Vietnam, Indonesia and now in India," said Cable.
China's contribution to WWII underestimated: former British secretary
