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The Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression was a comprehensive national war of resistance declared by China against the Japanese invasion. This year marks the 80th anniversary of China’s remarkable victory in the human history of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the global victory in the world’s anti-fascist war as well as the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations.

On September 18, 1931, Japan’s Kwantung Army, stationed in northeast China, launched a sudden attack on Fengtian, the present-day Shenyang, in an attempt to seize the region by force. The September 18 incident marked the start of Japan’s incursion of China, deliberately planned and initiated by Japanese imperialists. What followed was a 14-year brutal invasion from 1931 to 1945 with more than 35 million Chinese soldiers and civilians dead by the Japanese imperial forces accounting for nearly 8 per cent of China’s population in 1928. The Chinese battlefield became the main battlefield against Japanese fascism before the Pacific War (1941–1943), Japan deployed about 80–90 per cent of its troops in China during the period.

Cities were bombed, villages torched and innocent civilians mercilessly massacred. Perhaps, the most horrifying example was the Nanjing massacre of 1937, where more than 300,000 Chinese civilians and disarmed soldiers were killed in six weeks. According to historical estimates, the material destruction was immense, affecting countless lives and infrastructure across the country. These also included the massacres and mass rapes in Nanjing, the atrocities perpetrated by the Japanese army unit 731. The resilience of the Chinese people, who endured 14 years of relentless conflict, ultimately defeated Japanese militarists and contributed significantly to the broader Allied victory.

China’s resistance was not merely a national struggle. It was a vital part of the global campaign against fascism. Despite facing checkmate discords, the Chinese people displayed unwavering courage and unity. Under the visionary and pragmatic leadership of the Communist Party of China and with the active participation of millions of ordinary citizens, the resistance against Japanese forces took shape through conventional warfare, guerrilla tactics and a deep-rooted determination to safeguard national sovereignty.

The United States, Britain, the Soviet Union and China issued the Potsdam Declaration in July 1945, calling for Japan’s unconditional surrender. Japan announced its surrender in mid-August 1945 and China declared victory after Japan had signed the document on September 2, 1945. This marked the end of the 14-year Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese

Aggression.

The contributions and sacrifices of China, one of the world’s major powers, in World War II were far greater than those of countries that exploited the war’s outcomes and used them to serve their interests. The world must be reminded of China’s great sacrifices, which must not be ignored. We in the developing countries of the global south, with China as its leader, must tell the world that China paid a heavy price in World War II in confronting Japan’s military fascism and the world must not repeat the same mistakes in encountering China and its ruling Communist Party.

China has announced that on September 3, 2025 that it would hold a grand military parade in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square to mark the 80th anniversary of its victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and to commemorate the victory in World War II. The official Victory Day is celebrated annually on September 3, marking the formal surrender of Japan in 1945 and emphasising that the country has bright prospects for achieving national rejuvenation under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China in the face of any military, economic or other challenges or pressures. This historic victory presents an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by countless heroes, both known and unknown. It is a call to uphold the values of peace, cooperation, and mutual respect that underpin today’s international order. This year, grand ceremonies will be held nationwide. High-level delegations, veterans, scholars and youth representatives will gather to honour the memory of the fallen and celebrate the enduring spirit of resistance. Themed publications, commemorative coins and stamps will be issued and a series of public memorial events will be organized across the country. President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the CPC central committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission will review the troops and address a large gathering on that historical occasion.

China has officially announced that the parade will feature both traditional formations and cutting-edge ‘new domain’ forces. It will include the latest Chinese jets, drones and armoured vehicles, alongside next-generation systems— from unmanned underwater units, electronic and cyber forces to hypersonic missiles. The parade will also demonstrate advanced capabilities — integrated command-and-control, reconnaissance, missile defence and precision strike. Professor Zhang Yiwu of Peking University told in an interview recently that this anniversary is not only a time of solemn remembrance but also a proud celebration of peace, justice and international solidarity. Through this commemoration, we honour the sacrifice of heroes, inherit their spirit and strengthen national unity and morale for great cause of national rejuvenation.

At the same time, Chinese government emphasises that these displays are consistent with a peaceful rise. China follows a ‘path of peaceful development’ and observes its military build-up as a guarantor of stability. For example, the People’s Liberation Army has always been a staunch force for upholding world peace and China’s contributions to UN peacekeeping — more than 50,000 troops in 20+ missions since joining the United Nations. China is championing peace and cooperation, opposing unilateralism and bullying. The Chinese nation has always loved peace and it will never seek hegemony, never engage in expansion and never impose upon others the sufferings that they have endured. In official commentary, the commemoration is framed as a reaffirmation of China’s commitment to world peace, as it laid a crucial foundation for the post-war international order and indicates China’s desire to ‘work hand in hand with all peace-loving nations and to promote a community with a shared future for humanity.’

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Nafees Sakhawat is director (youth affairs) of the Centre for East Asia Foundation.