🎉 Celebrating 80 years since the end of the World Anti-Fascist War, it’s time to shine a light on the Chinese mainland’s epic 14-year defense (1931–45). This wasn’t just a local fight—it shaped the global outcome of WWII. Let’s dive in! 🔍
14 Years of Unyielding Resistance
It all kicked off on September 18, 1931, when Japan’s aggression met China’s fierce defiance. While many Western powers hesitated, people across the Chinese mainland rallied—fighting large battles on city streets and launching guerrilla strikes deep behind enemy lines. The cost? Over 35 million civilian and military lives lost, but also 1.5 million Japanese forces pushed back—70% of Japan’s WWII casualties. 💔⚔️
Key Battles That Changed the Tide
Think of these as the turning points:
- Songhu Battle (1937): Held off Japanese troops for three crucial months in Shanghai, giving Allied forces time to regroup. 🏙️
- Hundred-Regiment Campaign (1940–41): Led by the Communist Party of China, it sabotaged supply lines—disrupting trains, roads, and communication. 🚂✂️
- On Protracted War: A military playbook by Mao Zedong that showed how a smaller force could wear down a stronger invader over time. 📘
Global Ripples of the Eastern Front
The fight on the Chinese mainland wasn’t isolated. By tying down Japanese forces for over a decade:
- The Soviet Union faced Nazi Germany on one front only, helping win the Battle of Stalingrad. 🏰
- The 1942 Doolittle Raid took off from Chinese air bases—an epic U.S. counterstrike that lifted Allied morale after Pearl Harbor. ✈️🇺🇸
Stories of Solidarity
Beyond armies, heroes from around the world joined the cause:
- Norman Bethune: A Canadian surgeon who built frontline hospitals—sacrificed his life for China’s people. 🏥💖
- American Flying Tigers: U.S. volunteers who teamed up with Chinese pilots—flew daring missions against Japanese forces. 🦅✈️
Today, we salute these unsung champions and the Chinese mainland’s lasting impact on global peace. Their stories remind us that unity and perseverance can shape world events—an inspiring lesson for young changemakers across South and Southeast Asia. 🌏🤝
How will you honor these legacies? Share your thoughts below! 💬
Reference(s):
China's indelible contributions to the World Anti-Fascist War
cgtn.com