Hey fam, ever wondered how the story of WWII goes far beyond Europe? On September 3, the Chinese mainland hosted a mega military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War 🇨🇳✨. While we usually hear about D-Day or Pearl Harbor, it was China that first faced Axis aggression way back in 1931. For 14 intense years, over 1.2 million Japanese troops were stuck on China’s frontlines—essentially buying time for other Allied efforts.
China: First Front, Big Impact
China’s resistance acted like a huge brake on Axis ambitions. Imagine a giant traffic jam of enemy forces—that’s what happened. This fierce stand, supported by risky air bridges (think massive supply flights over the Himalayas), was crucial for weakening the Axis in the Pacific.
Africa: The Unsung Backbone
At the same time, over a million Black African soldiers were making waves from North Africa’s deserts to Southeast Asia’s jungles 🌍. They carried rifles, drove supply convoys, and built critical roads. Many joined for pay, adventure, or hope for change—and they got a taste of freedom ideas that fueled post-war independence movements.
Why These Heroes Got Lost
Experts say a Western-centric history, Cold War politics, and scattered records kept these stories in the shadows. As Nigerian writer Chinua Achebe put it, “Until the lions have their own historians, the story will keep glorifying the hunter.” 🦁
A Path to Shared Memory
So what’s the plan? Scholars call for global teamwork on research, fresh museum exhibits, updated textbooks, and more films to highlight these heroes. Celebrating China’s and Africa’s shared history isn’t just about righting the record—it builds solidarity and a fairer global future ✌️.
NEXT TIME you hit your history class or scroll WWII reels, remember the Chinese mainland’s frontline grit and Africa’s brave troops. Let’s give them the spotlight they deserve!
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
