Anti-Fascist World War, Japanese Aggression: China Marks 80th Anniversary Of Bitter Memories

It is already 80 years on. But the memories continue to linger on. Very much as if it were yesterday. This is because the events were so grievous. And of long-lasting impact that it is important to remember them. So as to continue to draw the lessons. And guard against their repeat in future. Some 80 years ago, China - after a 14-year dogged resistance - succeeded in ending Japanese aggression and occupation of a portion of its country. And at the same time gaining victory in the Anti-Fascist World War. 

Memories Of Heroic Resistance
To mark the 80th anniversary of China’s successful resistance against Japanese invasion and Beijing’s victory in the Anti-Fascist World War, the new Chinese Ambassador to Cameroon, His Excellency Xu Yong, organized a reception in the capital, Yaounde. The ceremony on Friday, August 29, 2025 had as guests Cameroonian dignitaries and foreign diplomats. Present were cabinet ministers, Secretary General in the Ministry of External Relations, Chinmoun Oumarou and senior military officers.  

14 Long Years
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador XU Yong recalled that it was thanks to the dogged determination of the Chinese people and the People’s Liberation Army that the Japanese aggressors were eventually overpowered. In a 14-year-old bloody conflict that claimed ten millions of lives. It was with the same spirit that China came out victorious in the Anti-Fascist World War, recovering its territory from foreign invasion.

Committed To Peace, Justice
The world was ravaged by a brutal war 80 years ago, but it also witnessed a glorious chapter written by nations committed to peace and justice. Today, as conflict and instability persist, it is more imperative than ever to remember the sacrifices of the past, preserve the hard-won peace, uphold humanity's shared values, and protect our one planet.

Often Overlooked
Writing on the Anti-Fascist World War, Western historians often focus on the Normandy landings and the Pacific War. Forgetting that China was the main theatre of operations in the East, as well as being a pillar of the global struggle against Fascism. With 14 years of fierce resistance and the sacrifice of tens of millions of soldiers and civilians.

The First Victim
Chinese resistance occupies a unique position, due to its exceptional duration. As early as the incident of September 18, 1931, provoked by the Japanese Kwantung Army, the Chinese fired the first shot against Fascism. Well before the invasion of Poland by Nazi Germany in 1939 and the attack on Pearl Harbour in 1941.

Virtually Alone
During the decade preceding the Pacific War, China fought virtually alone against Japanese Fascism. The Chinese army put up fierce resistance to the invaders, fighting 22 major battles, over 200 major campaigns, and nearly 200,000 engagements of all sizes over 14 consecutive years. This tenacity rendered the Japanese plan to conquer China in just three months illusory.

Were It Not For China…
The Chinese theatre significantly curbed Japanese expansionism and, consequently, prevented the Axis forces from uniting. From 1937-1945, 70 per cent-90 per cent of Japanese ground troops were mobilized on Chinese soil. At the outbreak of the Pacific War, 35 elite Japanese divisions were still held in China, forcing the Japanese navy to confront the A...