China's Role in the World Anti-Fascist War and Its Lasting Impact

On September 2, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China released a statement commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Ambassador Tang Songgen's signed article in Latvijas Aviža highlighted China's crucial role in the war, from starting the conflict the earliest and ending it the latest, to making tens of millions of heroic sacrifices. China's experience in the war has shaped its vision for the international order, including the principle of national self-determination and the spirit of anti-colonialism. The article also emphasized China's commitment to peace and cooperation, as it seeks to promote a common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security concept through the Global Security Initiative.

Key Takeaways:

• China played a vital role in the World Anti-Fascist War, starting the war of resistance the earliest and ending it the latest, with tens of millions of soldiers and civilians making heroic sacrifices.
• China's resistance to Japanese aggression began in 1931, and the war lasted for 14 years, with the Japanese Army's troop strength averaging over 70% annually.
• China provided vital strategic support to the Allies, including opening the Hump Route, rescuing thousands of parachuting American pilots, and supplying tung oil and tungsten ore.
• President Roosevelt declared that without China, the Japanese army could have conquered Australia and India, advanced into the Middle East, and isolated Russia.
• China, as a founding member of the UN and a permanent member of the Security Council, has translated its experience from the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression into a new vision for international order.
• China strongly advocated for the principle of national self-determination and anti-colonialism during the San Francisco Conference, but Taiwan's return to China remains a contentious issue.

Statistics:

• 14 years: The duration of China's war of resistance against Japan.
• 80th anniversary: The occasion commemorated by China to mark the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War.
• 1931: The year Japan launched a surprise attack on Shenyang, sparking the September 18th Incident.
• 70%: The average annual troop strength of the Japanese Army in the Chinese battlefield.
• 90%: The highest annual troop strength of the Japanese Army in the Chinese battlefield.
• $20 billion: The amount of foreign aid provided to China during the war.
• 3.5 million: The number of American lives saved due to China's provision of supplies and airbases.
• 18 million: The number of Chinese lives lost during the war.
• 1945: The year the United Nations was founded, with China as a founding member.
• 50 years: The duration of Taiwan's resistance against Japan.
• 1971: The year the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 2758, reaffirming China's sovereignty over Taiwan.
• 183: The number of countries that have established diplomatic relations with China based on the One-China principle.

Sources:

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China
• Latvijas Aviža