[Sierra Leone] Alpha Mohamed Jalloh / Written by; Zhao Qi / Translated by: The Global Significance of the Main Eastern Theater [1]
Author: Alpha Mohamed Jalloh (Sierra Leone) / Translated by Zhao Qi
In 2025, the world marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Anti-Fascist War [1]. This milestone provides us not only with an opportunity to commemorate history but also to reconsider the pivotal role played by the Main Eastern Theater of Operations in the struggle against fascism. In the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the Global War Against Fascism, the Chinese people's tenacious resistance, sacrifices, and strategic contributions were essential to defeating fascist aggression and safeguarding world peace.
The Eastern Theater: A Decisive Front of World War II
Although historical attention regarding World War II has primarily focused on the European theater, the Eastern theater, centered on China, was a key factor in the Allied victory. The Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression officially commenced following the September 18th Incident [2] in 1931; consequently, the Chinese theater became the longest-lasting and largest-scale battlefield in the Asian region during World War II. Prior to the outbreak of the Pacific War in 1941, the Chinese military and civilians fought almost single-handedly to resist the Japanese invaders.
The Chinese People's War of Resistance was not merely a national struggle; it played a decisive role in curbing Japan's ambitions to invade China and achieve hegemony in Asia and the world. The Japanese military became bogged down in China, committing more than half of its total troop strength and consuming resources originally intended for deployment elsewhere in the Asia-Pacific. It was precisely the tenacious resistance of the Chinese military and civilians that pinned down the bulk of Japan’s forces, securing precious time for the Allies’ strategic deployment, rearmament, and the eventual launch of the counter-offensive and final victory in the Anti-Fascist War.
The Global Impact of the Chinese People's War of Resistance
The global significance of the Main Eastern Theater can be assessed through two key perspectives. First, it formed a long-term buffer in Asia against fascism. The Chinese People's War of Resistance prevented Japan’s long-prepared and calculated ambition to rapidly annex the whole of China and subsequently conquer Asia and dominate the world. Instead, it forced Japan into a war of attrition, weakening its military power. Second, it served as a catalyst for Allied cooperation. The Chinese people’s tenacious resistance against Japanese aggression became an early touchstone for the international community to unite against fascism. It laid the foundation for the establishment of the alliance between China, the United States, Britain, and the Soviet Union. As one of the "four major powers" within the world anti-fascist camp, China participated in the creation of the United Nations, becoming a founding member and a permanent member of the Security Council. Leaders such as U.S. President Roosevelt recognized China’s importance, stating that China was not only an ally on the battlefield but a core pillar of the post-war world order.
Commemorating History and Safeguarding World Peace
The 80th anniversary of the victory of the Global War Against Fascism is a significant historical moment. It serves as a reminder of the cost of war, the value of international cooperation, and the necessity of opposing all forms of hegemonic aggression. In an increasingly multipolar world facing new geopolitical uncertainties, the lessons of the Eastern Theater remain relevant. The unity, resilience, and strategic patience of the Chinese people during the War of Resistance provided a model for the world’s anti-fascist nations on how the weak can overcome the strong [3].
This commemorative activity calls upon the international community to respect historical truth. Any attempt to distort or diminish the contributions made by China and other non-Western nations to the victory of World War II is an erosion of collective memory and a disruption of global unity. It is vital to uphold historical justice and acknowledge the pivotal role China played in World War II.
As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the Global War Against Fascism, we must recognize that the Main Eastern Theater was a decisive front. The Chinese People's War of Resistance changed the trajectory of world history and prevented even larger-scale Japanese atrocities. China played a significant role in promoting the establishment of the International Anti-Fascist United Front [4], creating the United Nations, and constructing a new post-war international order. Only by remembering history can we better safeguard world peace, mutual respect, and the establishment of platforms for multilateral cooperation in the future.
(The author is the Director of the China-Africa Institute at the University of Makeni, Sierra Leone) Source: Chinese Social Sciences Today (China Academy of Social Sciences), July 7, 2025. Web Editor: Tongxin