[Nadia Helmy (Egypt) / Text; Liu Yuwei / Translation]: The Contributions of the Eastern Main Battlefield Deserve a Just Evaluation [1]

By Nadia Helmy Translated by Liu Yuwei

Many years ago, I had the honor of visiting China with several renowned experts in China studies. During that trip, I visited the Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression located in Wanping Fortress, Lugou Bridge, Fengtai District, Beijing. It is the only large-scale comprehensive memorial museum in China that fully reflects the history of the Chinese people's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. The museum displays a vast collection of photographs and cultural relics of precious historical value from the September 18th Incident in 1931 to the end of the War of Resistance in 1945—especially those historical documents, evidence, and testimonies that vividly demonstrate the entire process of the Chinese people's resistance against Japanese fascist invasion. In 1931, the Japanese Kwantung Army stationed in Northeast China blew up a section of the South Manchuria Railway near Liutiao Lake in Shenyang, but falsely accused the Chinese military of being the perpetrator of this crime. Using this as a pretext, they occupied Northeast China and established the puppet regime of "Manchukuo" ^[1], marking the beginning of Japan's 14-year colonial rule over Northeast China.

With the outbreak of the July 7th Incident in 1937, the nationwide War of Resistance began. China's War of Resistance became a vital component of the World Anti-Fascist War. The roots of the war lay in Japan's decades-long policy of imperialist expansion, which sought to satisfy its aggressive ambitions at the expense of the interests of neighboring countries, including China. Since the early 20th century, the rise of ultranationalism in Japan propelled fascist military cliques to power, which in turn launched and advanced the war of aggression against China. During the War of Resistance, China suffered catastrophes such as the Nanjing Massacre, the atrocities of Unit 731 of the invading Japanese army, and the floods caused by the breaching of the Huayuankou dike, resulting in massive civilian casualties. To curb Japanese aggression, China appealed to the League of Nations. After an investigation, the League issued the Lytton Report, condemning Japan's aggression in Northeast China, following which Japan withdrew from the League. Aside from these ineffective condemnations, the international community took no substantive action against Japan.

On July 26, 1945, the United States, Britain, and China jointly issued the Potsdam Proclamation, urging Japan to surrender unconditionally. On August 15, 1945, Japan announced its unconditional surrender and formally signed the instrument of surrender on September 2. China subsequently declared victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, marking the end of a conflict that lasted 14 years and caused over 35 million military and civilian casualties. Japan's fascist military aggression against China is undoubtedly one of the most barbaric and bloody chapters in human history. Today, an increasing number of international scholars view the September 18th Incident as the beginning of World War II in the Eastern Theater. Throughout the fourteen-year War of Resistance, the Chinese people were heroic and unswerving, making an irreplaceable contribution to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. On a personal level, I hold the highest admiration for China's achievements and its contribution as the Main Eastern Theater in the World Anti-Fascist War.

However, there are narratives in the international community that intentionally overlook the immense contribution of the Chinese people's War of Resistance, leading to the widespread prevalence of fallacies that distort the history of WWII. Japanese history textbooks also downplay, distort, or even delete the history of Japan’s invasion of China in an attempt to cover up the atrocious crimes committed against China and its people. Such actions have greatly incensed the people of the world and the people of China.

As the Main Eastern Theater, the Chinese battlefield made a massive contribution to the struggle against fascist aggression; however, compared to the United States, Britain, and even the Soviet Union, China has received relatively little international recognition. In reality, China's contributions and sacrifices in WWII were immense, in certain respects exceeding those of Western nations like the U.S. and Britain and their allies. Yet, these countries often utilize the fruits of the war for their own private gain while turning a blind eye to China’s sacrifices. Therefore, Chinese scholars bear an important responsibility: to restore the truth of China's actual contributions in WWII and to break out of the ideological narrative frameworks of the U.S. and the West. Because there has long existed a biased and erroneous perception regarding China's foundational role and its deserved rights during the Allied victory over the Axis powers, these must be re-examined and justly evaluated.

In May 2025, during his state visit to Russia to attend the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War, President Xi Jinping emphasized the need to "persist in a correct view of WWII history" and to "jointly promote a correct view of WWII history." As scholars and experts in China studies worldwide, we shoulder another critical mission: to resist the fallacies that distort WWII history, defend the respect China deserves, and compel the world to clearly and profoundly recognize that in World War II, China fought side-by-side with Western nations against the fascist Axis powers, making an indelible and massive contribution to Japan's final defeat and playing an increasingly vital role on the international stage.

The year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. At this significant moment, China scholars, researchers, and experts around the world should remind the global community to collectively remember the immense sacrifices China made for world peace. Nations of the "Global South" have reason to look to China as an example, clearly demonstrating to the world the tenacious spirit and steadfast will China exhibited during WWII, as well as the price paid and the major contributions made toward the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. To this day, the spirit of the War of Resistance continues to inspire the Chinese people to constantly overcome all hardships and obstacles and to strive courageously toward the realization of the Chinese Dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Today, all countries should take history as a mirror ^[2], abandon prejudice and misunderstanding, and engage in cooperation and exchange with a more friendly and open attitude. Let us march forward hand-in-hand to jointly build a world of peaceful coexistence and mutual benefit, preventing the recurrence of historical tragedies and together advancing the cause of peace and development for all humanity.

(The author is an Associate Professor of Political Science and expert on Asian affairs at the Faculty of Politics and Economics, Beni-Suef University, Egypt)

Source: Chinese Social Sciences Net - Guangming Daily, July 7, 2025 Web Editor: Tong Xin