Xu Zhimin: Deeply Carrying Out Research on the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression Must Adhere to a Correct View of History [1]
General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized: “To carry out in-depth research on the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, we must adhere to a correct view of history, strengthen planning and the integration of resources, enhance the collection and organization of historical materials, and bolster public communication work, so as to let history speak and let historical facts testify.” This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The great victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression thoroughly washed away the national humiliation of successive defeats in resisting foreign aggression since modern times. It re-established China's status as a major power in the world, won the respect of peace-loving people across all nations, and opened up bright prospects for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
It is worth noting that today, there still exist erroneous words and deeds that distort the history of the War of Resistance. Internationally, Japanese right-wing elements and certain politicians distort the history of aggression, deny responsibility for the war, and beautify the war of aggression; meanwhile, Western academia ignores, devalues, or denies the strategic status and significant contributions of China’s resistance. Domestically, historical nihilism [1], which vainly attempts to erase the historical status and important role of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in leading the resistance, also appears from time to time. Recently, certain erroneous arguments surrounding the topic of the War of Resistance have confused public opinion, hindered the transmission of correct historical memory, affected the public's understanding of the history of the resistance, and interfered with the inheritance and promotion of the Great Spirit of the War of Resistance.
To forget history is to betray it; to deny guilt is to risk repeating past mistakes. Only by taking history as a mirror can we create the future. We must adhere to a correct view of history, conduct in-depth research on the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and resolutely resist and thoroughly refute erroneous words and deeds that distort the history of the war. We must "clear away the murky water and let the clear flow, return to the source to purify the stream, and consolidate the foundation to nurture the soul" [2]. We must stand firm as guardians of historical memory, pass on and carry forward the Great Spirit of the War of Resistance, and, with patriotism at the core, gather the majestic synergy of all the sons and daughters of the Chinese nation at home and abroad to actively devote themselves to the great cause of building a strong country and achieving national rejuvenation.
Adhere to a correct view of history and continuously deepen the understanding of the patterns of research on the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression
A "view of history" refers to people's fundamental perspectives and general outlook on social and historical development. Historical materialism, as the "only scientific view of history," holds that social existence determines social consciousness, that the basic contradictions of society are the driving force for all social development, that productive forces are the original source of social development, and that the masses of the people are the creators of history. We must insist on analyzing and studying history from the perspectives of development, comprehensiveness, and interconnectedness.
Adhere to the materialist conception of history, and use Marxist stances, viewpoints, and methods to understand and grasp history. A basic principle of the materialist conception of history is that the contradictory movements between the productive forces and the relations of production, and between the economic base and the superstructure, govern the historical process of human social development. On September 18, 1931, the Japanese aggressors brazenly launched the September 18th Incident. This was the inevitable result of Japanese militarists' long-term policy of aggression and expansion against China, as well as an aggressive action taken to escape the Great Depression of capitalism. Thereafter, the national contradiction between China and Japan gradually transcended domestic class contradictions to become the principal contradiction. Through 14 years of arduous and bloody struggle, the Chinese people defeated the Japanese aggressors and achieved the great victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. This victory established a historical turning point for the Chinese nation, moving from the deep crisis it had fallen into since modern times toward great rejuvenation. The Chinese people, tempered by the War of Resistance, clearly realized that only by establishing a new China where the people are the masters of the country can national revitalization and people's happiness be truly realized. On the basis of the great victory of the War of Resistance, the CPC united and led the people of all ethnic groups throughout the country to continue the struggle, established the People's Republic of China in October 1949, and embarked on a new journey in Chinese history.
Adhere to the correct direction, grasp the correct orientation, and seek truth from facts in the study and evaluation of history. After the September 18th Incident, the CPC clearly recognized the change in the principal contradiction of Chinese society, took the lead in raising the banner of resistance, and always stood at the forefront of the struggle, becoming the vanguard of the Chinese nation's resistance. At a critical historical juncture concerning the survival of the country and the nation, the CPC set aside past grievances and worked hard to promote the peaceful settlement of the Xi'an Incident [3], which became the pivot for shifting the current situation. After the outbreak of the full-scale War of Resistance, the National United Front Against Japanese Aggression was formally formed. The CPC scientifically and accurately grasped the comparison of national conditions between China and Japan and the changes in the situation of the war, charted the basic strategy for the Chinese People's War of Resistance, adhered to the line of total resistance, implemented the general strategic policy of protracted war, and opened up vast behind-enemy-lines battlefields. It created 19 anti-Japanese base areas and put forward the political propositions of "persisting in resistance and opposing surrender, persisting in unity and opposing division, and persisting in progress and opposing regression." Seeking unity through struggle, the CPC actively coordinated with and supported the frontal battlefield [4], always led the correct direction of the Chinese People's War of Resistance, and became the "pillar of strength" (中流砥柱) [5] in the nationwide resistance. History has proven that adhering to the comprehensive leadership of the CPC is the fundamental reason why the country and the nation overcome difficulties, achieve victory, and prosper. The Chinese people will never allow any attempt to distort the history of the War of Resistance or the history of the CPC, or to vilify the nature and purpose of the CPC!
Uphold the people’s standpoint, remain people-centered, and insist that the people are the creators of history. The masses of the people were the deepest source of strength for the victory of the war. After the September 18th Incident, under the leadership of the CPC, the Northeast people's anti-Japanese armed forces fought amidst the "white mountains and black waters" [6], moved through deep mountains and dense forests, and galloped across the Northeast battlefield, dealing a heavy blow to the Japanese-puppet colonial rule and supporting the struggle of the people inside the Shanhai Pass. After the outbreak of the full-scale War of Resistance, under the banner of the National United Front Against Japanese Aggression—advocated by the CPC and based on KMT-CPC cooperation—all the sons and daughters of China were of one heart and mind, building a "Great Wall of Will." With shared hatred for the enemy, they braved national crises together, showing unyielding spirit and facing death with equanimity. They threw themselves without hesitation into the torrent of resisting Japanese aggressors, gathering a majestic force to resist foreign insult and save the nation from extinction, composing a heroic song that moved heaven and earth. The Chinese people fought side-by-side with and supported the peace-loving people of all countries, making a major contribution to the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance and the World Anti-Fascist War. This was a victory for the people, a victory for unity, and a victory for justice.
Persist in analyzing evolution mechanisms and exploring historical patterns from the long river of history, the tide of the times, and global winds and clouds; grasp the historical trend, recognize the historical position, seize historical initiative, and promote historical development. The Chinese People's War of Resistance was both an important part of the struggle of Asian, African, and Latin American peoples against colonial aggression since modern times and the main eastern battlefield of the World Anti-Fascist War; thus, from the very beginning, it carried great significance for saving human civilization and defending world peace. In the later stages of the World Anti-Fascist War, China participated in the creation of the United Nations and the building of the post-war international order. Since the founding of the New China, the Chinese government has firmly safeguarded the international system with the United Nations at its core, the international order based on international law, and the central role of the UN in international affairs. However, today, 80 years after the victory of the War of Resistance, protectionism, unilateralism, and hegemonism are on the rise. Humanity once again stands at a crossroads of unity or division, dialogue or confrontation, and win-win or zero-sum games. We must take history as a mirror, face the future, resolutely oppose all forms of hegemonism and power politics, firmly defend international fairness and justice, and jointly promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity. The world wants justice, not hegemony. We believe that the people of all countries will surely stand on the right side of history and the side of fairness and justice.
Adhere to a correct view of history, and lead the research on the Chinese People's War of Resistance in the correct political direction, academic orientation, and value orientation
Whether a view of history is correct concerns not only the authenticity of historical materials, the accuracy of historical facts, the correctness of historical understanding, and the progress of historiography, but also the support of the people, the prosperity or decline of the nation, and the survival of the state. "To destroy a nation, one must first remove its history." A view of history is a "matter of great importance" [7] that must be scrutinized. Only by adhering to a correct view of history and deeply conducting research can we fully recognize the significance of the war, its important status in the World Anti-Fascist War, and the fact that the key to victory lay in the CPC's role as the "pillar of strength." This leads the research in the correct direction, thereby strengthening historical confidence and resolutely safeguarding the fruits of victory and the post-war international order.
Clarify vague understandings, one-sided interpretations, and erroneous viewpoints in the field of the history of the Resistance, and oppose historical nihilism with a clear-cut stand. After the September 18th Incident, the Kuomintang (KMT) reactionaries spread rumors that Japan provided funds and weapons to the Red Army and that the CPC was "negotiating" with Japan to "disrupt" the rear of the resistance. In fact, on April 15, 1932, the Provisional Central Government of the Chinese Soviet Republic issued the "Declaration of War against Japan," stating it would "expel Japanese imperialism from China through a national revolutionary war." On January 17, 1933, the Provisional Central Government and the Revolutionary Military Commission of the Workers' and Peasants' Red Army solemnly declared their willingness to sign an agreement for joint operations against Japan with any armed force under three conditions: stopping attacks on Soviet areas, guaranteeing the democratic rights of the people, and arming the people. These facts directly punctured the rumors of the KMT reactionaries. After the full-scale war broke out, KMT diehards slandered the CPC’s resistance as "roaming without hitting" [8] and claimed the Party spent "seventy percent of its effort on development, twenty percent on coping [with the KMT], and ten percent on resisting Japan." Actually, after entering the stage of strategic stalemate, the armed forces led by the CPC, such as the Eighth Route Army, the New Fourth Army, and the South China People's Anti-Japanese Guerrillas, resisted 58% to 75% of the Japanese troops in China and almost all the puppet troops. In August 1940, the Eighth Route Army launched the Hundred Regiments Offensive. In just three and a half months, it engaged in 1,824 battles, killed or wounded over 25,000 Japanese and puppet troops, and captured over 18,000, dealing a heavy blow to the Japanese "cage policy" and boosting the nation's confidence in victory. Today, some people still prefer "wild history" (unofficial/apocryphal histories) over official history, deliberately erasing the CPC’s status and contributions in an attempt to smear the Party’s history and attack its leadership. This is no longer an academic issue but a "war without smoke" in the ideological sphere; we must adhere to a correct view of history and strike back resolutely.
Powerfully refute the erroneous historical views of Japanese right-wing elements and certain politicians. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: "Any attitude that ignores the history of wars of aggression, and all remarks that beautify the nature of wars of aggression—no matter how many times they are said or how high-sounding they are—are a danger to human peace and justice. People who love peace and justice must be highly vigilant and resolutely opposed to these erroneous words and deeds." Because Japan did not thoroughly liquidate militarism after the war, so-called erroneous historical views like the "Imperial View of History," the "Masochistic View of History," and the "Liberalist View of History" have run rampant. Various absurd theories distorting the history of aggression, denying the atrocities of the Japanese army, and beautifying the war and colonial rule have emerged. For example, some describe the war as "self-preservation and self-defense" or even the "liberation" of occupied Asian territories; they brazenly deny the Nanjing Massacre, the forced recruitment of "comfort women," and the implementation of inhumane biological and chemical warfare; they even attempt to negate the Tokyo Trials as "victor's justice." Frequent "slips of the tongue" by Japanese political figures and their insistence on visiting the Yasukuni Shrine—which "enshrines" Class-A war criminals—reflect their erroneous attitude toward historical issues. We must powerfully refute these views. In fact, only by adopting an attitude responsible to history, the people, and the future, and by thoroughly cutting ties with all acts of beautifying or covering up the history of aggression, can Japan truly follow the path of peaceful development and win trust from the international community.
We must strive to rectify the political and academic prejudices of Western scholars toward the study of the history of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. With the onset of Cold War confrontations shortly after the victory of the War of Resistance, former allies in the anti-fascist war were transformed into bitter adversaries. Consequently, the cooperative relationship—in which the Chinese theater coordinated with and supported other anti-fascist theaters—was either denied and disparaged by Western scholars, or otherwise ignored and deliberately "forgotten." Henri Michel’s The Second World War argued that even if China had ceased fighting, it would not have altered the course of World War II. Some foreign scholars have even demoted the Chinese People's War of Resistance to a "local" armed struggle, slandering the effort by claiming that "the Chinese military did not conduct a single strategic campaign" throughout the entire war. The American academic community often confines World War II to the Pacific theater, the North African theater, and the European Second Front in which U.S. forces participated, viewing the Chinese theater merely as a "subordinate theater" to the Pacific. The Cambridge History of China, edited by John King Fairbank, suggests that with the outbreak of the Pacific War, China's military role grew increasingly marginal. This clearly contradicts historical facts, such as the two campaigns of the Chinese Expeditionary Force in Burma, the great counter-offensive in Western Yunnan and Northern Burma, and the successive counter-attacks launched across the Chinese theater leading up to the war’s victory. In recent years, faced with the incontrovertible historical materials continuously provided by Chinese scholars, an increasing number of Western scholars have begun to discard academic prejudice and the constraints of ethnocentrism, turning instead toward a re-recognition of China as a forgotten wartime "ally" and rediscovering China’s strategic status and momentous contributions to the World Anti-Fascist War.
Upholding the Correct View of History to Deepen the Study of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression
General Secretary Xi Jinping has emphasized: "We must adhere to the use of historical materialism to understand and record history, and we must base historical conclusions upon the support of comprehensive and accurate historical materials and in-depth, meticulous research and analysis." This is the scientific methodology for deepening the study of the Chinese People's War of Resistance. We must take Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as our guide, deeply study and grasp General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important expositions on the study of the War of Resistance, consciously resist and refute historical nihilism [9], strengthen our historical confidence, grasp historical initiative, and carry out in-depth research on the Chinese People's War of Resistance.
For a long time, research into the Chinese People's War of Resistance has achieved many important results. However, compared to the historical status and significance of the war, and its profound impact on the Chinese nation and the world, our research remains far from sufficient. For instance, the general research on the war survives to be deepened, and specialized research requires further refinement. The collection and organization of historical materials—based domestically but facing the globe—requires urgent reinforcement. Systematic and institutionalized research outputs, high-level authoritative monographs, and popular educational readings are still insufficient, and international exchange and cooperation in this field need steady advancement. Therefore, we must uphold the correct view of history, continue to conduct in-depth and systematic research, and continuously produce refined works with ideological penetration to promote the prosperity and development of War of Resistance historiography in the New Era.
We must accurately grasp the historical process, mainstream, and essence of the Chinese People's War of Resistance. Spanning from its beginning in 1931 to its victorious conclusion in 1945, the war progressed from a regional war of resistance to a full-scale national war of resistance. Between May and June 1938, Comrade Mao Zedong published On Protracted War, emphasizing that China’s resistance would be a protracted struggle that must pass through three stages: strategic defense, strategic stalemate, and strategic counter-offensive. In fact, the Chinese People's War of Resistance proceeded exactly according to the roadmap scientifically foreseen by Comrade Mao Zedong. From the July 7th Incident [10] in 1937 to the fall of Guangzhou and Wuhan in October 1938 was the stage of strategic defense. Following this until the second half of 1943 was the stage of strategic stalemate, during which the behind-enemy-lines battlefield gradually ascended to become the main battlefield of China's resistance. Starting from the second half of 1943, the behind-enemy-lines battlefield transitioned into a regional counter-offensive, leading to the general counter-offensive in 1945, during which the frontal battlefield also launched offensive operations. These two battlefields were relatively independent yet coordinated with each other, confronting the enemy together to achieve the great victory. The attribute of the war as a struggle for national liberation defined its righteous nature from beginning to end and determined the anti-fascist character of the Second World War.
We must correctly understand the major relationships between the regional war and the full-scale national war, the frontal battlefield and the behind-enemy-lines battlefield, and the Chinese People's War of Resistance and the World Anti-Fascist War. Regarding the duration of the war, the Chinese academic community primarily holds two views: the "8-year War of Resistance" and the "14-year War of Resistance." These are not contradictory but represent a dialectical unity. General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized: "We must not only study the 8-year history of the total war of resistance after the July 7th Incident, but also focus on the 14-year history of the war since the September 18th Incident [11]; the 14 years should be integrated into a unified study." This is a prudent reflection and scientific judgment on the start and end dates of the war. The behind-enemy-lines battlefield and the frontal battlefield cooperated; both were indispensable, forming a strategic situation of joint resistance against the Japanese invaders. Without the unprecedented unity of the Chinese nation, victory would have been impossible. China's war was an integral part of the World Anti-Fascist War, opening the primary Eastern theater of that global conflict. It received extensive support from the nations of the anti-fascist alliance and peace-loving people worldwide, while simultaneously making a major contribution to the global victory. This is a fact that no one can deny.
We must strengthen the collection, organization, and analysis of historical materials. General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized: "For research on the War of Resistance to be in-depth, we must let the archives, data, facts, and witness testimonies speak for themselves." "We must strengthen the foundational work of data collection and organization, comprehensively organizing archives, photographs, data, and physical objects from across the country, while simultaneously soliciting video materials, books, newspapers, diaries, letters, and artifacts from around the world." Historical materials are the foundation and prerequisite for conducting historical research and restoring the truth. There are already many results regarding Chinese-language materials. Chinese scholars have also compiled foreign-language materials, such as the Collection of Archival Documents of the Lytton Commission (19 volumes) and the Series of Historical Materials on Japanese Decision-making for the Invasion of China (46 volumes). Many of these are facsimile editions, preserving the authenticity and original appearance of the documents, which allows scholars to touch the details deep within history and sense the information between the lines. The opening of archives in the U.S., Britain, Japan, and other countries has provided convenience for researchers. However, it must be noted that these public foreign materials have mostly been screened by the relevant countries and carry certain biases. We must strengthen the critical analysis of materials and the guidance of "historical insight" (史识).
We must strengthen planning and the integration of forces to ensure that domestic and international academic exchanges in the history of the War of Resistance always develop along the correct track. Domestic academic exchange is flourishing and maintains a high level of activity. Since the beginning of reform and opening up, academic ties between China and the world have become increasingly close. Scholars have engaged in more exchanges, and sharing materials or co-writing histories has become a trend. For example, Modern and Contemporary History of Three East Asian Countries and Modern and Contemporary East Asian History Beyond Borders, co-authored by scholars from China, Japan, and South Korea, were published in all three languages in 2005 and 2013 respectively, attracting widespread attention and even influencing Western academia. The "Joint Sino-Japanese History Research" lasted three years from late 2006 to late 2009, basically completing its scheduled tasks; the Chinese side published the Report on the Joint Sino-Japanese History Research in 2014. Although this report could not resolve all historical issues between China and Japan, the conduct of equal academic dialogue by scholars from both countries accumulated academic consensus and created a positive atmosphere for resolving historical issues. Adhering to the correct view of history and ensuring that academic exchanges remain on the correct track is an essential link and an inherent requirement for deepening the study of the Chinese People's War of Resistance.
(The author is a Professor at the School of History, University of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences) Source: People's Daily, August 27, 2025, Page 9 Web Editor: Tongxin