The Academy of Marxism Holds a Publication Seminar for "The Great Spirit of the War of Resistance"

In order to profoundly study and implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s speech at the Commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, the book The Great Spirit of the War of Resistance, organized by the Institute of Marxism Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) and authored by Yu Xiaolei, was recently published by the China Social Sciences Press. On December 17, 2025, the CASS Institute of Marxism Studies held a symposium on the publication of The Great Spirit of the War of Resistance.

Guided by the important expositions of General Secretary Xi Jinping on the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the spirit of the war delivered on various significant occasions since the 18th National Congress of the CPC ^[1], the book provides a comprehensive, in-depth, and systematic analysis and discussion of the great spirit of the War of Resistance. It approaches the subject from the perspectives of the consistency between history and logic, the unity of theory and practice, and the connection between domestic and international dimensions. The first chapter theoretically summarizes the connotation of the spirit of the War of Resistance, the logic of its formation, and the Communist Party of China's exploration of this spirit. Chapters two through five primarily adopt a historical perspective, concretely demonstrating the great spirit of the War of Resistance through anti-Japanese heroes, heroic groups, and heroic deeds. This spirit is characterized by what General Secretary Xi Jinping described as: "the patriotic sentiment of 'the rise and fall of the nation is the responsibility of every individual' ^[2]; the national integrity of regarding death as a return home and preferring death to surrender; the heroic mettle of fearing no violence and fighting to the end; and the conviction of certain victory characterized by indomitability and perseverance." The sixth chapter elaborates on the great significance and contemporary value of the spirit of the War of Resistance that transcends time and space. It explains that this spirit has not only been integrated into the blood of the CPC and the Chinese people—becoming a "red gene" ^[3] passed down through generations and a spiritual driving force for revolution, construction, and reform—but also holds significant value for world peace and development today.

The symposium was chaired by Research Fellow He Xinyuan, Director of the Department of Marxism Sinicization Research at the CASS Institute of Marxism Studies, and Research Fellow Liu Zhichang, Deputy Director of the department, delivered the concluding remarks. Research Fellow Luo Wendong, Secretary of the Party Committee of the Institute of Marxism Studies, delivered an address. He pointed out that the book The Great Spirit of the War of Resistance is the product of collective research and multi-party collaboration by the researchers of the Institute, serving as an important manifestation of "organized scientific research" within the Institute. He emphasized that the Institute of Marxism Studies must not only study the great spirit of the War of Resistance well but also promote it effectively to continuously stimulate its spiritual power. Currently, China's development is in a period where strategic opportunities coexist with risks and challenges, and where uncertain and unpredictable factors are increasing. To respond to these challenges and resolve risks, we must always remember historical experiences and lessons, inherit and carry forward the great spirit of the War of Resistance, and engage in resolute struggle against various risks and challenges with the determination and courage to "overpower all difficulties without being overpowered by them." We must strive perseveringly to realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation until final victory is achieved.

Gao Guorong, Deputy Director of the CASS Institute of Modern History, and Research Fellow Wu Minchao provided commentary on the book. They maintained that The Great Spirit of the War of Resistance is clear in structure and rich in both content and form, featuring both text and illustrations. It is an important achievement that is ideological, academic, readable, engaging, and informative. The book’s system is complete and its argumentation comprehensive, achieving a "combination of history and theory" and "upholding the fundamentals and breaking new ground." Notably, in its treatment of the relationship between the Kuomintang (KMT) and the CPC, the book reflects the role of the KMT's "frontal battlefield" while highlighting the CPC's role as the "mainstay" ^[4], fully presenting the history of the entire nation's resistance.

Participants noted in their speeches that the entire process from writing and revision to publication epitomizes the spirit of solidarity and collaboration between individual and collective efforts. It is the result of the active exploration by researchers at the Institute of Marxism Studies into current "hot topics" surrounding the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, reflecting the Institute's sense of responsibility. The publication of this book represents only a phased achievement in the research on the great spirit of the War of Resistance; it is hoped that subsequent research will continuously expand and deepen, innovating and developing to produce more and better research results.

(Text and images provided by Yu Xiaolei)