China marks 88th anniversary of whole-nation resistance against Japanese aggression
BEIJING (July 10): China on Monday held a ceremony in Beijing to mark the 88th anniversary of the start of the entire nation's resistance against Japanese aggression.
An exhibition themed 'For National Liberation and World Peace' was also launched to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
Both the ceremony and the exhibition were held at the Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, located near the Lugou Bridge – also known as the Marco Polo Bridge – where Japanese troops attacked Chinese forces on July 7, 1937.
Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, delivered a speech at the event and announced the opening of the exhibition.
When Japanese militarists staged the Lugou Bridge Incident and launched their full-scale invasion of China 88 years ago, the Chinese military and people rose up in resistance, initiating a whole-of-nation war effort that opened the main Eastern battlefield in the global war against fascism, said Cai.
Cai stressed that the CPC fought bravely on the front lines of the resistance and set the direction of the national effort, serving as the pillar of the entire nation throughout the war.
United in purpose, the Chinese people fought with unwavering resolve – for the country's survival, national rejuvenation, and the cause of justice for all humanity, Cai said, adding that they eventually won the war and made a significant contribution to the victory in the global war against fascism.
The exhibition presents a panoramic view of the glorious course of the Chinese people's 14-year hard war of resistance, said Cai, who emphasised the need to carry forward the spirit of the resistance war, strengthen confidence and forge ahead to build China into a strong country and rejuvenate the Chinese nation on all fronts by pursuing Chinese modernisation.
He also stressed the significance of making new and greater contributions to the noble cause of peace and development for humanity.
Cai visits an exhibition themed 'For National Liberation and World Peace' in Beijing on July 7, 2025. – Xinhua photo
Cai and other leaders joined representatives from all walks of life to present flowers to martyrs of the resistance war. They also visited the exhibition. Around 600 people attended the events.
The Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was the first war to break out amid the World Anti-Fascist War, and lasted the longest, resulting in over 35 million Chinese military and civilian casualties.
On the main Eastern battlefield in this global fight against fascism, China's resistance efforts saw a decisive victory over Japanese fascism, and supported other fronts in Europe and Asia, contributing profoundly to the final global victory and world peace.
The exhibition, divided into eight parts with a total area of 12,200 square meters, displays 1,525 photos and 3,237 artifacts.
A dedicated section within the exhibition memorialises fallen heroes, prominently featuring the etched names of notable martyrs and heroic units.
Reflecting on the profound impact of this legacy, young official Qu Bin said: 'Each martyr stands as an eternal symbol of courage. Their unwavering patriotism and valor remain a wellspring of determination, fueling our resolve to overcome today's challenges.'
Middle school student Zhu Jiangyu voiced the conviction of the country's youngest generations: 'The necessity of national rejuvenation is sealed within our hearts. Propelled by the spirit of our forebears, we, the youth, will hold fast to our ideals, nurture profound dedication to our nation, fulfill our mission, and shine brightly in our era.'
Wang Taihe, son of a veteran who fought in the resistance war, articulated the necessity of remembrance and vigilance.
'We gather to honor the pioneers who sacrificed all for peace, ensuring their indelible legacy endures,' Wang said at the ceremony.
'Our duty is to expose distortions of history that deny aggression, and to fortify our collective commitment to lasting peace.'
Also on Monday, China's Central Archives opened over 57,000 documents to the public. The newly accessible material includes more than 40,000 items specifically chronicling the resistance period from September 1931 to September 1945.
Commemorative activities were also held in other parts of China.
On Monday morning, the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, held educational events including poetry reading and a bell-striking ceremony attended by young students, teachers, military officers and volunteers.
Fu Yucheng, a middle school student from Yixing City in Jiangsu, made a special trip to the memorial during his summer vacation to gain a deeper understanding of that period of history.
'The historical materials in the exhibition hall left me with an especially heavy heart,' Fu said.
'We young people should draw strength from history to move forward, and strive to shoulder our due responsibilities.'
Photo taken on July 7, 2025 shows a ceremony to mark the 88th anniversary of the start of the entire nation's resistance against Japanese aggression in Beijing. – Xinhua photo
The September 18 Historical Museum in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province, on Monday partnered with several media outlets to disseminate people's memories of the war of resistance on its online virtual exhibition platform, releasing live broadcasts, a series of micro-documentary screenings, and details of interactive online and in-person activities.
The museum has also created a dedicated memorial section on its official website and WeChat account, allowing the public to post digital tributes to the heroes who sacrificed their lives for the independence and liberation of the Chinese nation.
Through diversified commemorative activities, the museum aims to immerse the public in the profound historical culture of the war of resistance while passing down its great spirit, said Fan Lihong, the museum's curator.
More than ten political parties and organisations in Taiwan on Monday gathered in central Taipei, braving the rain to commemorate the 88th anniversary of the start of the entire Chinese nation's resistance against Japanese aggression.
The rally, held outside the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) headquarters, called for respect for historical facts and opposition to pro-Japanese historical narratives, urging the DPP authorities to acknowledge the shared history of cross-Strait resistance and recognize the contributions of Taiwan people during the war.
Chi Chia-lin, honorary chairman of the Reunification Alliance Party in Taiwan, said that the anniversary of the whole Chinese nation's resistance against Japanese aggression served as a reminder for opposing 'Taiwan independence' separatism and promoting national reunification.
'Today, we are here to carry forward the national spirit, oppose 'Taiwan independence' separatism, and work toward the reunification of China,' Chi said.
He noted that dozens of anti-Japanese incidents broke out across the island within just a month after July 7, 1937, and many young Taiwan patriots also rushed to the motherland to join the war of resistance.
'We came here today to remind the DPP authorities that Taiwan people have a long tradition of patriotism,' said Chi Hsing, publisher of The Observer magazine, urging the DPP authorities to end all separatist activities and help safeguard peaceful cross-Strait development. – Xinhua 88th anniversary Cai Qi China Japanese aggression Xinhua
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