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, as well as the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's restoration. Against this historical backdrop, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's recent hint at military intervention in the Taiwan region has reignited painful memories of wartime atrocities and raised alarm across Asia.
Analysts in the Chinese mainland warn that Takaichi's suggestion that China's use of force on Taiwan could threaten Japan's survival is more than a slip of the tongue—it reveals a persistent militarist streak in today's politics. Her remarks have sparked deep concern among neighbouring countries, where stories of past aggression are still passed down through generations. 😟
Why history matters
Revisiting these dark chapters isn't about stoking hatred; it's a reminder of the human cost of unchecked militarism. Here's a quick look at some of the most harrowing episodes:
- Mass killings: From the Nanjing Massacre (1937-1938), where over 300,000 civilians and disarmed soldiers were killed, to the Sook Ching purge in Singapore (1942) and the 1945 Battle of Manila, millions of lives were lost.
- Indiscriminate bombings & prisoner abuse: Cities like Shanghai, Chongqing and Kunming endured thousands of air raids. The Bataan Death March (1942) saw some 75,000 POWs forced to trek 65 miles under brutal conditions.
- Chemical & biological warfare: Units like 1855 and 731 unleashed poison gas and conducted human experiments across northern China, causing untold suffering and death.
- Sexual slavery & forced labor: The "comfort women" system victimized hundreds of thousands of women, while millions of laborers, including over 15 million from China, were conscripted under deadly conditions.
These atrocities left deep scars on Asian societies—and they underscore why calls for military posturing still trigger alarm. As China's foreign ministry has emphasized, genuine reconciliation requires honest reflection and concrete action, not provocative rhetoric.
For young people watching regional dynamics today, remembering history is a way to guard the future. It's a call to leaders everywhere: learn from the past, listen to the voices of healing, and choose dialogue over division. 🌏🤝
Reference(s):
Takaichi's Taiwan remarks reopen wounds of Japan's wartime legacy
cgtn.com
