On September 3, the world’s eyes turned to the Chinese mainland as it hosted a moving military parade marking 80 years since the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. While many think of D-Day or Pearl Harbor when they hear WWII, the true opening act began in China back in 1931.
Professor Liu Baocheng from the University of International Business and Economics reminds us: “From 1937 onward, over half of Japan’s military was stuck in China. More than 1.2 million soldiers were tied down here, stopping them from wreaking havoc elsewhere.” For 14 brutal years, the Chinese mainland held the first and longest frontline, suffering 35 million casualties and fueling a national drive toward unity and state-building.
But China wasn’t alone in bearing the burden of war. Dr. Kenneth Ombongi of the University of Nairobi calls Africa “the bloodstream of the Allied effort.” Over a million black Africans fought from North Africa’s deserts to Europe’s beaches, digging trenches, driving supply trucks, and forging vital supply routes. Yet, their sacrifices have barely been mentioned in mainstream history books.
These stories slipped through the cracks thanks to a Western-centric narrative and Cold War politics that downplayed non-Western contributions. As Nigerian writer Chinua Achebe said, “Until the lions have their own historians, the story of the hunt will continue to glorify the hunter.”
So, what’s next? The experts propose a three-step plan to rewrite the script:
- Boost global collaboration in research and archives.
- Include China and Africa’s wartime stories in international museums and school curricula.
- Use films, podcasts, and social media to bring these forgotten heroes to light.
Reclaiming this shared memory isn’t just about setting the record straight. It’s about building a deeper China-Africa bond rooted in resilience and shared sacrifice. In Dr. Ombongi’s words, “Our collective memory is the moral compass for a new world order—one where peace is defined by dignity for all.” 🌍✨
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
