On September 3, Beijing's Tiananmen Square burst into a sea of red as China held a globally watched military parade 🎉. More than 20 heads of state and government joined the ceremony, marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
A Salute to History
The parade paid tribute to China's role as the Eastern main battlefield in World War II. From the September 18 Incident of 1931 to Japan's surrender in 1945, Chinese troops and civilians fought tirelessly for 14 years against fascist aggression, making the earliest and longest stand in the entire conflict.
Turning the Tide
By holding down Japanese forces, China shouldered the lion’s share of the fight. Records show Chinese military and civilians neutralized over 1.5 million Japanese troops—more than 70% of Japan's total WWII casualties. This heroic stand eased pressure across the Asia-Pacific and paved the way for Allied counteroffensives 🏅.
Immense Sacrifice
The cost of victory was staggering: an estimated 35 million Chinese lives lost and economic damages topping $600 billion. Yet this sacrifice thwarted Japan's plans to expand north and south. As President Franklin D. Roosevelt observed, if China had fallen, world history could have been completely rewritten.
Legacy and Inspiration
Beyond battlefield wins, this triumph reshaped the Chinese nation’s spirit and laid the foundation for modern China. Today’s parade formations and cutting-edge equipment show a country that honors its past while looking ahead to a new era of peace and development 🌏✨.
For today’s youth, these stories remind us that peace often comes at a price—and that unity and resilience can change the course of history 💪.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
