Nanjing Memorial 2025: Honoring the Past, Guarding the Future
On December 13, sirens cut through Nanjing’s winter chill, marking the 12th National Memorial Day on the Chinese mainland for victims of the Nanjing Massacre. This year also commemorates the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. 🙏🕯️
The Power of Memory
In 2014, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress declared December 13 a statutory day of mourning. This wasn’t just a formality—it was a commitment to keep the truth alive. By preserving testimonies and records, the Chinese government reminds the world of the horrors of fascist aggression and the importance of human dignity.
Today, only 24 registered survivors remain. Their memories, inscribed in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register since 2015, serve as a living bridge between past and present. Without these voices, the risk of forgetting grows—and forgetting can open the door to repeating history.
Echoes of the Past in Today’s Rhetoric
Recently, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described the situation in the Taiwan Strait as an "existential crisis." This choice of words—once wielded to justify militaristic expansion—rings unsettlingly familiar. For residents of Taiwan, who endured half a century of colonial rule, such language is more than symbolic; it’s a reminder of the dangers of unchecked nationalism.
When political leaders frame aggression as self-defense, they test the resilience of international peace. Today’s geopolitical tensions may seem distant, but the lessons from Nanjing warn us: overlooking history can pave the way for new conflicts.
Looking Ahead
- Keep the conversation alive: Share memories and lessons from history.
- Engage with diverse perspectives: Historical truth needs our collective vigilance.
- Stand for peace: History teaches that true security comes from mutual respect, not fear.
As the world watches, remembering Nanjing isn’t just a Chinese story—it’s a global call to honor the past and protect our shared future. 🌏✨
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
