University students find spirit as schools mark war anniversary

With this year's school opening season coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, many universities have incorporated wartime history, the spirit of resistance and patriotism into their opening ceremonies to kick off the new semester.

At the Renmin University of China in Beijing, more than 3,000 undergraduates attended the opening ceremony on Monday. Chen Hong, granddaughter of war hero Zhao Yiman, delivered a keynote speech urging students to draw strength from the deeds of revolutionary martyrs and strive to become capable talent dedicated to national rejuvenation.

A digital avatar of Zhao, whom Chen had never met, was presented on stage. Chen shared excerpts from her grandmother's family letter, noting that her father — the first student enrolled in the university's diplomacy department — had handwritten a copy of the letter for her.

"I now stand where he once studied," she said. "I hope each of you will draw strength from these heroes and grow into pillars capable of strengthening the nation and achieving national rejuvenation."

She added: "Dear students, always remember the difficult years of the Chinese people's resistance against Japanese aggression. Remember the countless martyrs like Zhao Yiman, who fought for national survival, renewal and human justice, and who now rest in the green hills and yellow earth beneath us."

At Tsinghua University in Beijing, about 4,000 freshmen attended their opening ceremony on Thursday. President Li Luming reflected on the legacy of National Southwest Associated University, formed in 1937 during the war through the merger of Tsinghua University, Peking University and Nankai University. Located in Yunnan province under wartime conditions, Southwest Associated preserved China's educational heritage.

Li said universities serve as vital vessels of cultural inheritance. During the war against Japanese aggression, more than 100 Chinese institutions relocated to the western and southern regions, preserving academic traditions and nurturing talent despite displacement and conflict. He noted that more than 1,100 Southwest Associated students enlisted in the military, and many lost their lives.

"Southwest Associated remains a special chapter in Tsinghua's history. Its spirit is interwoven with Tsinghua's traditions and reflects the essence of our motto-'Self-Discipline and Social Commitment' — amid national peril," Li said.

He encouraged students to uphold the spirit of the resistance war, inherit the legacy of the university, study diligently, pioneer innovation and demonstrate determination and excellence in serving national development and rejuvenation.

Renmin freshman Wang Hongming comes from Yangquan, Shanxi province, a revolutionary base where the Hundred Regiments Offensive was launched 85 years ago.

"From the first people's city founded by the Party to the first regular university established by the Party, I have followed its red footsteps and am deeply grateful for the passing on of the revolutionary spirit," he said.

Wang said he hopes students heed the Party's guidance and take practical action to become pioneers and innovators. He urged his peers to be down-to-earth, apply theoretical knowledge in practice and contribute to the development of the motherland.

Xu Ruize, a freshman at Tsinghua's Shuimu College, traced his roots to Fushun, Liaoning province — the birthplace of the "Lei Feng Spirit" and once known as China's "coal capital".

He recalled observing the vast open-pit mine that fueled New China's industrial growth and his parents' factory, which relocated due to mining-induced subsidence.

"Since I learned to write, I've expressed one wish: to make my hometown better," he said. "How can I contribute? This question planted a simple aspiration in meto become someone useful to my hometown and country."

Xu also referred to the Sept 18 Incident in 1931 that marked the start of Japan's invasion of China.

"History tells us that only when the country is strong can families be safe and prosperous," he said. "The words 'home and country' remain firm values in Tsinghua people's hearts. I hope to join my peers to shoulder our generation's mission and integrate our learning into the grand blueprint of national rejuvenation."