Remembering history vital to a better future

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War — the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and progress over regress.

The Chinese people, having fought tenaciously for 14 years, won a great victory in the war of resistance against Japanese aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Their victory was the victory of all the peace-loving people in the world.

This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the return of Taiwan to the motherland, which was an outcome of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War. The pivotal role of the Communist Party of China was key to the victory of the Chinese people in the war of resistance against Japanese aggression. Throughout the entire course of the war, the CPC stood at the forefront, providing strong political leadership for the Chinese people.

The Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was an important part of the World Anti-Fascist War. It started much before the Western theater of World War II and, during the darkest period of the war, tied down almost 70 percent of the Japanese fascist forces at the cost of great sacrifice of the Chinese people, thus making immense contributions to the ultimate victory in the war.

In 1931, the Imperial Japanese Army staged the Sept 18 Incident, eight years before Nazi Germany launched its blitzkrieg against Poland and 10 years before the attack on Pearl Harbor. Throughout the 14 years of the war of resistance against Japanese aggression, the Chinese people made tremendous sacrifices. According to incomplete data, the number of Chinese military and civilian casualties exceeded 35 million, accounting for about one-third of the total casualties in World War II.

Contrary to some claims, Macao was very much a part of the war. As a matter of fact, its residents fought shoulder to shoulder with their mainland compatriots. Overcoming huge difficulties, all segments of Macao society provided accommodation, food and medical care for a large number of compatriots displaced by the war. Macao's patriotic figures such as Ma Man-kei, Ho Yin and Ke Lin broke through the heavy blockades of the Japanese invaders to send supplies and funds to the front line.

A legion of passionate young people from Macao reached the battlefronts in the Pearl River Delta region, including the Dongjiang Column. Patriotic groups from Macao went to great lengths to publicize the war of resistance against Japanese aggression. And the Yellow River Cantata, composed by Macao-born musician Xian Xinghai, became one of the strongest calls for national salvation.

There is therefore a need to uphold the correct historical perspective of World War II. History should not be tampered with or facts blurred, let alone erased.

Yet, driven by geopolitical interests, some countries and politicians are trying to ignore historical facts, downplay China's contributions to the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War, glorify colonial rule, and even deny the history of fascist aggression and the brutal crimes committed by the Japanese army. By indulging in such despicable and disgraceful acts, they are not only bringing shame on themselves, but also challenging the United Nations Charter, the postwar international order, and the collective conscience of the world.

But they should be aware that the over 1.4 billion Chinese people will not tolerate any attempts to distort the truth about World War II.

The international system with the UN at its core, in a way, is a manifestation of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and serves as a cornerstone for the postwar world order. China will never tread the path that fascist countries have paved, because that path leads to war, colonization, plunder and exploitation. Instead, China will always stand on the right side of history and hold high the banner of peace, development, cooperation and win-win results.

China's proposal for building a community with a shared future for humanity and other major concepts and initiatives are a continuation of the valuable experience of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War. We should learn from history, especially from the hard lessons of World War II, draw strength from the great victory in the World Anti-Fascist War, and vow to safeguard peace and jointly build a brighter future for humankind.

The author is the commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Macao Special Administrative Region.

The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.