By Zhang Yuebin
On Aug. 6, the U.S. Department of State made remarks on World War II, claiming that the United States and Japan “concluded a devastating war in the Pacific.” The U.S. Embassy in China subsequently reposted this statement, sparking widespread controversy in international public opinion. This once again highlights the vital importance of establishing and upholding an accurate historical understanding of World War II.
Defining the war’s nature remains fundamental. Both the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and World War II as a whole represented a civilizational struggle against barbarism – progress confronting reaction. The aggression by fascist powers such as Germany, Italy, and Japan, posed a direct threat to human civilization, while the resistance of the Chinese people and peoples worldwide was just and progressive.
Certain actors deliberately distort historical facts to advance strategies aimed at containing China. Exploiting World War II narratives through utilitarian reinterpretations, they repurpose history for contemporary geopolitical objectives. In the name of “turning enemies into allies,” they have even described relations between a victorious anti-fascist country and a defeated fascist state as “standing together.”
Such rhetoric dishonors the memory of countless resisters and martyrs, including American soldiers who gave their lives in the anti-fascist cause. To reverse black and white and falsify history for present-day political gain not only desecrates their sacrifice but also risks encouraging the resurgence of militarism. In the end, such distortions inevitably backfire.
The correct view of World War II history rests on three pillars: respect for historical facts, recognition of historical trends, and confidence in the progress of human civilization. These three aspects are interconnected, and together they reveal the war’s true nature. Only through accurate comprehension and transmission of this history can humanity progress toward higher developmental stages.
The victory of the World Anti-Fascist War was a priceless spiritual legacy, achieved through immense blood and sacrifice by the peoples of the world. It must never be desecrated, distorted, or exploited for narrow political ends. Truth becomes clearer through debate. To uphold the correct view of World War II history, it is essential to deepen historical research, strengthen historical interpretation, and expand dissemination. The international community already has valuable experience in this regard.
In the 1950s, France and Germany established a joint history textbook committee to explore common historical understandings, paving the way for reconciliation and cooperation. Since then, numerous cross-national research projects have produced meaningful progress.
In October 2006, the leaders of China and Japan agreed to launch joint historical studies between scholars of the two countries. Through exchanges, the two sides achieved certain consensus on historical issues, which enhanced mutual understanding and trust between the peoples.
In addition, with the efforts of civil society groups, the Joint Editorial Committee of Scholars from China, Japan and the Republic of Korea published works such as “The Modern and Contemporary History of Three East Asian Countries” and “Beyond the borders of East Asian Modern and Contemporary History,” in the languages of the three countries, further consolidating a shared, factual view of history.
Beyond shared understanding between aggressor and victim countries, the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression must also be viewed in the broader perspective of world history and human progress.
The Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was a historical turning point for the Chinese nation in its march toward great rejuvenation, and also the beginning of the decline of Western imperialism and colonialism.
Since the 16th century, Western powers have relied on military and technological superiority to expand globally, inflicting immense suffering on countries including China. The Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression not only saved the Chinese nation, but also awakened people worldwide. China’s victory fundamentally reversed the long-standing trend of Western expansion eastward and ignited a global wave of national independence and liberation. Once set in motion, this historical tide proved unstoppable.
Only by holding a correct view of history can people remain at the forefront of the times and chart the right direction amid today’s profound global changes. The correct view of World War II history is a valuable spiritual treasure for humanity. The forces of justice, which have already taken shape in today’s world, will continue: they will defend the correct view of World War II history, strive for the right of national independence and self-determined development, and to explore paths to modernization without repeating the old road of hegemony. Historical revisionism, with all its contradictions, will ultimately be swept away by the tide of history.
(Zhang Yuebin is a special research fellow at the Research Center for Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.)
Upholding the correct view of WWII history
