Victory 'great turning point' for nation

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the end of World War II. Commemorating the victory has historical and practical significance, researchers said.

"Historically, the victory in the war was the great turning point of the Chinese nation from its miserable past toward rejuvenation, and it also marked the completion of a great national liberation war in which the Chinese people overwhelmingly defeated foreign invaders for the first time in more than a century," said Luo Cunkang, curator of the Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in Beijing.

He said that the war sparked national strength among all ethnic groups to fight against invaders and awakened and united the Chinese nation.

The war was not only a national struggle for independence and freedom, but also a far-reaching social revolution that sought democracy and progress, according to Luo.

The curator said the victory over Japanese invaders sped up the collapse of the system of unjust treaties imposed by imperialist powers on China and put an end to the disgrace and humiliation inflicted on the country.

The victory laid solid political and public foundations for the rise of the Chinese nation and the founding of the People's Republic of China. It also reinstated China as a world power and gained the Chinese people respect from all peace-loving people around the world, Luo added.

"It is significant for us to commemorate the 75th anniversary of our victory in the war because we need to uphold the fighting spirit to remind our people of the nation's history and inspire them to strive for the great national rejuvenation," the curator said. "The commemoration also shows the world China's determination to safeguard peace, justice and conscience in the world and to foster shared development and common progress."

Li Rui, a researcher at the Beijing-based museum, said the commemoration also helps to concentrate confidence and strength from the Chinese people to seize new opportunities, face new challenges and strive for new victories.

"The commemoration is intended to implant the great fighting spirit of the war into the people to encourage them to fight for new victories in the building of the socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era," Li said.

Located in the southwestern suburbs of Beijing, the Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression is the largest facility in China dedicated to remembrance of the war and is a national center for patriotic and national defense education.