China marks 89th anniversary of resistance war against Japanese aggression

Shi Guifang, a historian at Capital Normal University in Beijing, has drawn parallels between Japan's recent provocative moves and its wartime frenzy on the eve of the invasion of China.

Both scenarios displayed a similar pattern, she said, in that when the Japanese government finds itself unable to resolve serious internal problems, it turns to stoking extremist sentiments at home to divert public attention.

"Meanwhile, the Japanese government has consistently fallen short in its postwar reflection and proper acknowledgment of history," Shi said. "This, in effect, has created fertile ground for political opportunism."

Against this backdrop, China, as a major victim of Japan's militarism, must remember history to prevent a repeat of tragedy and defend hard-won peace, experts warn.

"The commemoration is about telling the world and people today that the peace and prosperity we now enjoy are built upon the defeat of fascism. And neo-militarism poses a threat to, and could undermine, all of that," Shi said.