China's Chen Meng defends table tennis women's singles title at Paris Olympics

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) is set to celebrate its 97th founding anniversary on Thursday (August 1) after a year of intensive missions and development to safeguard national sovereignty, territorial integrity and development interests amid deteriorating security situations in the world and tensions around China.

On the way to reach its centennial goals in 2027, the PLA is expected to further enhance its training level and equipment development, and improve national defense at its own pace, experts said.

China continued to face grim security situations over the past year, with the Taiwan Straits and the South China Sea being regional hot spots. However, the PLA's resolute and powerful moves deterred potential conflicts, defended national sovereignty, security and interests, and safeguarded regional peace and stability, observers said.

A frontpage story of the People's Daily on Wednesday dedicated to the PLA's 97th founding anniversary and its upcoming centennial in 2027 highlighted, among others, the Joint Sword-2024A exercise, which took place around the island of Taiwan from May 23 to 24 featuring army, navy, air force and rocket force affiliated with the PLA Eastern Theater Command.
Focusing on courses including joint aerial and maritime combat readiness patrols, joint seizure of comprehensive control of battlefield and joint strike at key targets, the exercise saw warships and warplanes close in on the island of Taiwan for combat cruises, coordinate within and out of the first island chain, and test the troops' joint combat capabilities in real circumstances, the People's Daily article said.

The exercise aimed to punish "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces and send a warning to external interference forces following Taiwan regional leader Lai Ching-te's separatist inaugural speech on May 20, analysts said.

In the South China Sea, the PLA organized a series of joint patrols and joint exercises in January, forcing the US and the Philippines to scale down their joint patrol in the region at a time when the Philippines, under US' instigation, repeatedly made provocations on Chinese islands and reefs in the South China Sea.

The PLA also served as a solid support for the China Coast Guard when the latter dealt with illegal Philippine trespassing activities into waters off Chinese islands and reefs, observers said.

Over the past year, the PLA conducted several combat-oriented exercises in the Taiwan Straits and the South China Sea, in which the PLA's advanced warships and warplanes including the aircraft carrier Shandong, Type 055 large destroyers and Type 052D destroyers systematically practiced not only in the Taiwan Straits and the South China Sea, but also the West Pacific, Fu Qianshao, a Chinese military expert, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

Such drills were characterized by their high intensity, and they have now become routine, Fu said.

They indicate that the PLA is fully capable of safeguarding Chinese territories, security as well as maritime rights, he noted.
The PLA also spent the past year conducting friendly visits, exchanges as well as holding joint patrols and exercises with militaries of many other countries, in addition to holding regular escort missions in the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somalia as well as UN peacekeeping missions in moves to contribute to peace and stability around the world.

The PLA also wrapped up several international military interactions over the past month, including a China-Russia joint aerial strategic patrol over the Bering Sea, a China-Russia joint naval patrols in the West Pacific and the South China Sea, the China-Belarus Eagle Assault-2024 joint army training in Belarus, and the China-Laos Friendship Shield-2024 joint drill in Laos.

These international military interactions boosted friendships, understandings and pragmatic cooperation. The joint exercises and patrols stressed counter-terrorism, peacekeeping and regional security issues, rather than bloc confrontation like West-led drills, a Beijing-based military expert who requested for anonymity told the Global Times on Wednesday.

Reform and development

A reform of the PLA took place in April, as its Strategic Support Force was canceled and split into the information support force, the aerospace force and the cyberspace force, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

According to official releases, the information support force is a new, strategic branch of the Chinese military and a key pillar in coordinating the construction and application of the network information system, the aerospace force is of great significance to strengthening the capacity to safely enter, exit and openly use space, enhancing crisis management and the efficacy of comprehensive governance in space and promoting peaceful utilization of space, while the cyberspace force is important for reinforcing national cyber border defense, promptly detecting and countering network intrusions, and maintaining national cyber sovereignty and information security.
One of the most important development in terms of the PLA's equipment is the Fujian, China's third aircraft carrier, as the 80,000 ton-class electromagnetic catapult carrier conducted its maiden voyage on May 1, followed by second and third sea trials as of the end of July.

Analysts said the intensity of the Fujian's sea trials indicate very smooth progress, and it is very likely that new carrier-based aircraft, including a stealth fighter jet, a fixed-wing early warning aircraft and a trainer jet, will make official debuts in the coming year.

Western speculations

As there are only three years to go when China marks the centennial of the PLA in 2027, the West has been hyping that China will resolve the Taiwan question by force by that time.

Fu said the initiative on when and how to resolve the Taiwan question is on the side of the Chinese mainland, and it is not up to the Western speculations, which have ulterior motives.

"We pledge utmost sincerity and greatest efforts for the prospect of peaceful reunification, but never promise to renounce the use of force," Fu reiterated.

The PLA will continue to enhance combat capability by developing new weapons and equipment and boosting training level, and be prepared for anything, experts said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has a profound connection to the Olympic Movement. He has promoted China's hosting of several significant international sporting events, fostered global sports exchanges and cooperation, and embodied the Olympic spirit through his efforts.

From overseeing the preparations for Beijing 2008 Olympics and Paralympics to leading China in successfully hosting the 2014 Nanjing Youth Olympics and personally driving the bid and preparations for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, Xi has developed a profound bond with the Olympic Movement.

As the 2024 Summer Olympics opened in Paris, France, on Friday, let us explore five key moments that highlight Xi's determination to support and promote the development of the Olympic Games.

His actions and leadership have not only elevated China's status in the international sports arena but also contributed to the promotion of the Olympic spirit worldwide, aligning with his broader goal of building a community of shared future for mankind.
Wishing Paris Olympic Games success when in France

On May 6, 2024, during his visit to France, Xi expressed his best wishes for the success of the 2024 Paris Olympics and promoting China-France sports exchanges.

In a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, Xi presented him with the 2008 Summer and 2022 Winter Beijing Olympic torches, symbolizing the spirit of unity and friendship between the two countries. Macron, in return, gifted Xi a Paris 2024 Olympic torch, signifying the mutual respect and camaraderie shared between the two countries.

Xi emphasized that France is a great sporting nation and expressed his heartfelt wish for the success of the Paris Olympics, highlighting the ongoing exchanges and cooperation between China and France in the realm of sports.

This exchange of torches not only underscored the deepening of bilateral ties but also reflected the two countries' shared commitment to the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect.

China supports France in hosting a successful Paris Olympic Games and will send a high-level delegation to France, said the Chinese president.
Facilitating a splendid Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games

On February 4, 2022, Xi attended the opening ceremony and announced the commencement of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.

This event, which Xi personally facilitated and witnessed, was a testament to China's dedication to hosting a spectacular, extraordinary and remarkable Winter Olympics.

China will honor its commitment to present to the world a simple, safe and splendid Olympic Games, Xi said at that time.

His leadership ensured that the event was organized safely and splendidly, providing a stage for athletes worldwide to showcase their skills and boosting global confidence and morale during the pandemic.

The Beijing Winter Olympics, with its unique blend of Chinese cultural elements and Olympic spirit, left a lasting impression on the world. The successful hosting of the 2022 Winter Games demonstrated China's ability to deliver on its promises, despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic.

The 2022 Games not only highlighted China's growing prowess in winter sports but also showcased the country's commitment to environmental sustainability through the use of green technology and venues.
A true champion in promoting the Olympic Movement

On January 18, 2017, Xi became the first Chinese head of state to visit the International Olympic Committee (IOC) headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.

This visit underscored China's commitment to the Olympic Movement and its values. During the visit, Xi toured the Olympic Museum, viewed exhibits showcasing the history and achievements of Chinese athletes, and engaged in discussions with IOC President Thomas Bach.

In a memorable moment, Xi stood on an Olympic podium, symbolizing China's significant contributions to the Olympic Movement. Bach praised Xi, stating that in terms of promoting the Olympic Movement, Xi was a true Olympic champion. Xi's visit to the IOC headquarters reinforced his commitment to promoting the Olympic spirit and advancing global sports cooperation.

The visit also included the presentation of a Suzhou Embroidery artwork entitled Ladies Playing Football, symbolizing the historical connection between China and sports.

Dedicated to nurturing young talent, promoting youth sports

On August 15, 2014, Xi visited the training center of the Youth Olympic Village in Nanjing, East China's Jiangsu Province, the host city for the 2014 Summer Youth Olympics, where he warmly greeted the Chinese delegation participating in the Games.

Xi's presence at the Nanjing Youth Olympic Games highlighted his dedication to nurturing young talent and promoting youth sports, underscoring the importance of international sports exchanges for young athletes.

During his visit, Xi observed various sports, including basketball, taekwondo, wrestling, judo, and boxing. He engaged in conversations with the athletes, offering words of encouragement and emphasizing the importance of sportsmanship and international friendship.

Xi said that the Youth Olympics is an initiative which integrates culture and education into sports, and it's not only an arena in which young athletes compete but also a platform for communication among them.

Crucial role in 2008 Beijing Olympics milestone

During the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics, Xi played a crucial role as he oversaw the preparations for Beijing 2008 Olympics and Paralympics.

His leadership and efforts were instrumental in the successful hosting of the Games, which marked a significant milestone in China's sports history.

The Beijing 2008 Olympics showcased China's organizational capabilities and its commitment to the Olympic ideals of peace, friendship, and progress.

This event also served as a catalyst for the development of sports in China and strengthened the country's ties with the global sports community.

The Beijing 2008 Olympics were notable for the spectacular opening ceremony, which showcased China's rich cultural heritage and technological advancements.

The Games were also a platform for Chinese athletes to excel, as China topped the gold medal tally for the first time in its Olympic history.

These Olympic moments reveal Xi's deep commitment to sports and his vision of fostering global unity through the Olympic Movement.

Xi's engagement with the Olympics reflects a strategic approach to promoting sports worldwide, enhancing China's soft power and promoting international cooperation and understanding.

Through these efforts, Xi has shown how sports can transcend national boundaries and bring people together, embodying the true spirit of the Olympic Movement.

A college in Sichuan Province, Southwest China, is offering students a seven-day spring break to encourage them to enjoy the beauty of nature and experience extracurricular fun, which has attracted widespread online discussion.

Sichuan Southwest Vocational College of Civil Aviation in Chengdu announced that students and faculty members will have a week-long break from March 30 to April 5, including the three-day Qingming Festival holidays, according to the statement published by the school on March 14.

The school has been implementing the spring break system since 2019, and the decision to encourage students to go out and appreciate green mountains and clear waters, as well as experience the beauty of nature, is part of their efforts to promote a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

According to the school officials, the spring break will not affect the regular class schedule. 

A spokesperson for school revealed that the holidays, since first introduced, are warmly welcomed by teachers and students and widely praised by society, according to media reports.

Following the National Day holidays in October, online discussions on students having more extracurricular activities, like a spring break, was trending on social media platforms. Some in the tourism sector have also called for staggered vacation periods to alleviate the demand-supply imbalance in the tourism sector.

Chinese experts believe education, ultimately, is about comprehensive cultivation of individuals. Encouraging young people to step out of the classroom and immerse themselves in broad social activities is good for them to discover and appreciate the beauty of nature, leading them to cherish life.

China's semiconductor sales grew 26.6 percent year-on-year in January, faster than the rates in the US or the world, according to an industry report on Monday, showing that the clampdown by the US on China's technology industry including semiconductors has failed, experts said.

The US-based Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) said that global semiconductor industry sales totaled $47.6 billion during January, up 15.2 percent year-on-year.

Sales rose 26.6 percent in China, 20.3 percent in the Americas and 12.8 percent in the Asia-Pacific, but fell 6.4 percent in Japan and 1.4 percent in Europe, according to the SIA.

The fact that China's semiconductor sales growth outpaced the global average despite US restrictions on chip exports and investment showed that Washington's clampdown on China's chip industry has not achieved its intended goals, experts said. The growth also reflected China's increasing capacity in chip manufacturing and its accelerated pace in achieving self-reliance, they said.

The SIA data showed that the technological blockage by the US against China backfired, by fueling China's drive for independent research and development in the chip industry, and ramping up related investment, Ma Jihua, a veteran telecom expert, told the Global Times on Tuesday.
Ma said that China's chip manufacturing capabilities have seen a significant improvement, with storage chips surpassing imported ones, mobile chips becoming partially localized, and advances being made in artificial intelligence (AI) chip research.

Moreover, China has a large demand for chips in internet-connected vehicles, making it a fast-growing track, Ma added.

As a result, China's chip self-sufficiency rate is rapidly increasing, experts noted.

Self-sufficiency in chip production has surged from around 5 percent in 2018 to 17 percent in 2022, and is expected to have hit 30 percent in 2023, Xiang Ligang, director-general of the Beijing-based Information Consumption Alliance, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

"With strong manufacturing capabilities and a vast domestic market, the country's chip supply is poised for a significant growth, which plays an important role in enhancing the nation's technology security," Xiang noted.

China's semiconductor industry is on the fast track of development. China's total output of integrated circuits (ICs) in 2023 increased 6.9 percent from a year earlier to 351.4 billion pieces, according to data from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

China imported 479.5 billion ICs in 2023, down 10.8 percent compared with 2022. The import value dropped 15.4 percent to $349.4 billion, according to the General Administration of Customs.

Fiscal expenditure on science and technology development has increased by 6.4 percent annually over the past six years, according to the Ministry of Finance.

From 2018 to 2023, sci-tech expenditure rose from 832.7 billion yuan ($117.2 billion) to nearly 1.06 trillion yuan, the ministry said.

China will boost its self-reliance and strength in science and technology, according to the Government Work Report submitted on Tuesday to the national legislature for deliberation.

China will launch an AI Plus initiative and step up research on disruptive and frontier technologies, read the report.

Efforts will be made to invigorate China through science and education and consolidate the foundations for high-quality development. The country will enhance its capacity for original innovation and cultivate more first-class scientists and innovation teams, according to the report.

China will issue ultra-long special-purpose treasury bonds annually over the next several years for the purpose of implementing major national strategies and building up security capacity in key areas, starting with 1 trillion yuan of such bonds this year, according to the report.

"The Government Work Report clearly demonstrates a strong determination toward scientific and technological innovation. There is a concrete allocation of funds and talent development, which is very comprehensive," Ma said.

The ruins of an ancient city in Nanjing, East China's Jiangsu Province, have recently been dated to more than 3,000 years ago. The discovery has pushed back the recorded history of Nanjing by 600 years.

The discovered site has been identified as the ancient city of Changgan, which was once been depicted by China's great Tang Dynasty (618-907) literati Li Bai in his poetry collection Ballad of Changgan.

The ancient city reveals circular trenches, wall foundations, water wells and a sacrificial pit for a pig. Consecutive excavations over the past six years have gradually unveiled the architectural layout of the city site.

The circular trenches, in particular, are considered a distinctive feature that signifies the site's past as a city.

"In ancient times, trenches played a crucial role in a city's defense. Therefore, the presence of a defensive system featuring trenches and walls is a significant indication of an ancient city," stated Chen Dahai, the lead archaeologist of the project and an associate professor at the Nanjing Archaeological Research Institute.

The site was discovered to trace back more than 3,000 years, indicating its establishment during the Shang (c. 1600 BC-1046 BC) and Zhou (1046 BC-256 BC) dynasties.

This discovery has extended Nanjing's recorded history by an additional 600 years.

Historian Fang Gang told the Global Times that "the city of Nanjing was traditionally believed to have been founded 2,500 years ago." It is renowned for being the capital of the country for 13 dynasties, including the notable Song (420-479) and Ming (1368-1644) dynasties.

"The dating of the discovery places it around 3,100 years ago. It stands as a remarkable archaeological find in Nanjing in 2023," said Wang Wei, chairman of the Chinese Archaeology Council and also chief expert for China's Project to Trace the Origins of Chinese Civilization.

Archaeologist Lu Zhaojun told the Global Times that the new discovery may also provide "details about ancient Chinese peoples' cultural practices, ritual beliefs as well as their daily lives."

He also emphasized that, in addition to architectural remains, the site should contain artifacts that belonged to people living 3,000 years ago.

Several pieces of pottery with orderly triangle decorations were discovered at the site. These wares are diverse and include ritual vessels such as the ding (a ritual food vessel).

Archaeologist Wang Meng, a specialist in Shang and Zhou dynasty archaeology, told the Global Times that "pottery" was the primary medium for crafting utensils during that era. In addition to the ding, pottery dou and gui were commonly used as cooking utensils, serving as "dishes or containers for liquids, typically wine."

"Those patterns like the triangles decorating the pottery wares are also interesting. They are the results of the exchanges between the cultures of northern and southern China," Wang noted.

Pig bones and charcoal substances were also found at the site, documenting the lives of the Shang and Zhou people.

The ancient city of Changan was discovered within the Nanjing's West Street Ruins and is located close to another historical site called the Porcelain Tower of Nanjing, also known as Dabaoen Temple.

The West Street Ruins cover a total excavation area of 12,000 square meters. More than 10,000 pieces of various archaeological items have been found at the site, including the "ancient city of Changgan."

"I've visited the West Street Ruins once. It is huge and has a lot of interesting discoveries like brick kilns and small alleys that were created by ancient people. You can see the lively city scene back then," Wang noted.

"The new discovery, along with the West Street Ruins' history shows the historical continuity of Chinese culture," Wang emphasized.

Both the West Street Ruins and its Changgan ancient city are now part of the West Street Archaeological Site Park program. The program is dedicated to better exhibiting the historical site to the public through cultural events and activities.

Although the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on Friday on Gaza which calls for an immediate and sustained humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities, Israel still launched the second phase of its war against the Gaza Strip, bringing death toll on Palestine side since the war to nearly 8,000, mostly civilians including women and children.

Chinese analysts said that despite mounting pressure from the vast majority of the international community to stop the bloodshed, the international community is failing in its efforts because the US, a permanent member of UN Security Council with veto power and the protector of Israel in this region, has gone to great lengths to pave the way for a ground attack in the name of "counterterrorism" and "self-defense" of Israel and with the fast rising death toll, the conflict is likely to spill over to the whole Middle East.

On Friday, by a recorded vote of 121 in favor to 14 against, with 44 abstentions, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution titled "Protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations," with countries including China, Russia, France, as well as Arab and Muslim countries, voting in favor, and even close US allies like the UK and Japan abstaining, while the US, Israel and a few other countries voted against.

The US has asked for China's help to prevent escalation of the crisis during US Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer's trip to China earlier this month, and during the latest meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in the US, Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed the view that there is a need to return to and implement the two-state solution, which is in line with China's stance about political solution of the Palestine-Israel issue.

However, according to the votes in the UN General Assembly and the Security Council, it shows that Washington holds a very different position compared not only to China but also to the vast majority of the international community in terms of a humanitarian truce, so to what extent China and the US can work together in stopping the crisis is still in question, as experts said this can happen only when Washington realizes that it should not stand on the wrong side of the history.  

Long and difficult war

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the nation on Saturday night that the military has opened a "second stage" in the "war against Hamas" by sending ground forces into Gaza and expanding attacks from the ground, air and sea, and he warned that the war will be "long and difficult," per Associated Press report.  

The AP reported on Sunday that Gaza residents described the massive bombardment from the land, air and sea as "the most intense" of the three-week Israel-Hamas war. It knocked out most communications in the territory late on Friday and largely cut off the besieged enclave's 2.3 million people from the world.  

According to Palestine's state TV on Sunday, the death toll from the relentless Israeli bombing of Gaza and clashes in the West Bank since October 7 has risen to 7,814, the Anadolu Agency reported. It said in a statement that 21,693 others were wounded as a result of Israel's actions "against our people."  

Liu Zhongmin, a professor at the Middle East Studies Institute of Shanghai International Studies University, told the Global Times on Sunday that once Israeli forces launch a ground attack that aims at a long-term occupation of some areas of Gaza and seeking the complete elimination of Hamas, "the death toll will rise much more sharply than at present."

Street combat will be extremely brutal, the bombardments will be more intense, and due to the blockade, more civilians and the wounded will die because of the shortage of medicines, food and water. Israeli forces will also sustain heavy casualties because by using their network of tunnels, Hamas is capable of inflicting significant casualties on Israeli forces, Liu said.

With the rising death toll, the pressure on Israel and the US will rise as well, and if Israel's military offensive results in more casualties of Palestinian civilians, regional major powers like Iran and Saudi Arabia, as well as those who have already established diplomatic ties with Israel like Turkey and Egypt, will take further actions, said Wang Jin, an associate professor at the Institute of Middle Eastern Studies of Northwest University. 

"Even though some of them might be reluctant to get involved, the fury among their nationals will force them to take actions, as helping Palestinians resist Israel is the shared and top political correctness among the Muslim world," Wang Jin noted. 

Furies from Muslim world

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said in a statement on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Sunday that the "Zionist regime's crimes have crossed the red lines, which may force everyone to take action. Washington asks us to not do anything, but they keep giving widespread support to Israel. The US sent messages to the Axis of Resistance but received a clear response on the battlefield." 

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said at a huge rally in Istanbul on Saturday that "Israel, you are an occupier" and he accused the Israeli government of behaving like a "war criminal" and trying to "eradicate" Palestinians, according to media reports. "Of course, every country has the right to defend itself. But where is the justice in this case? There is no justice - just a vicious massacre happening in Gaza." After this, Israel said Saturday it was recalling its diplomatic staff from Turkey, media reported. 

Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry denounced Israeli ground operations in Gaza in a statement released on Sunday on X, which it said would threaten the lives of Palestinian civilians and result in inhumane dangers.

The kingdom, which was heading toward normalizing relations with Israel before this round of conflict, warns of the danger of continuing to carry out these flagrant and unjustified violations that are contrary to international law."  

On Thursday, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Egypt and Morocco, in a joint statement, condemned the targeting of civilians and the "flagrant violations of international law" in Gaza. 

Iran, which considers Israel as an enemy, is likely to take more direct action to support forces like Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthi movement in Yemen, and Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt are likely to allow and encourage NGOs and other groups to break through the Israel's blockade of Gaza to provide humanitarian supplies to the Palestinians in the region, experts said. 

Israel is facing a tough situation, as the war will not end in the short term as long as it insists on eliminating Hamas, and the casualties will increase terribly on both sides. However, if it stops the operation and accepts a truce, it will face huge pressures domestically, and the US will also share these problems, pressures and embarrassments with Israel before the end of the bloodshed, Chinese analysts noted. 

Seventy eight years ago, the Japanese government officially announced its unconditional surrender, signifying the end of World War II and the victory of people worldwide against fascism. Despite post-war efforts by the Allied powers, Japan's war criminals were subjected to appropriate trials and penalties. 

However, the specter of Japanese war criminals still looms as they are enshrined in the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo, with occasional open visits by Japanese politicians, and attempts by right-wing forces to distort historical facts have never ceased. The Yasukuni Shrine honors 14 Class-A convicted war criminals among 2.5 million Japanese war dead from WWII and is regarded as a symbol of past Japanese militarism.

At the same time, in countries that suffered aggression, including China and South Korea, the hardships endured by people during the war and the unwavering spirit of anti-aggression heroes have never been forgotten. Activists have been steadfastly advocating for peace.

"By understanding our history, we cherish peace even more," Luo Cunkang, Party Secretary at the Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance against Japanese Aggression, also the secretary-general of the International WWII Museum Association, told the Global Times.

"In the current complex and turbulent international environment, commemorating that period of history holds even greater significance. It will bolster our determination and courage to uphold peace in the face of challenges," he noted.

Never forget

On Sunday, two days before August 15, visitors flooded the Sihang Warehouse Battle Memorial near Shanghai's landmark Huangpu River, to commemorate the 86 anniversary of the Battle of Shanghai - one of the fiercest and bloodiest battles in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1931-45).

The memorial was built at the site of the Sihang Warehouse defense battle that took place in downtown Shanghai in October 1937. The defense battle was well known all over China and the world because of China's war epic The Eight Hundred, which once topped the global box office in 2020.

The memorial held a series of commemorative activities on the day to mark the 76th anniversary of the Battle of Shanghai, including showcases of themed choruses, instrumental ensembles, poetry recitations, and a history lecture.

"We hope those who visited the memorial and participated in the activities will know more about and remember the history [of the war]," the memorial's director Ma Youjiong told the Global Times.

Starting from the Japanese-initiated "September 18 Incident" in 1931, the Chinese people engaged in a relentless and arduous struggle against Japanese aggressors for 14 years. The War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression was an important component of the World Anti-Fascist War. The Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression was the earliest to start, the longest-lasting, and latest to end.

Having sustained military and civilian casualties numbering over 35 million, accounting for one third of total casualties during WWII, and suffering economic losses worth $600 billion as calculated according to 1937 rates, the Chinese people finally defeated the Japanese militarist invaders.

In Beijing, students who are in summer vacation pour into the Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance against Japanese Aggression, listening to the stories of the wartime history. 

The exhibition hall is always bustling with activity. Many parents patiently and meticulously recount the stories to their children, allowing them to better appreciate the iconic artifacts and classic photographs on display. "I believe this is the best form of education," said Luo.

Located near the Lugou Bridge, where the invasion by the Japanese soldiers started in 1937, the museum is an important patriotic education center. It has a series of activities to commemorate August 15, as well as September 3, China's Anti-Japanese War Victory Day.

According to Luo, the museum will also air a live broadcast online, focusing on content related to August 15, 1945, when Japan announced its unconditional surrender and the Chinese people celebrated the victory of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. On September 3, the museum will host volunteer themed musical activities. 

The museum is also planning to invite students from the island of Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao special administrative regions to Beijing to visit the museum. "During the war, compatriots from all parts of China were united as one. The history of heroic struggle will help to enhance the emotional bond among these young students," Luo said.

Shared recollections

The wars of aggression launched by Japanese imperialists are a source of shared, deeply painful memory in China and the Korean Peninsula. 

Chinese and Korean people joined forces to fight against the imperial Japanese army during the years of hardship. There are sites of the Korean Provisional Government in several Chinese cities including Shanghai, which witnessed patriotic Koreans set up overseas Korean Provisional Governments to continue their independence movements against atrocities committed by the Japanese army.

Baek Seo-Hui, a South Korean student studying for a master's degree at Fudan University in Shanghai, visited the site of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea in the city's downtown Huangpu district earlier this year.

"That day was March 1, the [104th] anniversary of Korea's March First Movement," Baek told the Global Times. The movement was a series of demonstrations for Korean national independence from Japan imperialism starting on March 1, 1919.

Baek met many Korean visitors at the site that day. "The site is a place of historical significance," she said. "There, I felt the spirit of dedication and sacrifice in Korean independence efforts. Occasionally I might think that, there wouldn't be 'me' and 'a peaceful world' today without their [efforts] at that time."

The August 15 anniversary is a memorable day for people in both China and the Korean Peninsula. The day is also called the National Liberation Day of Korea, a day that the peninsula ended 35 years of Japanese colonial rule, Baek said.

"Similar to China, we hold many commemorative activities on August 15, each to mark this special day, such as Liberation Day memorial ceremonies, lectures, and competitions organized for the teens," she added.

In September 2022, the "China-Korea Joint Resistance against Japan" special exhibition opened at the Museum of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. The exhibition serves as a collective remembrance and retrospective of the historical struggle of the Chinese and Korean peoples against the imperialist aggression of Japan. The exhibition showcased events spanning from 1910 to 1945, during which China and Korea fought side by side against Japanese imperialist colonization and aggression, ultimately achieving victory.

Luo remarked that in modern history, China and Korea share a similar destiny, forming a historical narrative of mutual support and united resistance against Japanese imperialism. This chapter of history requires further exploration, organization, and research by both China and South Korea, to be widely disseminated within the societies of both nations.

"We must draw enlightenment from history and ensure that the tragedies of the past do not repeat themselves," Luo said. "Our engagement in providing education on these historical events is not to perpetuate hatred, but the undeniable truth must not be denied, and justice must prevail. Both China and South Korea bear the obligation and responsibility to uphold this."

Undeniable crime

Japan has become increasingly aggressive in recent years in seeking to break free from its postwar pacifism. It actively seeks to revise the constitution so as to exercise the right of collective self-defense, ignoring the exclusively defense-oriented policy and seeking to "acquire the capability to strike enemy bases." In its 2023 Defense White Paper passed last month, Japan labeled China as its greatest security threat.

In May, Japan and NATO vowed to strengthen cooperation in space and cyberspace development to counter both China and Russia, a close interaction between the two sides after NATO said it plans to open a liaison office in Tokyo, the first of its kind in Asia. 

Chinese analysts believe the NATO liaison office in Japan is no longer a symbolic move but a substantial move to build a so-called security defense around China. However, Japan's security can never be achieved by relying on the military support of the US or NATO. In fact, the more closely Japan cooperates with the US or NATO militarily, the less it will obtain the security it wants, and the less likely it will be able to change its image as a "geostrategic dwarf."

Meanwhile, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol announced in March that South Korea would no longer seek compensation from Japanese companies for the forced labor endured by Korean victims during WWII. The decision immediately sparked strong opposition from anti-war activists within South Korea. A 95-year-old South Korean senior citizen took to the streets once again, stating, "Even though I'm 95 years old, I can't die because it's unfair."

"When it comes to issues of historical understanding, it is reasonable to jointly demand for Japan to clearly acknowledge its wartime responsibilities, engage in continuous self-reflection on its war actions, and offer apologies and compensation. This line of thought aligns with normal expectations under such circumstances," Da Zhigang, director of the Institute of Northeast Asian Studies at the Heilongjiang Provincial Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times.

"If the current South Korean government chooses to more closely align with Japan in the future, it might lead to a regression in the acknowledgment of historical issues related to wartime atrocities," he said. "The prioritization of present-day interests could overshadow the recognition of its dark history."

China and Korea were the main victims of Japanese aggression, and were significant contributors to the victory of the world anti-Fascist war. Sentiments shared by many reached by the Global Times on the matter in both countries underline that the two sides can jointly work further in commemorating the victory in war, and urge Japanese right-wing forces to face up to history.

As China, Japan, and Korea are geographical neighbors and share close economic ties, how to smartly deal with diplomatic, economic, and people exchanges among the three nowadays has become an important issue concern, Baek said.

Remembering history doesn't equate to the blind hostility against Japan, noted Ma Jun, a research fellow at the Institute of History at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences. Ma also serves as the deputy director of the Shanghai Research Association of War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and World Anti-Fascist War.

"While condemning Japanese right-wing forces, we can conduct normal, friendly exchanges with the antiwar people of Japan, which I think consists of the majority of today's Japanese society," Ma told the Global Times.

Editor's Note:

Over the past decade, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), following the guiding principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, has grown into a global platform where countries along the route work together to promote people's well-being and give a further boost to global development amid daunting challenges. As the BRI celebrates its 10th anniversary, Global Times reporters Xia Wenxin and Lin Xiaoyi interviewed former officials and diplomats from three Eurasia countries - Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Belarus - to learn about the cooperation under the BRI over the past 10 years in their respective countries and their expectations for the initiative's future.

Bolat Nurgaliyev, chairman of the board of the Foreign Policy Research Institute and former secretary-general of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

I remember when President Xi was presenting his vision for the Silk Road Economic Belt in Kazakhstan. Although it was in its initial stage at the time, it was received very positively here in Kazakhstan and among the potential participants of the initiative, because it was seen as the invitation for cooperation.

Having served in China and understanding how seriously this kind of initiative is being prepared, I expected the BRI to be implemented stage by stage, with the involvement of all potential participants depending on the terms and benefits generated. 10 years later, the initiative has met my initial expectations in every aspect.

The circle of the participating states in the BRI is expanding. The initial focus of the BRI was on the immediate neighborhood - Asia, specifically. Now, we see that it is expanding beyond Asia, to Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. The wide participation in the BRI is a clear indication that everybody sees it as a win-win situation, and together we can set ambitious goals and achieve them on the strong foundation of China's economic success. The BRI is truly a global initiative.

Saidmukhtar Saidkasimov, president of the University of World Economy and Diplomacy and former Uzbek deputy prime minister

It is no exaggeration to say the initiative proposed by President Xi 10 years ago generated tremendous interest around the world from the very beginning. It was not only a very bold, unprecedented large-scale interregional project, but also has gained wide attention mainly because of its practical and applicable orientation, covering all the direct economic interests and benefits of many countries. 

For the first time in history, an unprecedented plan for the formation and development of an interconnected transportation infrastructure across the entire Eurasian continent was presented. Its implementation truly opened up broad prospects for the creation of a fundamentally new transport configuration across the vast expanse of our planet. 

From the very beginning, Uzbekistan was one of the first countries to highly appreciate and support the BRI for many reasons. On the one hand, the idea of active trade permeates the entire centuries-old history of our region. Uzbekistan and Central Asia have had practical trade relations with the whole of Eurasia for many years. On the other hand, geographically, Central Asia has been the center, the main route of the legendary Silk Road for centuries, being a strategically important trade hub.

The idea of reuniting peoples and countries of Eurasia into a single belt of mutually beneficial cooperation was proclaimed by China, where the Silk Road historically originated. China itself demonstrates to the world a great example of successful social development. In a historically short period, a huge number of Chinese people were able to get rid of poverty and backwardness and achieve a fairly high level of development. This achievement of the Chinese people is a rare and unique phenomenon in world history.

Anatoly Tozik, chairman of the Belarusian-Chinese Friendship Society and former deputy prime minister of Belarus

The Republic of Belarus was one of the first countries to support the BRI. The development of cooperation with China in all areas without exception fully meets the strategic national interests of Belarus, and participation in the BRI implementation offers significant opportunities for Belarus.

This, in particular, includes our cooperation with China within the framework of the Silk Road Economic Belt, where Belarus is geographically located. Such a status makes it possible to utilize all the potential of our country in the implementation of this initiative, including trade and economic, scientific and technical, humanitarian, transport, law enforcement, and so on.

An important characteristic of the BRI is that when China invites countries to participate in this project, it does not impose any conditions or requirements. Each country has the right to determine its own format of participation in the initiative. China offers the countries along the Silk Road Economic Belt interconnection and integration projects that will help them reconcile and coordinate their development strategies, unlock the potential of regional cooperation, boost investment and consumption, create demand and jobs, and expand humanitarian exchanges between peoples and the mutual enrichment of cultures.

In Belarus, we view the BRI as an exceptionally timely proposal to the world community for a new model of international cooperation and global management. This model can serve as an alternative to the alarming phenomena and trends in the modern system of world economic relations. 

A lot has been done in the past decade. But much more could and should have been done. I would very much like to believe that the global community will listen to and understand China more and join forces with it for better development.

At the invitation of Secretary Nikolai Patrushev of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, is visiting Russia from September 18 to 21 and attending the 18th round of China-Russia strategic security consultation. Since the establishment of the China-Russia strategic security consultation mechanism in 2005, initiated by the leaders of the two countries, consultations are held annually in principle, though the dates are flexible. This is an example of high-level communication mechanisms between China and Russia, and there are many similar mechanisms.

What is the focus of this consultation? This question has garnered extensive attention in the current exceptionally complex international environment, which includes the long-standing Ukraine crisis, unusual actions of the US, Japan, and South Korea in the Northeast Asia region, the collective rise of emerging economies demanding a more just and equitable international order, and more. In many of these areas, China and Russia, as two major global powers, play pivotal roles. In a certain sense, the China-Russia relationship will fundamentally influence peace and stability not only in the region but also the entire international community.

This consultation, which took place immediately after Wang's multiple rounds of meetings with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in Malta on September 16 and 17, has attracted more attention from Western media, leading to various interpretations. However, many of these interpretations are distorted and biased. For example, some Western media outlets have seized upon the coincidental timing of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's recent visit to Russia and Wang's trip to Russia for the strategic security consultations as fodder for promoting a "China-Russia-North Korea axis." This is a typical narrative of a "new cold war," and it is necessary to set the record straight on this matter.

China-Russia relations have been seriously stigmatized by Western media, and this has become an increasingly apparent and clear part of Western countries' public opinion strategy or cognitive warfare. They aim to portray China, Russia, and other countries like North Korea, which face containment and suppression from the West, as a collective "axis of power" that threatens the so-called "free world." Within this narrative framework, every interaction between China and Russia, China and North Korea, Russia and North Korea, and related countries is branded as part of an effort to establish and strengthen this "axis," as if every interaction is a conspiracy against the US. This is a psychological illness. The root of the problem lies in Washington's attempt to introduce a "new cold war" into Northeast Asia. As a result, it feels insecure and tries to project its own actions onto others, leading to absurd conclusions.

International perception may be temporarily confused by noise, but one fact that is not hidden is that we are described as "an axis," "a group," or "an alliance." This definition is fundamentally different from the real relationship between China and Russia, or China and North Korea. China pursues an independent and peaceful foreign policy, emphasizing "partnership rather than alliance" in its diplomatic relations. It also practices comprehensive diplomacy, aiming to peacefully coexist and achieve win-win cooperation with all countries in the world. Whether it is China's attitude toward Russia or the US, it has always been consistent and stable, which is to engage with others with the utmost goodwill and sincerity for cooperation. Currently, the US and a few Western countries are strengthening their group politics and engaging in camp confrontation. In order to justify and legitimize this behavior that is unpopular in the international community, they are attempting to create an opposing group, and the media has acted as the vanguard.

Chinese diplomacy firmly opposes such stigmatization and demonization. Meanwhile, we steadfastly promote relations with any friendly country toward China, especially the China-Russia relationship, and will not be constrained by external malicious rhetoric. The comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era between China and Russia has a strong internal driving force. The complex changes in the international situation and pattern serve as the external environment for strengthening strategic coordination and practical cooperation between China and Russia. The stable, predictable, and continuously advancing China-Russia relationship is important for both countries and the world.

Chinese diplomacy is willing to devote more energy and resources to strengthen, consolidate, and further develop bilateral relationships with certainty, such as the China-Russia relationship. Both China and Russia are major countries with strong strategic autonomy, and their interactions are open and aboveboard, which will by no means succumb to Washington's influence. It is advised that those who are busy speculating on "secret deals" between China and Russia should spend some time understanding what the interaction between major countries should actually be like, rather than engaging in various assumptions.