Global Times: Upholding the correct view of WWII history

BEIJING, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Defining the war's nature remains fundamental. Both the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and WWII 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 people worldwide was just and progressive.

Today, certain actors deliberately distort historical facts to advance strategies aimed at containing China. They are exploiting WWII narratives through utilitarian reinterpretations in order to repurpose history to achieve 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 WWII 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 WWII 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 commission 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 a certain consensus on historical issues, which enhanced mutual understanding and trust between both peoples.

In addition, with the efforts of civil society groups, a joint editorial committee of scholars from China, Japan and South Korea published The Contemporary and Modern History of Three East Asian Countries and A Modern History of East Asia Beyond The Boundaries, among other pieces of work, 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 War against Japanese Aggression was a historical turning point for the Chinese nation in its march toward great rejuvenation.

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 WWII 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 WWII history, strive for the right of national independence and self-determined development, and 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.

SOURCE Global Times