Core Viewpoint - The "Global Perspective on China's Anti-Japanese War" international academic seminar emphasizes the importance of historical memory and collaboration between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait regarding the shared history of the Anti-Japanese War and Taiwan's recovery [1][3]. Group 1: Historical Context - Taiwanese historian Lü Fangshang highlighted the devastating impact of war on modern Chinese society, using keywords such as "suffering," "displacement," and "rebirth" [3]. - Lü also pointed out that Taiwanese volunteers participated in the Anti-Japanese War, arguing that it is incorrect to claim that Taiwan was absent from this historical context [5]. - The seminar featured nearly 20 Taiwanese scholars focusing on the anti-Japanese movement and the history of Taiwan's recovery, asserting that Taiwan's recovery is a significant outcome of the victory in the Anti-Japanese War and a shared national memory [5][9]. Group 2: Importance of Historical Memory - Professor Liu Weikai from National Chengchi University expressed concern that younger generations may not be aware of the past, emphasizing the need to evoke historical memory through research [7]. - Scholar Qi Jialin stated that the recovery of Taiwan is a historical fact resulting from the victory in the Anti-Japanese War, underscoring the importance of understanding this history for both Taiwan and the world [9].

Core Viewpoint - The international academic seminar "China's Anti-Japanese War in a Global Perspective," hosted by Peking University, emphasizes the significance of the victory in the Anti-Japanese War and the recovery of Taiwan as achievements for national survival and ethnic rejuvenation [2] Group 1: Seminar Overview - The seminar features nearly a hundred experts and scholars from both sides of the Taiwan Strait, as well as from the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, and other countries [2] - The event includes 20 subgroup meetings and one roundtable forum, running from November 2 to November 3 [2] Group 2: Academic Perspectives - Scholars advocate for a broader research perspective and deeper academic dialogue to reinterpret the global significance and contemporary value of the Chinese people's Anti-Japanese War [2] - There is a call for promoting cross-border, multidisciplinary, and multi-perspective exchanges in the field of Anti-Japanese War history to create a more comprehensive and accurate narrative [2] - The seminar aims to provide important and necessary supplements to the existing narratives in the Western academic community [2]

Core Viewpoint - The international academic seminar "China's Anti-Japanese War from a Global Perspective," hosted by Peking University, aims to reassess the historical significance and contemporary value of China's resistance against Japanese aggression within a broader global context [1][2]. Group 1: Seminar Objectives and Structure - The seminar features 20 breakout sessions and one roundtable forum, focusing on the historical context of China's Anti-Japanese War and Taiwan's recovery [1]. - The event seeks to foster deeper academic dialogue and understanding of the shared history between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, emphasizing the importance of historical lessons for future unity efforts [1]. Group 2: Key Contributions and Perspectives - Scholars from Taiwan and other countries highlighted the significance of China's Anti-Japanese War, noting it was the earliest and longest resistance in the global anti-fascist struggle, which has been historically overlooked [2]. - The discussion included the impact of the war on Taiwan's recovery, attributing it to the collective efforts of the Chinese people and international support during the war [2]. - Prominent academics presented on various topics related to the global context of the Pacific War and the historical implications of events like the December 9th Movement [2].

Core Viewpoint - The international academic seminar "China's Anti-Japanese War from a Global Perspective" aims to reassess the historical significance and contemporary value of China's resistance against Japanese aggression, emphasizing the importance of historical reflection for future unity efforts [1][2]. Group 1: Seminar Overview - The seminar, hosted by Peking University, features nearly a hundred experts and scholars from various regions, including Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan [1]. - It includes 20 group meetings and one roundtable forum, focusing on the global perspective of China's anti-Japanese war and Taiwan's recovery [1][2]. Group 2: Historical Significance - The Chinese anti-Japanese war is recognized as the earliest and longest-running resistance in the global anti-fascist war, significantly altering the social landscape of China [2]. - The historical narrative of the anti-Japanese war has often been overlooked in international academia, highlighting the need for enhanced historical material sharing and collaboration between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait [2]. Group 3: Contributions and Future Directions - Peking University aims to support research in this field, enhance historical material organization and digitization, and promote international academic exchanges to contribute to building a community with a shared future for humanity [1]. - Experts will discuss various topics, including the global context of the Pacific War's outbreak in December 1941 and the significance of wartime international cooperation [2].

Core Points - The event commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's Anti-Japanese War and the World Anti-Fascist War was held in Victoria, Seychelles, attended by around 30 representatives from various Chinese community organizations and Chinese institutions [1] - Chinese Ambassador to Seychelles, Lin Nan, highlighted China's significant contributions to the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and emphasized that Taiwan's return to China is an essential part of the outcomes of World War II and the post-war international order [2] - Attendees expressed high regard for the global impact of China's anti-Japanese war efforts and committed to drawing strength from this great victory to further promote Sino-Seychellois friendship and national reunification [5]

Core Viewpoint - Richard Frank, a prominent military historian, emphasizes that the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japan is one of the most significant events of World War II, positioning the Chinese front as central to the Asia-Pacific theater during the war [1][2]. Group 1 - Frank is currently writing a trilogy on the history of the Asia-Pacific theater in World War II, with the first volume titled "Skull Tower," which aims to correct the narrow Western narrative surrounding the war and highlight China's contributions [2][3]. - He highlights a historical event in 1938 where China managed to transport a large number of personnel and materials from Yichang to Sichuan in just 40 days, preserving the nation's industrial lifeline and talent pool, which profoundly impacted his understanding of China's wartime history [2][3]. - Frank criticizes the traditional Western narrative that labels the Asia-Pacific conflict as the "Pacific War," arguing that it only covers about 25% of the affected population and 15% of the casualties, leading to a misleading impression of the war's impact [2][3]. Group 2 - Frank asserts that the historical narrative used by the U.S. and other Western countries has serious flaws that could erase significant historical facts, advocating for a more comprehensive and accurate representation of the Asia-Pacific theater [3]. - He believes that understanding the global impact of World War II from a historical perspective can provide a foundational framework for interpreting the contemporary world [3].

Core Viewpoint - The exhibition titled "The War that Changed the World - China's Anti-Japanese War from the Perspective of the World Anti-Fascist War" is open to the public from August 30 to December 31, showcasing China's significant contributions to the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War [1] Summary by Sections Exhibition Overview - The exhibition is guided by the National Cultural Heritage Administration, Shaanxi Provincial Cultural Heritage Administration, and the Yan'an Revolutionary Memorial Site Management Bureau [1] - It is hosted by the Yan'an Revolutionary Memorial Museum and the Chinese Communist Party History Exhibition Hall [1] - The exhibition was included in the promotional list for the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's Anti-Japanese War and the World Anti-Fascist War [1] Exhibition Structure - The exhibition is divided into four sections: 1. "The First Shot of the World Anti-Fascist War" 2. "Opening the Eastern Front of the World Anti-Fascist War" 3. "Let the World Hear the Voice of Yan'an" 4. "Great Victory: A Historical Turning Point" [1] - It features over 600 historical images and more than 100 representative cultural relics, along with historical footage and scene displays [1] Historical Significance - The exhibition aims to present a correct view of World War II history through artifacts, documents, and historical images [1] - It highlights the significant contributions of the Chinese People's Anti-Japanese War to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and the international support received [1] - The role of the Chinese Communist Party as a decisive force in this great war is emphasized [1]

Core Viewpoint - The son of French doctor Béthune, Bé Shitao, highlighted his father's anger towards Japanese atrocities during the Second Sino-Japanese War and his commitment to helping the Chinese people resist Japanese invasion as a moral obligation [1][2]. Group 1: Historical Context - Béthune witnessed Japanese atrocities as early as 1931 during the invasion of Northeast China and was shocked by the outbreak of full-scale war [1]. - Following the Marco Polo Bridge Incident, Béthune rushed to the front lines to treat the wounded [1]. Group 2: Humanitarian Efforts - Béthune converted his private residence, "Bé Family Garden," in the Western Hills of Beijing into a temporary rescue center, organizing the treatment and transport of severely injured soldiers [1]. - Initially, Béthune used a diplomatic vehicle to cross Japanese blockades, but as gasoline became scarce, he switched to using a bicycle to transport a significant amount of medical supplies and other essential items to anti-Japanese bases [1]. Group 3: Legacy and Relations - Bé Shitao emphasized that his father's actions during the war strengthened the special relationship between France and China [2].

Group 1 - The core viewpoint is that China's contribution to World War II, particularly during the Anti-Japanese War, is significant and should be recognized more widely in the West [1][2] - Rana Mitter emphasizes that the Chinese resistance against Japan after the Marco Polo Bridge Incident in 1937 was crucial, as it changed the dynamics of the war [1] - Mitter argues that millions of Japanese troops were diverted to China, which made it particularly difficult for the anti-fascist alliance to achieve overall victory without China's efforts [1] Group 2 - Mitter highlights that there is still much work to be done in acknowledging China's sacrifices and importance during World War II, as current Western understanding remains insufficient [1] - The book "On Protracted War" by Mao Zedong is noted as one of the most influential military strategy texts of the 20th century, still studied in military academies worldwide [1][2] - Mitter believes that understanding war as one of humanity's most destructive phenomena is essential for creating lasting peace through historical context [2]

Core Viewpoint - The interview highlights the significant sacrifices made by the Chinese people during the war against Japanese militarism, emphasizing that their courageous struggle not only defended their sovereignty but also set an example for other nations in their fight against invasion and for independence [1][2]. Group 1 - The Chinese people's resistance during the Anti-Japanese War is characterized as a national liberation struggle that made an irreplaceable contribution to the global anti-fascist war [1]. - The historical context demonstrates the strong will of the Chinese people to resist invasion and uphold justice, earning them widespread respect and trust in the international community [1]. - China has consistently opposed expansionism and colonialism, advocating for multilateralism and peaceful development, which has positioned it as a reliable partner for countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America seeking independence [1]. Group 2 - The commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Anti-Japanese War serves as a reminder to the world about the importance of opposing invasion and oppression, framing it as a long-term choice and a shared human responsibility [2]. - In the context of rising geopolitical uncertainties, China is portrayed as a defender of peace and a proponent of multilateralism, playing an increasingly important role in the current complex international relations landscape [2].