Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the historical significance of the anti-fascist struggle in Zhanjiang, highlighting the resilience and wisdom of the local people under colonial rule, and providing insights into contemporary practices of sovereignty in the global governance system [1]. Group 1: Colonial Legal Contradictions - The suffering of Zhanjiang is linked to the humiliation of the French concession and the devastation under Japanese occupation, illustrating the pain of national dismemberment [2]. - The 1899 treaty that ceded 2,130 square kilometers of land to France for 99 years exemplifies the manipulation of colonial legal principles, claiming to respect Chinese sovereignty while effectively transferring control [2]. - The harsh realities of colonialism are evident in the exploitation of Zhanjiang workers, who labored over 14 hours daily without compensation for injuries, facing severe repression for strikes [2]. Group 2: Sovereignty and Illegal Transactions - After the fall of Guangzhou in 1938, Zhanjiang became a strategic hub for anti-Japanese efforts, receiving supplies due to its temporary "neutral" status as a concession [3]. - The French authorities initially allowed the transit of war materials to aid China, but after France's fall in 1940, the Vichy government aligned with Axis powers, leading to a deal with Japan that resulted in the occupation of Zhanjiang [3]. - The Japanese military established control over Zhanjiang, setting up command centers and exploiting local resources, which inflicted severe suffering on the local population [3]. Group 3: National Awakening and Resistance - Under the dual pressures of colonialism and invasion, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) emerged as a beacon of resistance in Zhanjiang, establishing grassroots mobilization networks [4]. - The formation of the Youth Anti-Japanese Comrades Association in 1938 marked a significant increase in anti-Japanese sentiment, with membership growing to over 50,000 by the end of 1939 [4]. - Ordinary citizens also resisted colonial and invading forces, using legal means to contest land seizures and supporting guerrilla fighters, demonstrating a collective spirit of defiance [5][6]. Group 4: Historical Lessons on Sovereignty - The history of Zhanjiang's anti-Japanese struggle offers three modern insights: the persistent issues of international law, the relationship between law and public opinion, and the need for equitable legal frameworks in sovereignty transfers [7]. - The CCP's leadership in Zhanjiang not only reclaimed physical territory but also restored national spirit and integrity within a flawed legal system [7]. - The historical experiences from Zhanjiang serve as a reminder that the will of the people is the strongest source of legal authority, especially in the context of global governance reforms today [7].