Core Viewpoint - The event commemorates the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's Anti-Japanese War and the World Anti-Fascist War, emphasizing the importance of remembering history and honoring the sacrifices made by heroes [1][12]. Group 1: Event Overview - The event took place on September 3 at the Great Hall of the People, attended by approximately 6,000 individuals, including national leaders and foreign guests [1]. - The evening began with a performance of "I Love You, China," featuring veterans and young pioneers, symbolizing the connection between past and present [1][2]. Group 2: Historical Significance - The event highlighted key historical moments, starting from the September 18 Incident in 1931, which marked the beginning of Japanese aggression in Northeast China [2]. - The performances included depictions of heroic figures from the Communist Party and the sacrifices made during the war, such as those of Yang Jingyu and Zhao Yiman [5][9]. Group 3: Artistic Expressions - Various artistic forms were utilized, including dance, poetry, and music, to convey the emotional weight of the anti-Japanese struggle and the resilience of the Chinese people [6][10]. - The performance "This Light" showcased the spirit of youth and the contributions of the Communist Party during the war, emphasizing the importance of collective effort [8][9]. Group 4: Legacy and Future - The event concluded with a message of hope and strength, reflecting on the achievements of modern China and the importance of continuing the legacy of those who fought for independence and dignity [14][15]. - The final performances celebrated the unity and determination of the Chinese people, reinforcing the idea that the nation is now in control of its destiny [13][15].

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 exhibition "For National Liberation and World Peace" at the China People's Anti-Japanese War Memorial Hall highlights the enduring spirit of resistance and sacrifice during the 14-year Anti-Japanese War, showcasing revolutionary artifacts that embody the unyielding spirit of the martyrs [12]. Group 1: Historical Significance - The exhibition emphasizes the significance of the Anti-Japanese War, which lasted for 5098 days, as a source of inspiration and strength for contemporary struggles [12]. - Mao Zedong's "On Protracted War," written in 1938, is presented as a crucial document that outlined the strategy for a prolonged resistance against Japan, countering defeatist narratives [13][14]. - The exhibition features various editions of "On Protracted War," including early publications and translations into English and Japanese, indicating its wide influence and importance [14]. Group 2: Personal Stories of Resistance - The exhibition includes artifacts related to Yang Jingyu, a key figure in the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army, who demonstrated unwavering commitment and leadership in the face of overwhelming odds [15][16][17]. - Another highlighted figure is Shen Zhongming, a Communist underground member who fought valiantly during the Lugou Bridge incident, ultimately sacrificing his life for the cause [18][19]. - The exhibition also showcases the surgical instruments of Dr. Norman Bethune, symbolizing internationalist support for China's anti-Japanese efforts, and his contributions to medical care during the war [20][21][22]. Group 3: Commemoration of Heroes - The exhibition features the Independent Freedom Medal, established in 1955 to honor those who contributed to the anti-Japanese war, reflecting the recognition of their sacrifices [25][26]. - The design and significance of the Independent Freedom Medal are detailed, highlighting its role in commemorating the contributions of the Chinese People's Liberation Army during the war [27].

Group 1 - The article emphasizes the historical significance of Yan'an as a center for the Chinese Communist Party during the Anti-Japanese War, highlighting its role in uniting the nation and leading the revolution [10][35]. - It discusses the major meetings held in Yan'an, such as the Wayaobao Conference and the Luochuan Conference, which established key policies and strategies for the anti-Japanese efforts [12][19]. - The article notes the establishment of the Chinese People's Anti-Japanese Military and Political University in Yan'an, which trained over 100,000 military and political cadres during the war [27][30]. Group 2 - The cultural contributions from Yan'an are highlighted, including the founding of the Luxun Academy of Arts, which produced significant anti-war songs and literature that inspired the nation [32][34]. - The article mentions the resilience of the Yan'an region during the war, detailing the bombings and the sacrifices made by the local population and military forces [34]. - It concludes with a call to action from the current leadership, urging the continuation of the revolutionary spirit and the importance of learning from history to face future challenges [35].

Core Points - The article emphasizes the historical significance of Yan'an during the Chinese Communist Party's leadership in the anti-Japanese war and the broader revolutionary struggle [4][9][29] - It highlights the importance of the Yan'an spirit and the need to carry forward the revolutionary legacy in contemporary times [21][29] Group 1: Historical Context - Yan'an served as the political center for the Chinese Communist Party from 1935 to 1948, playing a crucial role in the anti-Japanese war and the national liberation struggle [9][23] - The Wayaobao Conference in December 1935 established the policy for the anti-Japanese national united front and made significant decisions regarding the Red Army's eastward expedition [11][14] - The Luochuan Conference in August 1937 marked the formal establishment of the Party's comprehensive anti-war strategy and the renaming of the Red Army to the Eighth Route Army [14][17] Group 2: Cultural and Educational Contributions - The establishment of the Chinese People's Anti-Japanese Military and Political University in Wayaobao in June 1936 and its relocation to Yan'an in January 1937 contributed to the training of over 100,000 anti-Japanese military and political cadres [23][25] - Yan'an became a hub for cultural and artistic expression during the war, with institutions like the Lu Xun Art Academy fostering the creation of significant anti-war songs and literature [26][28] Group 3: Leadership and Legacy - In October 2022, General Secretary Xi Jinping visited the Yan'an Revolutionary Memorial Hall, emphasizing the need to promote the spirit of struggle and enhance the ability to overcome challenges [29] - The article calls for the continuation of the revolutionary spirit and the importance of telling the Party's story to inspire future generations [29]

Core Viewpoint - The Yan'an Revolutionary Memorial Hall serves as a significant site for understanding China's revolutionary history and the spirit of resistance during the Anti-Japanese War, attracting numerous visitors who seek inspiration from red culture [1][15]. Group 1: Historical Significance - Yan'an is recognized as a sacred site of the Chinese revolution, with the memorial hall being one of the earliest established after the founding of New China in 1950 [1]. - The memorial hall features numerous artifacts that narrate stories of national salvation during the Anti-Japanese War, including the famous "Eight Route Army Song" [3][7]. - The hall highlights the pivotal victory at the Battle of Pingxingguan, which shattered the myth of Japanese invincibility [5]. Group 2: Key Documents and Ideologies - "On Protracted War," written by Mao Zedong, is a crucial document that analyzed the situation of both China and Japan, predicting the war would go through three stages: strategic defense, strategic stalemate, and strategic counteroffensive [9]. - The document aimed to dispel erroneous thoughts prevalent at the time and instilled confidence in the Chinese people regarding the eventual victory in the war [7][9]. Group 3: Cultural and Political Impact - During the war, Yan'an was a hub for democratic politics, military, economic, cultural education, and health initiatives, contributing significantly to the war effort [11]. - The Communist Party of China established a united front against Japan and proposed a series of policies that solidified its role as a central force in the resistance [13]. - The memorial hall continues to attract visitors who reflect on the revolutionary history and the enduring spirit of Yan'an [15].

Core Viewpoint - Yan'an is recognized as a sacred site of the Chinese revolution, with the Yan'an Revolutionary Memorial Museum established in January 1950, serving as one of the earliest revolutionary memorials in New China, attracting numerous visitors daily to draw inspiration from red culture [1] Group 1: Historical Significance - The museum features an anti-Japanese unit where visitors are captivated by the powerful songs, including the "Eighth Route Army Song," which narrates the heroic deeds of the Eighth Route Army during the Anti-Japanese War [2][4] - From 1935 to 1948, Yan'an was the political center of the Chinese Communist Party and the guiding force for the Anti-Japanese War and the liberation struggle [5] - The museum houses numerous artifacts that tell stories of resistance against Japanese aggression, with "On Protracted War" being a significant document that visitors are encouraged to see [7] Group 2: Mao Zedong's Contributions - Mao Zedong wrote "On Protracted War" in response to the prevailing defeatist and overly optimistic sentiments during the early stages of the Anti-Japanese War, dedicating extensive effort to its completion [9] - The document analyzes the situation of both China and Japan, predicting the war would progress through three stages: strategic defense, strategic stalemate, and strategic counteroffensive, ultimately affirming that victory would belong to China [11] Group 3: Cultural and Political Developments - During the Yan'an period, democratic politics were implemented, and significant advancements were made in military, economic, cultural education, and health sectors, alongside a vigorous wartime literary movement [12] - The museum director emphasizes that Yan'an served as a beacon during the war, where the Communist Party proposed a united front against Japan and established strategies for victory [18] Group 4: Visitor Experience - Visitors to the museum can experience vivid scenes from the Anti-Japanese War, reflecting on the historical significance and the spirit of Yan'an [16] - The museum attracts visitors from all over, who come to honor the revolutionary history and seek to understand the secrets behind the success of the Chinese revolution [20]