President Xi Jinping highlighted the importance of resistance against Japanese aggression during a meaningful visit to Shanxi Province on Monday. His remarks came while visiting a memorial hall in Yangquan dedicated to the historic Hundred-Regiment Campaign.
Xi Jinping met with students and staff at the memorial, encouraging the younger generation to embrace their role as the nation’s future. “The hope is reposed in you, and the future belongs to you,” he told them warmly. He urged students to be hardworking, morally upright, and proud of their Chinese identity.
During the visit, Xi laid a floral basket in tribute to those who fought in the Hundred-Regiment Campaign. That campaign, which lasted from August 1940 to January 1941, played a vital role in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.
Importantly, Monday’s trip coincided with the anniversary of the July 7th Incident. Also known as the Lugou Bridge Incident, it marked the beginning of China’s nationwide resistance against Japanese forces in 1937. Xi emphasized this historical connection, saying the timing of the visit added deeper meaning.
He stressed that the Communist Party of China (CPC) had been the backbone of national resistance. According to Xi, the Hundred-Regiment Campaign showed the world the strength and determination of the Chinese people and the CPC. He explained that this campaign was not only a military victory but also a powerful symbol of Chinese unity.
Moreover, Xi highlighted the immense sacrifices made during the 14-year war. He said remembering the past helps guide the future. “If the past is not forgotten, it can serve as a guide for the future,” he noted.
Xi Jinping called on young people to study this history and draw inspiration from it. He stated that remembering the resistance against Japanese aggression builds national pride and helps ensure peace.
Ultimately, Xi’s visit reinforced a powerful message. Resistance against Japanese aggression must remain a central chapter in China’s story. And it is now the youth’s turn to honor it through service, pride, and perseverance.
