China Turns WWII History into Political Weapon Against Japan

A scholar, speaking anonymously, argues that Beijing has launched a concerted campaign to rewrite World War II history, highlighting the Chinese Communist Party’s contributions while portraying Japan as a continuing threat. The effort features official commemorations, such as the National Memorial Day for Nanjing Massacre victims, and textbook revisions that extend the “War of Resistance” timeline. The historian contends the narrative serves China’s current geopolitical aims, including its assertive posture in the Taiwan Strait, South China Sea and the Senkaku/Diaoyutai Islands.

By casting Japan’s post-war democracy as a resurgence of militarism, the CCP seeks to justify its expansionist policies. In parallel, Taiwan’s weather agency reports that Typhoon Champi, now moving west-northwest at 23 kph with sustained winds of 198 kph, will spare a direct hit but will deliver heavy rain to northern Taiwan after an earlier northward turn near Ishigaki Island.