China celebrates 80th anniversary of War of Resistance.

The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Monrovia marked a solemn and meaningful occasion on Thursday, August 14, the 80th anniversary of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese aggression and the broader World Anti-Fascist War.

By Lincoln G. Peters

Monrovia, August 15, 2025: The event, held at TM Mall in Monrovia, brought together high-profile government officials, international development partners, representatives from Chinese organizations in Liberia, and other distinguished guests.

The gathering underscored the deep ties forged between China and Liberia during one of history’s darkest chapters.

H. E Yin Chengwu, Chinese Ambassador to Liberia, opened the program with remarks that resonated with history. He emphasized that the purpose of such remembrance is not to continue hatred, but to honor those who laid down their lives, to cherish peace.

“The experience of war makes people value peace all the more,” Ambassador Yin reflected, urging all present to remember the past, honor the fallen, and open their hearts to the possibilities of reconciliation and hope.

Ambassador Yin’s speech also paid tribute to Liberia’s vital role during World War II, supporting the Allied forces with rubber and allowing them to use the airport as a base.

“During World War II, China and Liberia stood together as members of the anti-fascist alliance. China was the main Eastern battlefield, the backbone of resistance against Japanese militarism, and made decisive contributions to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War.  Under the Chinese united front against Japanese aggression, initiated and led by the Communist Party of China, the Chinese people marched forward fearlessly. They fought as one, making tremendous sacrifices to defeat the Japanese militarists, and writing a glorious chapter in the victory of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression.” He stated.

The Chinese envoy stated that Liberia, for its part, provided the Allies with a steady supply of rubber and crucial logistical support through its airports and seaports. Some of its citizens volunteered to join the Allied military, making important contributions to the common victory. 

“Looking back on that epic history, from the soldiers who fought bravely to the unknown ordinary people, every action that chose justice and stuck to conscience deserves to be remembered and honored for all time. Today, transformations of the world unseen in a century are unfolding at a faster pace.  Changes in the world, of our times, and the historical trajectory are taking place in ways like never before,” he added.

Speaking on behalf of the Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of National Defense, and proxy for his boss, General Geraldine Janet George, Dr. Augustine T. Larmin, Deputy Minister for Administration, Ministry of Defense, expressed appreciation to the People’s Republic of China for their resilience and fortitude against the Japanese aggression.

” I am here to read these few remarks on behalf of my boss, who left for some engagement. Your H.E. and guest, it’s with profound respect and solidarity that I stand to deliver this speech on behalf of Liberia. I extend my support to the people of Liberia and congratulate the Chinese people on their victory against the Japanese. This was not a victory against Japan but a move to save the world and redefine its sovereignty,” he concluded.

A central part of the commemoration was the screening of a 2024 Chinese documentary film, “The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru,” produced and directed by Fang Li, and co-directed by Ming Fan and Lily Gong. The film recounts the harrowing events surrounding the Lisbon Maru, a Japanese cargo ship carrying 1,800 British prisoners of war in 1942.

Three days into its journey from Hong Kong to Japan, the Lisbon Maru was torpedoed near China’s Dongji Island. As the ship began to sink, British POWs tried to escape, only to be met with violence from the Japanese guards. It was at this desperate moment that more than a hundred Chinese fishermen, braving treacherous waters and risking their lives, rescued many of the drowning POWs.

They demonstrated extraordinary moral responsibility and international humanitarianism.  It is a heavy but true piece of history, which denounces the crimes of Japanese fascism and reflects the courage and dignity of the Chinese people and British soldiers. – Edited by Othello B. Garblah.