H.E. Huang Xilian, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Eight decades ago, under the shadow of fascism, more than 50 nations—including China and the Philippines—stood together, forming a broad international united front against fascist and militarist forces.

Among the most compelling chapters of that struggle was the shared resistance of Chinese and Filipino people. Chinese-Filipino anti-Japanese organizations, such as the “Philippine-Chinese Anti-Japanese Guerrilla Forces” (known as the Wha-Chi), earned the reputation of being the “iron backbone” of the anti-Japanese resistance behind enemy lines in Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, Chinese diplomats like Consul General Clarence Kuangson Young (Yang Guangsheng), gave their lives to defend national dignity and protect their fellow countrymen in the Philippines. These heroic efforts represent a moving epic of international solidarity—one that remains little known to many in the Philippines today.

It is important that we remember and honor this shared legacy of sacrifice and courage, as it continues to offer valuable lessons for peace and cooperation in today’s world.

The Main Theater in the East: A Key Front in the Global Fight Against Fascism

China was the first country to take up arms against fascist aggression. Following the “September 18 Incident” in 1931, the Chinese people launched what would become the longest and most arduous campaign of the World Anti-Fascist War, resisting Japanese forces for a total of 14 years. This was 3.5 times longer than the US’s involvement in the war, and 2.5 times longer than Britain’s.

Over 35 million Chinese were killed or wounded during this prolonged struggle. In this process, China tied down more than two-thirds of Japan’s ground forces. Chinese forces killed, wounded or captured more than 1.5 million Japanese troops—accounting for over 70% of Japan’s total losses. China’s immense sacrifices played a decisive role in weakening Japan’s war capabilities and paving the way for eventual Allied victory.

Strategic Impact: Winning Time and Space for the Allies

Throughout the war, the Communist Party of China (CCP) led a broad-based resistance movement, organizing guerrilla warfare in enemy-occupied areas while coordinating with Kuomintang’s front-line forces. Japan, bogged down in the quagmire of this protracted resistance, was unable to redeploy significant forces to the Pacific and European theaters.

Historians argue that without China’s sustained resistance, Japan could have quickly overrun Southeast Asia, threatening British India and Australia, and dramatically altering the strategic balance in the Pacific. After joining the Allied forces, China sent expeditionary troops to aid the fight in Myanmar, helped establish the vital Hump air route with the U.S., and supported guerrilla movements across Southeast Asia. These efforts earned China international recognition and underscored its pivotal role in securing global victory.

Overseas Sacrifice: Chinese-Filipinos and Overseas Chinese in the Philippines Joining the Struggle

In the Philippines, Chinese-Filipinos and overseas Chinese courageously stood alongside local Filipinos in resisting Japanese occupation. They organized anti-Japanese groups including the “Philippine-Chinese Anti-Japanese Guerrilla Forces”, the “Philippine Overseas Chinese Great Anti-Japanese and Anti-Collaborator League” and the “Philippine Overseas Chinese Anti-Japanese and Purging Collaborators Volunteer Corps”. These units played an essential role in supporting Allied liberation efforts, becoming a formidable force in the resistance behind enemy lines.

As Japanese forces advanced toward Manila, then-Chinese Consul General Clarence Kuangson Young courageously chose to stay behind to protect the local Chinese community. He, along with eight fellow Chinese diplomats, was captured, tortured, and ultimately killed by Japanese troops. Their courage and sacrifice stand as a powerful symbol of international solidarity and form an unforgettable chapter in the history of the anti-Japanese resistance in the Philippines. 

Today, their legacy lives on. Every year, my colleagues and I would visit the Manila Chinese Cemetery to honor these fallen heroes and pay respects to the surviving Wha-Chi veterans. Their stories are a vital part of both Chinese and Filipino resistance history.

Looking Forward: Lessons from Shared History

This year we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. At this important juncture, China is firmly committed to building a community with a shared future for humanity. China also remains committed to fostering an amicable, secure and prosperous neighborhood, the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness and the vision of a shared future in developing relations with all neighboring countries, including the Philippines. China unswervingly follows the path of peaceful development and is joining hands with neighboring countries to create a bright future together.

This shared historical memory of jointly resisting foreign aggression serves as a source of strength and wisdom. We hope that the people of China and the Philippines can draw wisdom and strength from it, firmly safeguard the fruit of the victory in World War II and the postwar international order, and inject more stability and positive energy into international relations.