China Cracks Down on Historical Revisionism Regarding War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression
Shenyang, China – Amidst commemorations of the September 18 Incident, a pivotal moment marking the beginning of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, China’s Ministry of Public Security (MPS) has taken decisive action against individuals propagating distorted narratives of this crucial historical period. The MPS Cybersecurity Bureau announced on Thursday that two individuals have faced administrative penalties for fabricating and disseminating false information online, undermining the historical truth of the war and offending national sentiment. These actions underscore China’s commitment to preserving the integrity of its wartime history and countering attempts to diminish the role of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in leading the resistance against Japanese imperialism.
The first case involved an individual surnamed Deng, who, in April 2025, fabricated data concerning the number of Japanese troops eliminated by CPC-led forces. The MPS determined that Deng’s online posts minimized and denied the CPC’s crucial role as the backbone of the resistance effort. This distortion not only misrepresents the historical record but also insults the national and ethnic pride associated with this pivotal period in Chinese history. Following an investigation, Deng confessed to the offense and received an administrative penalty from local authorities, a clear signal of the government’s resolve to combat historical revisionism.
In a separate incident, an individual surnamed Zhang was found to have fabricated claims alleging that the CPC-led Red Army collaborated with the Japanese Kwantung Army, a blatant misrepresentation of historical facts. The MPS highlighted that Zhang’s fabrications specifically targeted the CPC’s armed resistance in Northeast China, which was the vanguard of the national resistance movement against the Japanese invasion. This attempt to rewrite history, particularly by smearing the reputation of the forces that initiated the fight against foreign aggression, was met with swift action by authorities. Zhang confessed to the offense and received an administrative penalty in accordance with relevant laws.
These incidents highlight the ongoing battle against historical revisionism, particularly concerning the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, a period of immense national significance for China. The MPS emphasized the monumental victory achieved in 1945, marking the first full-scale victory against foreign aggression in modern Chinese history. This triumph, achieved through years of struggle and sacrifice, not only represented a turning point for China but also significantly contributed to the global fight against fascism, laying the foundation for the nation’s subsequent rejuvenation. The MPS underscored that attempts to distort this history or defame national heroes will be met with firm legal repercussions.
The MPS’s actions reflect a broader concern about the preservation of historical memory and the fight against disinformation, particularly in the digital age. The ministry called upon the public to actively participate in upholding and disseminating the historical truth of the war, ensuring that the sacrifices made and the lessons learned are not forgotten or manipulated. This call to action underscores the importance of collective responsibility in safeguarding historical accuracy and promoting a shared understanding of the past.
By publicizing these cases and emphasizing the importance of historical accuracy, the Chinese government aims to reinforce the narrative of the CPC as the leading force in the resistance against Japanese aggression, a narrative central to the party’s legitimacy and its depiction of China’s modern history. The crackdown serves as a deterrent against future attempts to revise or distort this historical period, promoting a unified national narrative and safeguarding what the government considers a crucial element of national identity and pride. Moreover, it underscores the importance of historical memory in shaping national consciousness and ensuring that future generations understand the sacrifices made in the pursuit of national liberation and the fight against fascism.