(China) China has long propagated the misleading notion that being anti-Japanese equates to patriotism, and patriotism equates to being anti-Japanese. Officially recognized Christian seminaries across China held events commemorating the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. Namely, seminaries in Shandong and Shaanxi organized related activities for their faculty and students. These events aim to instill the “red” gene of the Communist Party and promote the “patriotic” tradition.

Shandong Theological Seminary

According to a report by Qilu Microsound, Shandong Theological Seminary held the 79th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The Shandong Provincial “Two Organizations of Christianity/Lianghui” organized the event under government directives.

Nearly 300 faculty and students from the Shandong Theological Seminary participated in the event, along with senior leaders from the Shandong Provincial Christian Association.

Re-education on Chinese history

According to the report, there was a presentation of the history of the war for the entire faculty and the students. Organizers also revisited classic revolutionary stories and recalled the heroic deeds of revolutionary martyrs. 

The event served to “enhance the ideological and political awareness” of the faculty, students, and staff at the Shandong Theological Seminary. Participants unanimously expressed their commitment to carrying forward the spirit of the revolutionary martyrs, resolving themselves to progress. They also committed to contributing themselves to national rejuvenation. 

Shaanxi Bible College

In northwest China, Shaanxi Bible School held a commemorative event the same day. Reports state that this event further promoted “love for the country and love for the church” among all faculty and students. This supposedly showcased a peaceful image of Chinese Christianity. 

Political events in the Christian Church

Such activities held in Christian institutions are by nature political rather than theological. The Chinese government has previously stated that religion must obey the government, politics must take precedence, and that religion must serve the CCP.

The Real History

The victory in the Sino-Japanese War was primarily achieved by the government of the Republic of China, now in Taiwan, and its Nationalist Army. With strong support from the United States, which was China’s ally at the time, Japanese forces were defeated. On September 9, 1945, Japan’s China Expeditionary Army, commanded by General Yasuji Okamura, surrendered to General He Yingqin of the Republic of China, officially ending the war. However, the People’s Republic of China later claimed the victory as its own, exaggerating the role of the Communist forces during the war.

In contrast, Christian theological institutions in Taiwan, governed by the Republic of China, do not hold commemorative events for the victory in the Sino-Japanese War.

~Gao Zhensai,  Special Correspondent of ChinaAid