August 28, 2025
A Black Hole in Collective Memory: China and WWII
Photograph Source: Sha Fei – Public Domain
As China prepares to commemorate the 80th anniversary of victory over fascism on September 3, 2025, global attention turns to Beijing’s military parade. Speculation swirls about which world leaders will join President Xi Jinping—Putin’s presence is all but certain, though whispers of Trump attending seem far-fetched. Some peace advocates argue this moment offers a chance for global powers to reflect on World War II’s horrors, a sentiment aligned with the UN Charter’s spirit and urgent amid rising global tensions. Yet, European leaders’ refusal to attend, citing concerns about offending Japan, reveals a deeper issue. China’s commemoration closes the cycle of WWII anniversaries, but it begs a critical question: do we truly understand this war’s global scope, or have we allowed vital chapters to fade into obscurity?
/https://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/content/dam/thestar/news/canada/2021/09/25/huawei-executive-meng-wanzhou-receives-warm-welcome-upon-return-to-china/_1_meng_wanzhou_2.jpg)
