On the occasion of the 93rd anniversary of the September 18th Incident, a solemn speech was delivered under the national flag at Changbai Mountain Vocational School, emphasizing the importance of remembering national humiliations and the necessity for young people to strive for self-improvement.
Historical Context
The September 18th Incident, which took place on September 18, 1931, marked a pivotal moment in modern Chinese history. At 10:20 PM, the Japanese Guandong Army blew up a section of the South Manchuria Railway near Liutiaohu and blamed the incident on Chinese troops. This act served as a pretext for the Japanese to launch a full-scale armed invasion of Northeast China, leading to the occupation of vast territories and the suffering of countless Chinese people.
The Road to Invasion
The path to the invasion was paved by several historical factors. The Meiji Restoration in 1868 set Japan on a path to becoming a capitalist power, culminating in its emergence as Asia’s leading power after the First Sino-Japanese War in 1894. The Russo-Japanese War in 1904 further established Japan as a global power. However, post-World War I, Japan’s expansion in China was curtailed by Western powers, and the Chinese Nationalist Revolution weakened Japan’s interests in the region.
The global economic crisis of 1929 severely impacted Japan, leading to political turmoil and the rise of fascist forces. The internal conflict within China, with the Nationalist Government focusing on exterminating communism, provided a golden opportunity for Japan to seize Manchuria and further its imperial ambitions.
The Incident and Its Aftermath
The September 18th Incident began with the explosion near Liutiaohu, which the Japanese used as a pretext to attack the Beidaying Camp in Shenyang. The fall of Shenyang was swift, with the Japanese taking control of the city without a single shot fired. The occupation of Changchun followed, and within half a year, the entire Northeast region was under Japanese control.
The Policy of Non-Resistance
A significant factor contributing to the rapid occupation was the non-resistance policy adopted by the Chinese Nationalist Government. Despite advance warnings of an impending Japanese action, the orders from the top were to avoid conflict and to tolerate any provocation. This policy allowed the Japanese to advance unchecked.
Modern Relevance
The speech at Changbai Mountain Vocational School highlighted the relevance of this historical event to modern times. It warned against the dangers of complacency and the need for young people to take pride in their nationality, strive for self-improvement, and be prepared to defend their country.
The Threat of Imperialism
The article also discussed the resurgence of imperialist threats, with several countries, including the United States, Japan, and others, posing potential dangers to China. It warned against the dangers of peaceful rise and the Thucydides Trap, emphasizing the need for China to be vigilant against internal and external threats.
Conclusion
The speech serves as a stark reminder of the importance of history and the lessons it holds for the present and future. It underscores the need for young people to be aware of their history, to be self-reliant, and to be prepared to face challenges head-on. The September 18th Incident is not just a historical event but a symbol of national resilience and the determination to never allow such a tragedy to happen again.
Remembering the past is crucial, but it is equally important to look forward and ensure that the mistakes of the past are not repeated. As the article concludes, 少年强则中国强 (When the youth are strong, China is strong), emphasizing the role of the younger generation in shaping the nation’s future.
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