ChinaTalk WWII's Legacy in China with Rana Mitter
Jan 17, 2021
Rana Mitter, a Professor of Chinese history at Oxford, delves into China's World War II legacy and its effect on modern nationalism. He discusses how the recent film 'The Eight Hundred' reflects a changing narrative around this pivotal period. Mitter emphasizes the shift in historical recognition, comparing the significance of 1945 to 1949. He also highlights the once-stigmatized Kuomintang heroes and how oral histories help preserve their stories. Intriguingly, he draws parallels between China's suffering during the war and Holocaust narratives, exploring their impact on current diplomatic relations.
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China's Crucial Role
- China's WWII experience, the longest theater for the Allies, is often overlooked in Western narratives.
- Despite being under-resourced, Chinese troops tied up half a million Japanese soldiers for years.
WWII in Mao's China
- Unlike other Allied powers, Mao's China didn't initially emphasize WWII in its national identity.
- This was partly due to the need to downplay the Kuomintang's significant role in the war effort.
Deng's Reframing of WWII
- Under Deng Xiaoping, China's narrative of WWII shifted.
- It aimed to foster unity, address Taiwan relations, and criticize Japan's rising global role.
