80 years after victory: War that forged Sino-Africa ties

ON a historic day at Tanzania’s National Museum, dignitaries, diplomats and citizens gathered to mark the 80th anniversary of a defining chapter in world history, the victory in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, part of the global World AntiFascist struggle.

Hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Tanzania, the occasion featured a compelling documentary photo exhibition and stirring speeches that reflected on the sacrifices of the past while highlighting pathways for a united future.

The event opened with remarks from Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania Ambassador Chen Mingjian, who called the anniversary a moment not only to honour those who endured immense hardships from 1931 to 1945 but also to remind everyone that history is the world’s best teacher.

The exhibition, displayed at the National Museum, includes 60 rare photos illustrating key events: From the early aggression marked by the Mukden Incident, through the harrowing memories of the Nanjing Massacre, to the historic surrender that ended the conflict.

“These photos stand as silent witnesses,” Ambassador Chen said. “They remind us to cherish peace and to strive for a better future.” The Ambassador emphasised the scale of the conflict, noting that more than 80 countries and regions, involving some two billion people, took part in the World Anti-Fascist War.

China’s fourteen-year resistance was one of the longest and bloodiest fronts, with sacrifices exceeding 35 million lives. This struggle was crucial not only to safeguarding national sovereignty but also to supporting other major theatres of war, contributing to the ultimate victory against fascism worldwide.

“Our history is interwoven with the global pursuit of justice,” Ambassador Chen stated, adding that forgetting these lessons would be a betrayal to the fallen.

She urged all to uphold the achievements of this victory as a foundation for international fairness and justice, stressing that the postwar order laid out by the international community after World War II remains vital today.

Taking a step away from the formal script, the Ambassador humorously remarked that while history is best left undistorted, it is a “sticky wicket” when attempts arise to rewrite it and that “truth, like a good cup of Tanzanian coffee, should be savoured without adulteration.”

Dr Noel Lwoga, Director General of the National Museum of Tanzania, welcomed the exhibition with enthusiasm, highlighting the longstanding cultural ties between Tanzania and China.

“Hosting this event here at the National Museum, where we preserve the heritage of our nation, symbolises the strong bond of cultural cooperation between our countries,” he noted.

Dr Lwoga recalled previous joint exhibitions, including the 2015 showcase on the China-Africa Maritime Silk Road and ongoing collaborative projects highlighting the Tanzania-Zambia Railway—both landmarks in illustrating the historical and modern connections between Africa and China.

He warmly invited other nations and partners to use the museum’s facilities to further enrich the cultural dialogue.

The historical reflections extended beyond East Africa to underscore the shared experiences of many African nations and China, both regions having endured colonial oppression and fought fiercely for national liberation and independence.

The anti-fascist struggle was supported by numerous African fighters and contributors, with millions across over 30 countries playing vital roles in logistics, military support and frontline engagements.

The solidarity forged during those trying times laid a foundation for the close China-Africa cooperation seen today. From support during the struggles for freedom in Southern Africa to collaborative infrastructure projects such as the TAZARA Railway in the 1970s, the friendship has grown resiliently.

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Fast forward to the present, the partnership is evolving through frameworks like the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the Belt and Road Initiative, delivering tangible benefits to millions and fostering mutual prosperity.

Ambassador Chen encapsulated this spirit when he quoted President Xi Jinping: “We must learn from history, especially the hard lessons of the Second World War… to resist all forms of hegemonism and power politics and work together to build a brighter future for humanity.”

As the event drew to a close, a Swahili proverb echoed in the hall—“Amani ni msingi wa maendeleo” (“Peace is the foundation of development”) reminding everyone present that the peace painstakingly won 80 years ago remains the cornerstone for global progress.

The commemoration was more than a moment of remembrance, because it was a call to unity, cooperation and forward-looking resolve. In a world increasingly complex and interconnected, such reflections offer hope that lessons from history will guide humanity toward a shared future marked by peace, justice and prosperity.

At the reception marking the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against the World AntiFascist war, was also Tanzania’s Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr Pindi Chana who said: “Allow me to bring greetings from our head of state, President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the people of Tanzania, who understands that this evening, we are here on this important celebration.

It is a reminder of the resilience, courage and unity of the people in the face of oppression. It stands as a testament to the human spirit, determination to secure peace and justice for future generations.

As we walk through these exhibitions and exhibits, may we honour the legacy of those who fought for freedom and reaffirm the collection commitment to building a future founded in peace, cooperation and mutual understanding.

But even today, under President Samia administration, we see more emphasis on peace, cooperation and mutual understanding.

As we reflect on this historic legacy, we are reminded that Tanzania and China share a deep and enduring friendship rooted in mutual respect, solidarity and shared aspiration.

As you said earlier, since the early days of Tanzania’s independence, our partnership has flourished, expanding now into the so called infrastructure, trade, education, health, agriculture, tourism, culture exchange and you can mention them.

The Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA), built with the generous support of China in the 1970s remain an enduring symbol of Africa-Chinese solidarity. Today we see the spirit of cooperation continued in transformative infrastructure projects ranging from upgrading of ports and roads to the construction of the standard gauge railway.

These initiatives not only improve connectivity and trend, but also strengthen the bonds of friendship between our nations. I was happy to hear that China, since then, was contributing to United Nations since 1940s after World War Two, but today, thank you very much and congratulations for contributions to global peace and to the organisers of this exhibition for their dedication in bringing history to life with such dignity and clarity”.