Cambridge professor: China played a decisive role in World War II

This year the world marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. China, which became the main eastern battlefield, bore the brunt of the war longer than any other ally and its contribution to the victory over fascism was crucial, according to historian Hans van de Ven of the University of Cambridge.

The Chinese people fought against Japanese aggression for the entire 14 years and managed to tie down a substantial portion of the Japanese military forces, while inflicting over 1.5 million in losses. According to Professor van de Ven, this contribution was enormous, as were the sacrifices made by the Chinese nation.

The historian also drew attention to the long-term Eurocentrism in research World War II, which he said led to an underestimation of China's role. "The previous generation of Western historians considered the war in China almost insignificant. But in reality, China did a lot - it managed to contain Japan," he stressed.

CMG