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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WWII's Forgotten Legacy
The 75th anniversary of Japan's defeat resonated strongly within China.
However, it held little significance in the West, highlighting a gap in historical understanding.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Manchuria's Untold Story
Rana Mitter's interest in WWII's impact on China began with his study of Manchuria's occupation in 1931.
He examined how local responses to the invasion differed from the diplomatic narrative and how historical myths were constructed.
insights INSIGHT
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.
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Yang Jisheng's 'Mubei,' also known as 'Tombstone,' is a meticulously researched book that explores the Great Chinese Famine from 1958 to 1962. It details how Mao Zedong's policies led to one of the deadliest famines in history, resulting in an estimated 36 million deaths. The book serves as a testament to the victims and a critique of the Chinese Communist Party's role in the tragedy.
China′s Good War - How World War II Is Shaping a New Nationalism
Rana Mitter
In 'China's Good War', Rana Mitter examines how China's reassessment of its World War II experiences has become central to its growing confidence abroad and rising nationalism at home. The book delves into how China's historical narrative has evolved, positioning Beijing as a key player in the post-war international order. Mitter discusses how this narrative is used to shape public perception and diplomatic strategies, reflecting China's ambitions to redefine its role in the world.
One Person's War of Resistance
From One Person's Collection, a Whole Nation's War
Fan Jianchuan
Fan Jianchuan's book 'One Person's War of Resistance' uses his collection of World War II memorabilia as a starting point to reflect on China's experience during the war. It offers a personal perspective on the broader historical context of the conflict.
Now seventy-five years after China’s victory over Japan, China is rethinking how it grapples with the legacy of WWII (see, for example, The Eight Hundred, the highest-grossing film of 2020, discussed towards the end of the show). Mitter argues that this growing emphasis on World War II is evidence of a subtle rewriting of history, where 1945 takes on a significance comparable to 1949, and the CCP adopts historical victories of the Kuomintang.
Please consider supporting ChinaTalk at www.glow.fm/chinatalk Intro music: 赴戰, 'To Battle,‘ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pB9TmKdo0qU&feature=youtu.be Outtro music: 大刀进行曲, or "Sword March," written in honor of the poorly armed Chinese fighters at the Marco Polo Bridge Incident. See here for more info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sword_March. Get bonus content on Patreon
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