5,098 photos, 5,098 days: forging China's backbone

How many 14-year periods do we have in a lifetime?

From 1931 to 1945, the Chinese people endured 14 years of blood and fire, defending their homeland and safeguarding world peace.

China News Network reporters visited the Museum of the War of the Chinese People’s Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in Beijing, reflecting on this indelible chapter of history. Here stands a special wall, embedded with 5,098 black-and-white photos. They symbolize the 14 years, 5,098 days and nights, during which 450 million Chinese people fought for survival and dignity.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Eighty years on, the lessons of history must never be forgotten. China has never been an aggressor. The Chinese people have always been defenders of their homeland and guardians of world peace. Because we have endured war and separation, we cherish peace all the more.