Today marks the 77th anniversary of the July 7 incident, the prelude to the struggle of all the Chinese people against Japanese aggression. China has talked a lot about this incident, while Japan regularly commemorates the dates on which two atomic bombs were dropped on its soil. In fact, the July 7 incident was a turning point in Japan's destiny. From that moment on, as Japan's greed expanded, so did the wars of invasion it waged in China. It was restrained by big powers like the US and it finally resorted to an air strike on Pearl Harbor to declare war on the US.

Japan has often quibbled over historical matters. But the noticeable fact is that Japan has tried to get away with its criminal acts in WWII. Japan's depiction of the war did not make its people feel ashamed of that history. Rather, it generated so much pathos that many feel aggrieved toward the losses their country suffered and Japan's status as a defeated nation.

The sentiment of an imperial Japan has excited the whole nation for almost two centuries. Japan's deep-rooted expansionism has never faded, despite being restrained temporarily. Its radical reaction toward China's rise is a reflection of its strategic desperation for its unfulfilled "national ambition."

With China's influence increasing, the July 7 incident will be known to more people in the world.

It's been almost 70 years since the end of WWII. The debates over how this war should be viewed have not ended, which helps the world know more about Japan's crimes and the antagonistic attitude of the current Japanese government. It is Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe that should take credit for this.

China's high-profile commemorative events of the July 7 incident not only aim to restore historical truth, but also remind us to gain more strength and wisdom.

Before the July 7 incident, China was a fragile country with no political cohesion. That is why the Japanese army could march into the country and prop up a puppet government. The incompetence of the then-government is one cause of the catastrophe that befell China.  

But even in those hard times, the Chinese people did not give up resistance. The Communist Party of China, even though not so powerful then, played a key role in strengthening the people's determination against Japan.

After 77 years, China has found its turning point and reemerged as a powerful country in East Asia. It has made up for falling behind during the period of global post-war modernization.

China has been in an ever-peaceful and prosperous state. Meanwhile, it bears high strategic pressure in the face of its rejuvenation. International competition is awaiting us, and internal unity is a source of national strength. China has come a long way, while strategically, we cannot afford to sit idle.

However, nowadays many Chinese young people are in a confused state. This makes us realize that modernization and economic prosperity do not mean we have reached the same level of spiritual development.

In the future, we need to enhance our capabilities to ensure there will be no threat of war or chaos. For a country with 1.3 billion people, this is a challenge.

The commemoration of the July 7 incident should make us better understand the relationship between the nation and individuals and our responsibilities toward the country.