What Was China’s Role In WWII?
China played an immense role in World War II. China was the first nation to fight Axis forces during the early years of the war. Despite losing the initial battles and suffering immense losses, eventually, China’s devotion and contributions to fight fascism, imperialism, and militarism played a critical role in the Allied victory against the Axis Powers. In this article, we will explore different aspects of China’s actions during WWII, including its participation in combat, production, and diplomacy.
China’s Participation in Combat During WWII
China joined the war against fascism in 1937 when Japan declared war. By then, the Chinese had already been embroiled in battles against the Imperial Japanese Army since the 1931 invasion of Manchuria. During the eight years of fighting, the Chinese were able to launch counter-offensives, hold back Japanese invasions, and secure vital supply routes.
In 1937, China declared war on Germany and Japan. In the early battles between China and Japan, the Japanese troops proved superior in their equipment and capabilities, resulting in China’s massive losses in the Battle of Shanghai, Nanking Massacre, and other major engagements. The Japanese eventually laid siege to multiple Chinese cities, including Guangzhou and Wuhan, while unleashing terror campaigns against internal threats and resistance forces. The country’s population suffered countless casualties and losses, not only due to the war but also due to foreign imperialism.
In August 1945, the Soviet Red Army reached Manchuria, engaging with the Japanese forces. Together with the Chinese reisistance, the Soviets drove out the Japanese troops from the area and reclaimed full Chinese control of Manchuria, opening a second front against Japan on the continent.
China’s War Time Production
The industrial production of China rapidly increased during the war to meet the needs of the Allied forces. The country developed weapons, medical supplies, and essential military equipment, including wheeled and tracked armored fighting vehicles, tanks, aircrafts, light artillery, mortars, and ammunition. In addition, Chinese workers doubled down their efforts to build up the agricultural sector, as farm output in the late 1940s was 35% higher than it was before the war. The agricultural improvement played a key role in supplying the Allied forces with fresh food and clothing.
China’s Role in Diplomacy
In addition to engaging in combat and creating supplies, China played a major role in diplomatic stand-offs throughout the war. For example, the Chongqing Conference in 1943 brought Chinese and American leaders together to discuss the status of a postwar world and prepare directives for the eventual defeat of Japan. During the Dumbarton Oaks Conference of 1944, Chinese leaders met with the Russians and Americans to prepare a draft of the United Nations Charter.
Furthermore, the country was one of the leading voices in the formation of the United Nations. During the San Francisco Conference of 1945, China was a major proponent of the United Nations, pushing to guarantee all nations’ representation in the organization and working to lay out the principles of international peace.
China’s contributions to WW2 were immense, even though they were not discussed as often as the contributions made by other countries during this period. The country not only committed to battle Japanese forces and drive out Axis powers from the continent, but also provided valuable diplomatic and economic support to the Allied forces. Through their efforts, China showed the world that it was a major driving force for collective security and international justice.
