Concerning the upcoming 80th Anniversary of the Victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture, along with its policy portfolio’s subordinate Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ) and Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC), co-hosted a press conference yesterday to announce they would organise a raft of commemorative activities to mark the historically important observance.
Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Wallis O Lam, DSEDJ Director Kong Chi Meng, IC Vice-President Choi Kin Long and Macao Government Information Bureau (GCS) Director Inês Chan Lou attended yesterday’s press conference at Government Headquarters.
O noted that the commemorations aim to promote the spirit of the war of resistance, preserve historical legacy, and advocate for peace, guiding residents to deeply understand the historical significance and cultivate patriotic values and peace awareness. O said the local commemorations would be held in line with the nation’s arrangements to mark the anniversary. She said the aim of the local commemoration was to enable people in Macao, particularly the young generation to gain a comprehensive and accurate understanding of the history of the war, as well as the immense sacrifices made by the country’s ancestors for national independence and the liberation of its people from Japanese subjugation.
O also said that the government would organize various initiatives including commemorative ceremonies, exhibitions, and educational programs to uphold the principles of peace and patriotism, while fostering a sense of identity and pride among Macao’s youth. These efforts aim to help transform historical memory into a spiritual driving force for contemporary society, strengthening social solidarity and peaceful development, the said.
The policy secretary also said that the government set up a task force at the end of April, which she heads, to oversee the coordination of the string of commemorative events.
O also said that the local government will review and enhance Macao’s existing patriotic cultural resources, such as Gen. Ye Ting’s Former Residence and the Xian Xinghai Memorial Museum, and transform these venues into key sites for commemorating the anniversary.
Kong said that his bureau would deepen young students’ understanding of the history of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression through diversified means, inherit the war’s spirit and promote peace.
The commemorative activities include ceremony on the morning of September 3, where government officials, along with students and other young people and community representatives, will watch a live broadcast of the grand gathering to be held in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square.
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Asked by a reporter whether the government will declare September 3 a public holiday, O said that it will not be a public holiday. However, she also said that the government will invite 2,000 to 3,000 students to watch the live telecast that day.
She also said that during the war Macao’s Chinese patriots supported the nation’s war effort against the Japanese aggressor such as by donating valuable resources and money. She also pointed out that some Macao compatriots fought and died in the war for their nation’s freedom.
Kong also said that the government will organize students to participate in thematic exhibitions, launch historical education courseware and hold a host of literary and artistic activities.
Choi also said that from late August to late September, the local government, in conjunction with the Museum of the War of the Chinese People’s Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, will host a special exhibition to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory at the China-Portuguese-speaking Countries Commercial and Trade Service Platform Complex in Nam Van.
Choi said that Macao’s various community sectors and civil organizations will also organize a raft of commemorative activities to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
Choi noted that archival documents from the Kiang Wu Charitable Association have been listed as the nation’s documentary heritage, enriching Macao’s historical resources on the wartime and civil resistance. He said that the Cultural Affairs Bureau has curated a raft of commemorative programmes, including thematic exhibitions, academic symposiums, and the setting-up of a curatorial committee.
During the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, Macao’s then Portuguese administration maintained neutrality in the conflict. While Hong Kong was occupied by the Japanese in 1941, they imposed indirect control over Macao through naval blockades and economic pressure between 1943 and 1945.
According to historical records, about 35 million Chinese military personnel and civilians were killed or wounded during this war between July 1937 and September 1945.
