China's sacrifices should always be remembered

Editor's note: With global tensions rising and regional conflicts showing no signs of ending, it has become more urgent than ever to understand the root causes of war. Wang Jianlang, president of the Chinese Society for the History of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, reflects on some overlooked aspects of World War II — its real starting point, China's under-recognized contribution, and why the principle of "indivisible peace" remains vital today. Wang also warns against populism and historical amnesia in an in-depth conversation with China Daily's Liu Jianna for Dialogues with Thinkers, China Daily's high-end interview program. Following are excerpts from the interview:

Q1: How should the world reflect on World War II amid the ongoing regional conflicts in order to prevent new wars?

A: We are witnessing a turbulent era of global change. While we may not yet be on the brink of a third world war, the current global environment is arguably the most chaotic in the 80 years since the end of World War II. International rules and norms are being repeatedly violated, increasing the risks of a global war.