The U.S., which remained the strongest power among the Allies as their own territory was not directly affected by ongoing war, valued and supported the Chinese resistance, knowing that Japan could not fight on so many fronts at once. And so this resistance was not only a crucial factor in the Allied victory, but also helped to create a common Chinese identity and sense of nationhood between rich and poor, peasants and urbanites, in the face of adversity.

After the chaos of the warlord era, the war years ultimately resulted in the reconstruction of a nation determined on survival, unity and defensive strength against any future aggression.

After seventy years, very few of those who lived through the terrible days remain alive to tell their story. All the more reason then for subsequent generations to make sure that nothing is forgotten, and that the necessary lessons are learned. We need to keep these events alive in the popular consciousness through the responsible teaching of history.

It is intolerable that history should be perverted for reasons of unreconstructed nationalism and racism, as with some people's attempts to deny the Holocaust of the European Jews, or the war crimes of the Japanese occupiers of East Asia.

When the anniversary of the Allied victory is commemorated in China, we should all remember the past, but also take into account of lessons for the future. It is sad that the current Japanese government will not be participating in Beijing. The Federal Republic of Germany has shown a responsible and constructive attitude to these historical issues, dissociating itself totally and unequivocally from the Nazi past, and is now a respected and honoured nation in Europe and the world.

Japan should do the same. There is no need to hold younger Japanese people responsible for what their grandfathers did, so long as they firmly distance themselves from it and pledge to avoid similar aggressive behaviour in future.

The writer is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit: http://www.ccgp-fushun.com/opinion/timcollard.htm

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