ABUJA, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) -- A film screening commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War has left a strong impression on Nigerian viewers, sparking reflections on the brutality of war and its lessons for today.
The event, hosted on Friday by the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, drew a large audience of Nigerians and members of the Chinese community. For many, the film Dead to Rights offered a vivid glimpse into a chapter of history they had previously only read about.
Lawal Sale, a global affairs analyst, described Japanese aggression against the Chinese people as "a crime against humanity," adding that he was particularly moved by the Chinese people's courage in risking their lives to preserve photographic evidence of the atrocities committed by the Japanese army.
Ademidun Adewuyi, another attendee, said the film gave her "a clearer picture" of the events than historical accounts she had encountered before, especially in its depiction of civilians and children being killed. She reflected that the suffering endured by the Chinese people had made them stronger, teaching "a profound lesson that they cannot be involved in colonizing other countries."
Other Nigerians in attendance said the film, set during the 1937 Nanjing Massacre, prompted reflection on the tragedies of war and the shared responsibility to prevent future conflicts.
Speaking ahead of the screening, Yu Dunhai, Chinese ambassador to Nigeria, called for deeper cooperation between the two nations, stressing the need to safeguard peace, justice, and the principles of the United Nations Charter.
Highlighting China's immense sacrifices during World War II, Yu said the country suffered more than 35 million military and civilian casualties and economic losses exceeding 600 billion U.S. dollars. He noted that China's resistance dealt a decisive blow to fascism and made "historic contributions to global peace and stability."
Yu described China and Nigeria as "major developing nations and leading voices in the Global South," calling them vital forces in upholding peace worldwide. ■