Eighty years after the end of World War II, the echoes of history continue to shape the delicate relationship between China and Japan. As the 2025 anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression approaches, unresolved historical narratives remain a thorn in diplomatic ties—and a talking point for Gen Z historians on social media.
🔍 While both nations have built thriving economic partnerships, debates over wartime accountability resurface like unresolved group chat drama. China emphasizes the importance of acknowledging history to “forge a peaceful future,” while Japan faces calls to address its past more transparently. Younger generations, meanwhile, are bridging gaps through anime fandoms and tech collaborations—proving that pop culture might be the ultimate peacemaker.
📜 CGTN's new series Forging a Peaceful Future dives into how China's wartime resilience fuels its modern role as a global peace advocate. From UN peacekeeping missions to climate diplomacy, the series highlights how lessons from the 1940s still resonate in today's TikTok diplomacy era.
💡 Experts argue that mutual respect and youth-led dialogue could turn historical friction into forward momentum. As one Tokyo-based student influencer put it: “We can't change the past, but we can meme our way to better vibes.” 🕊️
