Photos vividly depict the country's wartime struggle against aggression

A photo exhibition of the 70th anniversary of victory in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression kicked off in the Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence on Friday. The date, Sept 18, marks the 84th anniversary of the Mukden Incident when the Japanese army invaded Northeast China.

Themed "Great Victory, Historic Contribution", the exhibition is co-presented by the Hong Kong government and the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR.

Two organizers - the Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence and the Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance against Japanese Aggression based in Beijing - hoped the exhibition could deepen the public's understanding of this important chapter in modern Chinese history.

They also hoped it could be an opportunity for the public to appreciate and value the courage and sacrifices of the many unsung heroes who fought to protect the motherland and its people.

Some 133 displays recall important events from 1931 to 2015. Among the exhibited photos are historic moments of the Kuomintang's leaders and its army, the Communist Party of China's participation, the people's efforts from all over the country and foreign anti-fascist fighters.

Visitors appreciated the efforts. Leung Kwok-wing, 67, said the exhibition helped reinforce his knowledge of the war, which he felt was fundamental to the future development of the country. Remembering history can lead to a better future, he added.

Cheng Ting-chang, a Taiwan visitor who had attended many similar exhibitions in Taiwan, felt all Chinese, especially young people, should read and learn more history. It is an important part of their identity, he added.

The exhibition will be open to the public until Sept 30.

On the same day, more than 10 local concern groups and political parties staged a demonstration at the consulate-general of Japan in Hong Kong in remembrance of Sept 18, 1931 - which marked the start of Japan's invasion of China. They urged the Japanese government to offer a formal apology to the Chinese people.

They also condemned Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's plans to further expand Japan's military.

luisliu@chinadailyhk.com

A visitor watches the photo exhibition of the 70th anniversary of victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression at Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence on Friday. The exhibition will be open to the public until Sept 30. Parker Zheng / China Daily

(HK Edition 09/19/2015 page6)