The English edition of a groundbreaking book, titled A New History of World War II, is set to be released overseas on August 28 at the Chinese School of Classical Studies at Athens, marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, according to an announcement made at the book’s launch seminar hosted by the Chinese Academy of Social Science (CASS) on Tuesday.

The comprehensive work constructs a narrative framework “with Chinese characteristics and contemporary relevance,” examining the conflict from the collapse of the Versailles-Washington system through to the fascist surrender and the reshaping of the global order.

It provides a panoramic analysis of all major theaters, including the main Eastern battlefield, European theater, Pacific theater, Atlantic theater, North Africa-Mediterranean theater, and the coordination between them, presenting a panoramic view of the vast and tumultuous World Anti-Fascist War.

Central to the book is its emphasis on the decisive role played by the international Anti-Fascist United Front. Crucially, it underscores the position and immense contribution of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression within the global conflict, affirming the Communist Party of China (CPC) as “the mainstay of the War of Resistance by the whole nation,” according to the introduction of the book.

The book was edited by the Institute of World History, CASS, and published by China Social Science Press.

Zhao Zhimin, secretary general of CASS, underscored the book’s relevance amidst current global challenges, and emphasized the work’s role in profoundly clarifying that China has always been a creator, builder, and staunch defender of the post-war international order, breaking the Western monopoly on discourse, establishing a new narrative system with peaceful development at its core, and contributing wisdom and strength to improving global governance.

“The Chinese academic community has the responsibility to provide historical insights for building a more just and reasonable international order,” he said at the event.

Experts and scholars noted that the book provides an indispensable Chinese perspective for global readers to fully understand WWII, boasting both significant academic value and practical relevance.

Shi Weitong, who was involved in the translation work, highlighted the book’s unique position as potentially “the only WWII general history translated into English with distinct Chinese characteristics and narrative.”

“The release holds particular significance against the backdrop of Japan’s recent actions,” stated Wu Yin, former vice president of the CASS, noting that the publication is a vital response to Japan’s attempts to dilute WWII discourse, notably through its recent Defense White Paper.

Wu asserted that the book, through extensive data and historical materials, comprehensively restores the full picture of WWII, deeply exposes Japan’s aggressive policies since the late 19th century, and emphatically clarifies China’s historical position as the main Eastern battlefield and the critical contribution of China’s resistance to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War.

Hu Dekun, a professor at Wuhan University, while affirming this work, also expressed the hope that an archive database could be established regarding the world’s recognition of China as a major battlefield during WWII, and he anticipated that young scholars would carry forward this large-scale project in the future.

Experts also hailed the book as providing an indispensable Chinese perspective for a complete global understanding of WWII.

However, Zhang Shiwei, a professor at Wuhan University, pointed out the persistent challenge of ingrained Western bias.

Zhang told the Global Times that while Western academia increasingly recognizes the importance of China’s main battlefield, societal and political circles, influenced by politicians’ shallow perceptions and inherent prejudice, still fail to acknowledge the role of the Chinese theater.

Zhang noted that some supportive Western scholars, like Richard Overy and Andrew Buchanan, recognize China’s role in tying down massive Japanese forces, preventing their deployment elsewhere. Yet, their influence remains limited against prevailing misconceptions.

According to Zhang, renowned international WWII scholar Richard Overy has expressed great expectations for the work and intends to review it, recognizing its unique integration of the Chinese Eastern main battlefield within the global anti-fascist context.

The Chinese edition was published on July 28 and has recorded good sales. Ji Weimin, head of China Social Science Press, revealed that over 3,000 copies were sold in the first three days of pre-sales.

To amplify its international impact, other foreign language editions are in progress. Ji revealed that contracts for French, German, Russian, and Spanish versions are set to be negotiated with international publishers in September.