To commemorate the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and in the World Anti-Fascist War, the Civil Service College is organising two thematic seminars in September and October.

Executive Director of the Academy of Chinese Studies Yau Yat delivered the first seminar today with the topic of “From an Isolated Island to a Living Hell - Hong Kong was one of the Battlefields in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression”.

Addressing the seminar, Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung emphasised that throughout the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression that lasted for 14 years, starting from the September 18 Incident in 1931 until the final victory in 1945, China had never surrendered.

Mrs Yeung pointed out that during this prolonged period of war, the Chinese people demonstrated an indomitable spirit and a strong national will, uniting as one to courageously resist the enemy.

She also noted that precisely because this chapter of history holds profound significance, civil servants should establish a correct view of history and remember the great journey and precious spirit of the War of Resistance while commemorating its martyrs.

Mrs Yeung said she hopes that colleagues will remember history and learn from it, cherish the hard-won peace, and inherit the indomitable and united spirit of the predecessors during the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression.

She urged colleagues to uphold their beliefs and forge ahead in their respective posts, leveraging Hong Kong's strengths to contribute to the country's needs.

Given that there are two seminars in this series, today's forum explored how Hong Kong fought alongside the country in different stages of the war.

The second seminar, “From Inevitable Defeat to Protracted War: the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression & the Great Rejuvenation of the Chinese Nation”, to be held on October 9, will examine China's different considerations during the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and analyse the reasons for and significance of China's ultimate victory.

Around 360 middle and senior-level civil servants from 53 bureaus and departments attended today’s event in person or online.