The Spirit of the War of Resistance Enriches the Spiritual Pedigree of Chinese Communists

The spiritual pedigree of Chinese Communists is composed of a series of distinct “coordinates,” like a vivid and living historical chain, displaying lofty spiritual demeanor and willpower. Propagating and explaining the great spirit of the War of Resistance [1]1 The War of Resistance refers to the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945), which China dates from the Mukden Incident in 1931, hence “14 years.” is of important value and significance for enriching and developing the spiritual pedigree of Chinese Communists.

中国共产党人精神谱系由一个个鲜明的“坐标”组成，如鲜活生动的历史链条，展现崇高的精神风范和意志品质。宣传阐释伟大抗战精神对中国共产党人精神谱系的丰富发展具有重要的价值和意义。

The spirit of the War of Resistance is an important component of the spiritual pedigree of Chinese Communists. At a historical juncture concerning the survival or extinction of the nation and the future and destiny of the country, the Chinese people carried forward the great spirit of the War of Resistance, and after 14 years of arduous resistance, ultimately defeated the Japanese aggressors. This was a historical turning point for the Chinese nation from the deep crisis it had fallen into since modern times toward the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. The spirit of the War of Resistance is rich in connotation and represents an elevation of the spiritual pedigree of Chinese Communists.

抗战精神是中国共产党人精神谱系的重要内容。在关乎民族生死存亡与国家前途命运的历史关头，中国人民弘扬伟大抗战精神，经过14年艰苦抗战，最终击败日本侵略者。这是中华民族从近代以来陷入深重危机走向伟大复兴的历史转折。抗战精神内涵丰富，是中国共产党人精神谱系的升华。

First, the patriotic sentiment that “every individual is responsible for the rise or fall of the nation” [2]2 A classical Chinese idiom from the late Ming dynasty scholar Gu Yanwu, emphasizing collective responsibility for national affairs.. Since ancient times, China has had the patriotic tradition that “every individual is responsible for the rise or fall of the nation.” Chinese Communists adhere to the ideal of striving for the liberation of humanity, inherit the patriotic tradition, and advocate striving for the establishment of a new China. People transcended class, party affiliation, ethnicity, and region, forming the broadest national awakening and patriotic consensus. Workers produced weapons and ammunition, peasants transported grain to the front lines, and intellectuals used their pens as swords, elevating the patriotic spirit from individual emotion into a common belief and practice of the entire nation. The spirit of the War of Resistance expanded and elevated the basic connotation of “for the nation, for the country” within the spiritual pedigree of Chinese Communists, and became its firm core.

首先，天下兴亡、匹夫有责的爱国情怀。中国自古就有“天下兴亡、匹夫有责”的爱国传统。中国共产党人坚持为人类解放而奋斗的理想，传承爱国传统，倡导为建立新中国而奋斗。人们超越阶级、党派、民族和地域，形成最广泛的民族觉醒和爱国共识。工人生产武器弹药，农民为前线运送粮食，知识分子以笔为刀，把爱国精神从个体情感升华为全民族共同的信念与实践。抗战精神拓展和升华了中国共产党人精神谱系“为民族为国家”的基本内涵，并成为其坚毅核心。

Second, the national integrity of facing death unflinchingly and preferring death to surrender. During the arduous War of Resistance, the spirit of the War of Resistance, embodying national integrity and the spirit of struggle, inspired the people. The stomach of Yang Jingyu [3]3 Yang Jingyu (1905–1940) was a commander of the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army, who died fighting Japanese forces after being betrayed., a soldier of the Anti-Japanese United Army, contained only wild grass and tree bark, yet he still fought tenaciously against the enemy. The Eight Hundred Heroes [4]4 The Eight Hundred Heroes were a group of Chinese soldiers who defended the Sihang Warehouse in Shanghai in 1937 against a vastly larger Japanese force. held their position to the death at the Sihang Warehouse. Whether it was the bloody battles on the frontal battlefield or the guerrilla resistance in the enemy’s rear, the martyrs interpreted lofty integrity with their spirit of sacrifice. Countless heroic and moving deeds constitute the main body of the spirit of the War of Resistance, presenting the close connection between individual destiny and the fate of the nation and country. The spirit of the War of Resistance contains the distinctive trait of remaining true to the original aspiration, elevates the spiritual pedigree of Chinese Communists, and forges the unyielding character of Chinese Communists.

其次，视死如归、宁死不屈的民族气节。在艰苦卓绝的抗战中，体现民族气节和斗争精神的抗战精神鼓舞人心。抗联战士杨靖宇胃中仅存谷草树皮仍与敌人顽强战斗，八百壮士孤军死守四行仓库。无论是正面战场的浴血奋战，还是敌后战场的游击抗争，先烈们用牺牲精神诠释了崇高气节。无数可歌可泣的英雄事迹，构成抗战精神的主体，呈现个人与民族、国家命运的紧密关联。抗战精神蕴含初心不改的鲜明特质，升华了中国共产党人精神谱系，铸就了中国共产党人的铮铮风骨。

Third, the heroic mettle of defying brutal force and fighting to the bitter end. The heroic sons and daughters of China, with the mettle of fighting to the bitter end, composed a magnificent chapter in the history of the Chinese nation’s resistance against foreign aggression. The Chinese Communist Party implemented the strategy and tactics of protracted war and people’s war, achieving significant results. Anti-Japanese generals such as Zhao Shangzhi and Zuo Quan [5]5 Zhao Shangzhi (1908–1942) and Zuo Quan (1905–1942) were senior Communist military commanders killed in action during the War of Resistance., and numerous heroic groups such as the “Liulaozhuang Company” [6]6 The Liulaozhuang Company was a unit of the New Fourth Army that fought to the death against Japanese forces in 1943 in northern Jiangsu., are outstanding representatives of defying brutal force. Their heroic mettle constitutes the main theme of the spirit of the War of Resistance, achieving a leap from individual heroes to group heroes. The spirit of the War of Resistance contains the tradition of tenacious will and excellent work style, becoming a distinctive trait of the spiritual pedigree of Chinese Communists.

再次，不畏强暴、血战到底的英雄气概。英雄的中华儿女，以血战到底的气概谱写着中华民族历史上抵御外侮的雄浑篇章。中国共产党实施持久战和人民战争的战略战术，取得重大战果。赵尚志、左权等抗日将领和“刘老庄连”等众多英雄群体，是不畏强暴的杰出代表。其英雄气概，构成抗战精神的主旋律，实现从个体英雄向群体英雄的跨越。抗战精神蕴含意志顽强、作风优良的传统，成为共产党人精神谱系的鲜明特质。

Finally, the indomitable and unyielding belief in certain victory. The belief in certain victory is established on the grasp of historical laws and firm faith, and is the core will of the spirit of the War of Resistance. The Chinese Communist Party firmly believes that justice will prevail and the people will prevail, adheres to the general line of total national resistance and the general policy of the united front strategy, and insists on “swearing to live or die together with the mountains and rivers.” The Chinese people maintained an optimistic spirit and national self-confidence, supporting 14 years of arduous resistance and achieving victory. The spirit of the War of Resistance contains the traits of noble character and deep affection for the people, becoming the great soul of the spiritual pedigree of Chinese Communists.

最后，百折不挠、坚忍不拔的必胜信念。必胜信念是建立在对历史规律的把握以及坚定的信仰之上，是抗战精神的意志内核。中国共产党坚信正义必胜、人民必胜，坚持全民抗战路线和统一战线策略总方针，坚持“誓与山河共存亡”。中国人民保持乐观主义精神和民族自信，支撑了14年的艰苦抗战并取得胜利。抗战精神蕴含品德高尚、情系人民的特质，成为共产党人精神谱系的伟大灵魂。

The spirit of the War of Resistance forms a unique identifier of the spiritual pedigree of Chinese Communists. As an important component of the spiritual pedigree of Chinese Communists, the great spirit of the War of Resistance, with its unique spiritual identifier, together with other spiritual forms, constitutes a unified spiritual whole.

抗战精神形成中国共产党人精神谱系的独特标识。伟大抗战精神作为中国共产党人精神谱系的重要组成部分，以独特的精神标识，与其他精神形态一起构成统一的精神整体。

First, the light of spirit shines at the critical historical node concerning the survival of the nation. The great spirit of the War of Resistance, taking the founding spirit of the Party [7]7 The founding spirit of the Party refers to the spirit of the First National Congress of the CPC in 1921, emphasizing original aspiration and revolutionary commitment. as its source, enriches the spiritual pedigree of Chinese Communists with connotations such as patriotic sentiment and heroic mettle, exerting a profound influence on the formation of other spiritual qualities, and demonstrating an influence that links the past and the future. It inherits the basic connotation of the Jinggangshan spirit [8]8 The Jinggangshan spirit refers to the revolutionary spirit developed at the Jinggangshan base area (1927–1930), emphasizing reliance on the masses and perseverance. of “relying on the masses, daring to win,” and the struggle spirit of the Long March spirit [9]9 The Long March spirit refers to the spirit of endurance and sacrifice during the Red Army’s strategic retreat (1934–1935). of “fearing no hardships, tenaciously striving,” and throws these spiritual forces into the historical task of saving the nation from peril. At the same time, the spirit of the War of Resistance provides important spiritual nourishment for subsequent spiritual pedigrees. The connotations of “self-reliance, hard struggle” in the Yan’an spirit [10]10 The Yan’an spirit refers to the revolutionary spirit cultivated at the CPC’s base in Yan’an (1935–1948), emphasizing self-reliance and hard struggle. and “patriotism, revolutionary heroism” in the spirit of the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea [11]11 The War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea is the official Chinese name for the Korean War (1950–1953). are the continuation and elevation of the spirit of the War of Resistance under new historical conditions.

第一，关乎民族存亡至关重要的历史节点闪耀的精神之光。伟大抗战精神以建党精神为源泉，以爱国情怀、英雄气概等内涵丰富了共产党人精神谱系，对其他精神品质的形成产生深远影响，彰显出承前启后的影响力。它继承井冈山精神“依靠群众、勇于胜利”的基本内涵，以及长征精神“不畏艰险、顽强拼搏”的斗争精神等，把这些精神力量投入挽救民族危亡的历史任务中去。同时，抗战精神为后续其他精神谱系提供重要的精神滋养。延安精神中的“自力更生、艰苦奋斗”、抗美援朝精神中的“爱国主义、革命英雄主义”内涵是抗战精神在新的历史条件下的延续与升华。

Second, it achieved an overall elevation from class mission to national mission. During the War of Resistance, the Chinese Communist Party highly unified its own mission of proletarian liberation with the mission of the entire Chinese nation’s liberation, interpreting the spirit of the War of Resistance with the heroic mettle of defying brutal force and fighting to the bitter end, enabling the spiritual pedigree of Chinese Communists to break through class categories and elevate into the spiritual banner of the entire Chinese nation. This was a spiritual leap for the Party from leading the democratic revolution of workers and peasants to leading the entire nation’s War of Resistance, and ultimately to becoming the ruling party. With the goal of “resisting aggression and achieving national independence,” the spirit of the War of Resistance opened up a bright prospect for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation at a critical juncture. The spiritual pedigree of Chinese Communists was born in the Party history of over a hundred years of struggle, and has always regarded national rejuvenation as its core mission. As an important component of this spiritual pedigree, its connotations, such as the indomitable and unyielding belief in certain victory, remain a powerful driving force inspiring national rejuvenation to this day.

第二，实现了从阶级使命到民族使命的整体升华。抗战期间，中国共产党将自身无产阶级解放的使命与中华民族全民族解放的使命高度统一起来，以不畏强暴、血战到底的英雄气概诠释了抗战精神，使中国共产党人精神谱系突破阶级范畴，升华为整个中华民族的精神旗帜。这是党从领导工农民主革命走向领导全民族抗战，最终成为执政党的精神跃升。抗战精神以“抗击侵略、实现民族独立”为目标，在关键时间节点为中华民族伟大复兴开辟了光明前景。中国共产党人精神谱系诞生于百余年奋斗的党史进程之中，始终将民族复兴视作核心使命。其作为精神谱系的重要组成部分，包含的百折不挠、坚忍不拔的必胜信念等内涵，至今依然是激励民族复兴的强大动力。

The spirit of the War of Resistance enriches the spiritual pedigree of Chinese Communists. Carrying forward the great spirit of the War of Resistance is of great significance for the inheritance of the spiritual pedigree of Chinese Communists.

抗战精神丰富了中国共产党人的精神谱系。弘扬伟大抗战精神对中国共产党人精神谱系的传承具有重要意义。

First, strengthen the propaganda and practice of the spirit of the War of Resistance, inherit the spiritual pedigree, and provide spiritual impetus for Chinese-path modernization. In terms of theoretical propaganda, strengthen theoretical research and promotional dissemination of the spiritual pedigree of Chinese Communists, give play to the pivotal role of the great spirit of the War of Resistance within the overall spiritual pedigree, and integrate it into the entire process of national education, cultural-ethical progress, and the development of cultural undertakings and cultural industries. Through various carriers such as literary and artistic works, online culture, and AI generation, demonstrate the interpretation of the Chinese Communists’ struggle spirit by the spirit of the War of Resistance, enrich the connotation of core socialist values, and expand the theoretical space of the spiritual pedigree. In practice, transform the spirit of the War of Resistance into the driving force for modernization. Understand the spirit of the War of Resistance from war of resistance sites, literary and artistic works about the war of resistance, etc., promote the transformation of the spiritual pedigree, and enhance national pride and historical responsibility. Party members, cadres, and the masses should “remember history, cherish the memory of martyrs, cherish peace, and create the future,” transforming the heroic mettle of “defying brutal force and fighting to the bitter end” into the driving force for overcoming difficulties and forging ahead with determination.

第一，加强抗战精神的宣传和践行，传承精神谱系，为中国式现代化提供精神动力。理论宣传上，强化对中国共产党人精神谱系的理论研究和宣传推广，发挥伟大抗战精神在整体精神谱系中的枢纽作用，将其融入国民教育、精神文明建设和文化事业、文化产业发展全过程。通过文艺作品、网络文化、AI生成等多种载体，展现抗战精神对中国共产党人斗争精神的诠释，丰富核心价值内涵，拓展精神谱系的理论空间。实践上，将抗战精神转化为现代化建设的动力。从抗战遗址、抗战文艺作品等体会抗战精神，推进精神谱系的转化，增强民族自豪感和历史责任感。党员干部和群众要“铭记历史、缅怀先烈、珍爱和平、开创未来”，将“不畏强暴、血战到底”的英雄气概转化为攻坚克难、锐意进取的动力。

Second, gather the common value power manifested by the spiritual pedigree, and contribute to human peace. The great spirit of the War of Resistance was an important source of strength for the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War, making a great contribution to the peaceful development of humanity. It is necessary to strengthen the international dissemination of the spiritual pedigree of Chinese Communists, tell the world the historical truth of China’s War of Resistance, and demonstrate the Chinese people’s consistent firm stance of loving peace and opposing aggression. Use commemorative activities as an opportunity to inherit the spirit of the War of Resistance, enhance the international community’s understanding and recognition of the spiritual pedigree and the Chinese spirit. Promote the cross-cultural dissemination of the spirit of the War of Resistance from an anthropological perspective, making it an important spiritual force for the progress of human civilization. Expand the value connotations of patriotic sentiment, national integrity, heroic mettle, and belief in certain victory from the perspective of all humanity, promote the dissemination of the common values of all mankind, consolidate the value consensus of people of all countries, and contribute to building a community with a shared future for mankind.

第二，汇聚精神谱系所彰显的共同价值力量，为人类和平作贡献。伟大抗战精神是世界反法西斯战争胜利的重要力量源泉，为人类和平发展作出巨大贡献。要强化中国共产党人精神谱系的国际传播，向世界讲述中国抗战的历史真相，展现中国人民一贯爱好和平、反对侵略的坚定立场。以纪念活动为契机传承抗战精神，增进国际社会对精神谱系和中国精神的理解与认同。要结合人类学视野推动抗战精神的跨文化传播，让其成为人类文明进步的重要精神力量。拓展全人类视域下爱国情怀、民族气节、英雄气概、必胜信念的价值内涵，推进全人类共同价值传播，凝聚世界各国人民的价值共识，为构建人类命运共同体作贡献。

(The author is Vice President and Professor of the School of Marxism at Lingnan Normal University)

（作者系岭南师范学院马克思主义学院副院长、教授）