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94th Anniversary of the September 18 Incident: China Remembers the Day History Changed

 By Mutunga Tobbias | The Common Pulse/latest news/Asia/United States/Africa / September 2025

Every year on September 18, China pauses to remember a pivotal moment that altered the course of its modern history, the September 18 Incident of 1931, also known as the Mukden Incident. This year, 2025, marks the 94th anniversary, and across northeastern China, sirens, bells, and silence reminded millions of the sacrifices made during the long struggle against Japanese aggression.



The September 18 Incident: A False Explosion, a Real InvasionOn the night of September 18, 1931, Japanese troops blew up a section of railway near Shenyang (then Mukden) and falsely accused Chinese forces of sabotage. Using this staged event as a pretext, Japanese troops swiftly attacked nearby Chinese barracks, triggering a full-scale invasion of Manchuria.Within months, Japan had occupied vast swathes of northeastern China, establishing the puppet state of Manchukuo. This aggression not only violated China’s sovereignty but also foreshadowed the broader war of resistance that would last 14 years, culminating only with Japan’s defeat in 1945.The September 18 Incident is thus remembered as the opening chapter of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.

Shenyang 2025: Bells, Sirens, and Silence

This year’s commemoration centered in Shenyang, Liaoning Province, at the 9.18 Historical Museum, which stands as a living archive of memory and resilience.

At 9:18 a.m. sharp, the skies echoed with air-raid sirens. Across the city, cars halted, pedestrians froze, and workplaces fell silent as people observed a moment of reflection.

  • 14 representatives from different sectors of society struck a large bell 14 times, symbolizing the 14 years of resistance endured by the Chinese people.

  • Students recited poetry honoring the heroes of the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army, invoking the spirit of leaders like Yang Jingyu, who fought and died in the struggle.

  • Citizens, young and old, stood in solemn silence, ensuring the memory of the incident is not just a chapter in history books but a living, collective memory.

Since 1995, Shenyang has sounded these alarms every year on September 18, reinforcing the city’s role as a custodian of remembrance.

 The Commemoration Matters

The 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident is more than a memorial, it is a reminder with deep social and political meaning.

Preserving National Memory

  1. The annual commemoration ensures that younger generations understand the sacrifices that secured China’s freedom and sovereignty.

  2. Lessons for Peace
    The staged railway explosion highlights the dangers of manufactured conflict and false pretexts for war, a lesson still relevant in today’s complex global landscape.

  3. Strengthening Unity
    Remembering the hardships faced during those 14 years fosters unity, resilience, and national pride among Chinese people.

Global Relevance of the Mukden Incident

Although deeply rooted in Chinese history, the Mukden Incident carries lessons for the world. It illustrates how unchecked aggression can escalate into prolonged conflict and underscores the importance of vigilance in safeguarding peace.

By commemorating this day, China also contributes to the global conversation on war memory, historical justice, and the responsibility of nations to prevent history from repeating itself.

 Remembering for the Future

As the sirens faded and silence returned to Shenyang on September 18, 2025, the echoes of history resonated deeply. The 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident was not only a time for remembrance but also a renewed call for peace, vigilance, and unity.

The lesson is clear: to honor the past is to safeguard the future.


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