The Chinese Army played a huge role in World War II, but much of the world is largely unaware of it. As the second largest participant in the war, the Chinese Army was instrumental in defeating the Japanese forces, after they had invaded the country in 1937. With incredibly high losses, it’s no surprise they lost an estimated 12-20 million servicemen and civilians.
Although the number of Chinese soldiers can be difficult to definitively determine, due to the lack of records, estimates suggest that more than 14 million men served in the Chinese Army. This was made even more impressive when you take into account the lack of reliable and secure communication, infrastructure, supplies and equipment.
The Chinese army in World War II worked in tandem with other world powers like the UK and the US to combat the Japanese forces. In addition to fighting in the war, the Chinese Army also provided support for the US and UK in transporting supplies and medical personnel. Through this process, the Chinese army was able to build a strong relationship with the allied forces, which eventually resulted in the Japanese surrender in 1945.
The Chinese army operated on the ground, in both traditional infantry-style and guerrilla fighting. In the early days, they were often overwhelmed and had to resort to guerrilla style tactics to combat the large numbers of the Japanese forces. Despite their lack of weapons, equipment and supplies, the Chinese Army managed to resist the Japanese forces with impressive campaigns.
Despite their efforts, there’s no doubt that the Chinese Army were vastly outnumbered. In comparison to the Japanese forces, they may have felt incredibly underprepared and underpowered. In addition to this, the Japanese forces had access to advanced weapon systems and vehicles—advantages that the Chinese army could not match.
In addition to this, the Chinese forces lacked medical personnel and supplies, particularly in rural areas with no access to adequate medical facilities. This lack of medical support was a major reason for the high losses in the Chinese Army.
The Chinese Army also found themselves up against a particularly brutal enemy, who were known for their cruelty in battle. During the Battle of Shanghai, for example, it is estimated that the Japanese killed an estimated 250,000 Chinese citizens, and injured many others.
Despite all of these obstacles, the Chinese Army still managed to resist the Japanese forces with considerable success. Taking into account their lack of resources, supplies and personnel, their feats of resistance are even more impressive.
The Battle of Shanghai
The Battle of Shanghai was one the longest and largest battles of World War II, and one in which the Chinese Army played a key role. Under the leadership of Chinese commander, Chiang Kaishek, the combined Chinese and Western forces managed to defiantly resist the Japanese forces for almost three months.
China suffered heavy casualties in Shanghai, with up to 200,000 fatalities – a devastating loss. Despite this, the Chinese Army managed to gain some important victories, both tactically and psychologically. By managing to resist the Japanese forces for almost three months, the Chinese Army was able to demonstrate their resiliency and show that the Japanese were not invincible.
The battle of Shanghai also allowed the Chinese Army to gain much more valuable experience of combat. After almost three months of fighting clashing with the Japanese head on, they had gained valuable insight into their tactics and strategies and were better prepared to combat the Japanese elsewhere.
In addition, the Battle of Shanghai lifted the morale of the Chinese Army, which had been suffering from a lack of resources, supplies and personnel. As a result, the Chinese forces became far more determined and organised in their efforts, helping them to resist the Japanese for the rest of the war.
The Battle of Shanghai was one of the most important events of World War II, and one in which the Chinese Army played a remarkable role. By managing to resist the Japanese forces for almost three months, the Chinese Army showed their determination and resilience, and gained valuable experience that would serve them well in the rest of the war.
Chinese Army Impact on Other Conflicts
The success of the Chinese Army in World War II not only enabled them to end the occupation of China, but also to build strong relationships with Western forces. This strong relationship formed during the war had a ripple-effect and enabled the Chinese Army to become more involved in other conflicts.
Both during and after World War II, the Chinese Army were involved in other conflicts in the region. This includes their involvement in the Korean War and their support for the United Nations forces when they intervened in the conflict. The Chinese Army also provided support for the Chinese-backed North Vietnam in their war with the American-backed South Vietnam. In addition, the Chinese Army also helped establish peace between India and Pakistan during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971.
The success of the Chinese Army in World War II enabled them to establish themselves as a formidable military force, and encouraged other nations to seek their support in future conflicts.
The increased presence of the Chinese Army in other conflicts also allowed them to gain even more valuable experience during the war. This experience enabled the Chinese Army to refine their tactics and strategy in combat, and to become even better prepared for future conflicts.
Overall, the Chinese Army’s involvement in World War II– and their success in it — had an immense impact on the rest of the world. Not only did it enable China to gain its freedom from the Japanese occupation, but it also enabled them to become more involved in other conflicts and become even more experienced and organised in their campaigns.
Conclusion of Chinese Army’s Role in WW2
The Chinese Army was a major participant in World War II, and their contribution was a pivotal part of the allied forces’ success in the war. Despite facing significant losses and immense obstacles, the Chinese Army managed to resist the Japanese forces and gain important victories. Their efforts resulted in an end to the Japanese occupation of China in 1945.
The Battle of Shanghai in particular was a major victory for the Chinese Army and enabled them to gain more valuable experience in combat. The success of the Chinese Army in World War II enabled them to become more involved in other conflicts, and their contribution in the war has had an immense impact on the rest of the world.