by Adnan Arif
On Thursday, 18 September, China commemorated the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident, a pivotal moment that marked the beginning of its 14-year war of resistance against Japanese aggression.
Shenyang Honors Victims of the September 18 Incident
In Shenyang, the capital of Liaoning Province, sirens pierced the morning air at exactly 9:18 a.m. The sound echoed the moment in 1931 when Japanese forces launched a premeditated attack that changed Chinese history. Hundreds gathered at the 9.18 Historical Museum, where 14 solemn bell tolls—one for each year of resistance—resounded across the square. Veterans, families, and citizens stood in silent tribute. Meanwhile, air-raid sirens and vehicle horns blared citywide, a ritual observed annually since 1995.
Mukden Incident: The Spark That Ignited China’s Resistance War
The September 18 Incident, also known internationally as the Mukden Incident, was a calculated provocation by the Japanese Kwantung Army. On that night in 1931, Japanese troops detonated explosives near the South Manchuria Railway, which they controlled. Although the damage was minimal and trains continued running, the military accused Chinese forces of sabotage. As a result, Japanese troops launched a full-scale assault on nearby barracks. This marked the beginning of Japan’s occupation of Manchuria.
Japanese Invasion of Manchuria: Strategic Motives and Imperial Ambitions
This attack was not spontaneous. Instead, it reflected years of planning and imperial ambition. After winning the Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905), Japan gained control over key infrastructure in Manchuria. Because the region’s rich resources—coal, iron, timber, and farmland—were vital to Japan’s industrial expansion, it became a prime target. Politically, China was fragmented. The fall of the Qing Dynasty in 1911 left the country divided among warlords. Consequently, a weak central government struggled to maintain authority.
Rise of Manchukuo: Aftermath of the September 18 Incident
The Kwantung Army, stationed in Manchuria to protect Japanese interests, operated with growing independence from Tokyo. Driven by expansionist zeal, officers like Colonel Seishirō Itagaki and Lieutenant Colonel Kanji Ishiwara orchestrated the September 18 Incident to justify a broader occupation. Within months, Japan seized control of Manchuria and created the puppet state of Manchukuo. They installed the last Qing emperor, Puyi, as its nominal head. In contrast, China’s leadership struggled to mount an effective response.
Global Reaction to the Mukden Incident: Condemnation Without Consequence
The League of Nations responded quickly. However, it failed to act decisively. A commission led by Lord Lytton investigated and concluded that Japan had acted aggressively. Despite the findings, the League imposed no meaningful consequences. As a result, Japan withdrew from the organization in 1933, further isolating itself and emboldening its militarist path.
Legacy of the September 18 Incident in China’s Resistance History
For China, the September 18 Incident marked the start of a long and bitter struggle. The conflict escalated into full-scale war in 1937 and later merged into World War II. Millions of Chinese soldiers and civilians died. Cities were destroyed. Yet, the war also united the nation. Cultural hubs like Guilin helped sustain morale through literature, theater, and international solidarity. Moreover, the resistance fostered a sense of national identity that endured beyond the war.
Commemorating the September 18 Incident: Memory and Meaning Today
Today, the annual commemoration in Shenyang honors those who sacrificed and reminds the nation of its resilience. The tolling bell, the sirens, and the silent crowds reflect a collective memory. That memory continues to shape China’s national identity and historical consciousness. Ultimately, the September 18 Incident remains a symbol of both tragedy and tenacity.
