On 8 November 2025, the international symposium titled “The Millard’s Review and the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression” was hosted by the SASS Library and co-organized by the Shanghai Association for Yanhuang Culture. Experts from universities and research institutions in China, the United States, Japan, and other nations gathered to explore the historical significance of The Millard’s Review, focusing on its unique value in reconstructing the history of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance and its contemporary implications for international communication. Wu Xueming, Vice President of SASS, attended the symposium and delivered an address.
In his remarks, Prof. Wu pointed out that 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The Millard’s Review, a prominent English-language weekly published in Shanghai during the first half of the twentieth century, objectively documented the heroic struggles and immense sacrifices of the Chinese people—particularly those of the Communist Party of China—during the nationwide resistance. The publication constitutes a rich repository for research on the history of China’s War of Resistance, the history of journalism, and the history of Sino-foreign relations. He emphasized that in-depth study of The Millard’s Review carries important contemporary relevance for drawing wisdom from history and strengthening a shared sense of community among the Chinese nation.
In her welcoming address, Jiang Chen, Deputy Director of SASS Library, noted that the library is the only institution in Shanghai that holds a complete collection of all 1,563 original issues of The Millard’s Review, making it a cornerstone of the library’s special collections. She explained that the symposium aims to activate these archival resources, deepen historical research, build an academic exchange platform, and further promote related scholarly studies.
From its founding in June 1917 to its final issue in June 1953, excluding a four-year hiatus, The Millard’s Review was published in China for 32 years. Throughout this period, it devoted sustained attention to China, particularly Shanghai, serving as a vital bridge for conveying authentic accounts of China to the world while also acting as a window through which China engaged with the wider international community. As a precious historical source for the study of modern China, the publication possesses significant documentary value.
