Confucian ethics has always played an indispensable role in China's history. Among them, "benevolence and righteousness", as the core value of Confucianism, ushered in a unique historical moment in the early days of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression - the Chinese Air Force bombed the Japanese mainland on an expedition in the name of "benevolence and righteousness", which became an exciting legend in the War of Resistance Against Japan. Let's dive into this remarkable historical event.
Confucian "benevolence and righteousness" inheritance: the long history is long, and the light of morality is not extinguished.
In Confucianism, "benevolence and righteousness" have long been rooted in morality and ethics. In the "Book of Rites: Qu Lishang", it is clearly pointed out: "Morality is benevolent and righteous, and indecent is not successful." Mencius even admired "benevolence and righteousness" during the Warring States Period, regarding it as the essence of morality. Later, Dong Zhongshu, a Confucian scholar in the Han Dynasty, inherited and carried forward Mencius's thoughts, and enshrined "benevolence and righteousness" as the highest standard of traditional morality. With the elaboration and admiration of Song scholars, "benevolence and righteousness" have gradually become synonymous with traditional morality, and "courtesy, wisdom, and faith" are collectively called "five constants".
On the occasion of the Anti-Japanese War: how the "Benevolence and Righteousness Expeditionary Bombing" was born.
At the beginning of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, China was in a critical situation. In December 1937, Nanjing was lost, and Japanese aggression was rampant. With the relocation of the capital to Chongqing, Wuhan became a political and military center. The frequent bombing of Wuhan by the Japanese Air Force provoked national outrage. In order to warn the Japanese authorities, the people of ** decided to carry out a special operation, the "Renyi Expeditionary Bombing".
Xu Huansheng led the implementation of the "Expedition of Benevolence and Righteousness".
In order to carry out this task, the highest authorities chose Xu Huansheng, an instructor of the Air Force, who did not hesitate in the face of danger, saying that "as a revolutionary soldier, it is incumbent on him to do whatever danger is." Xu Huansheng selected outstanding pilots and formed the newly formed 14th Air Force Team, also known as the Condor Unit. In the intense preparations, Xu Huansheng and the team members were determined to leave a will and swear to complete the historical mission in the spirit of "I die for the life of the country".
"Expeditionary Bombing of Benevolence and Righteousness": Roaring in the sky and conveying the voice of peace.
On May 19, 1938, two bombers departed from Wangjiadun Airport in Wuhan and flew to the Japanese mainland. Unlike other bombings, this time the targets were cities in Kyushu, but instead of using bombs as **, "paper bullets" (leaflets were distributed) to convey information. This unique action aims to break through Japan's arrogance and demonstrate the peace-loving nature of the Chinese people. The leaflets, written in Chinese and Japanese in Japanese by Guo Moruo and Japanese anti-war writer Wataru Kaji, warned the Japanese militarists and called for peace.
Shocking the Japanese mainland: how the "air strike" was successfully carried out.
This flight, which was called the "Renyi Expeditionary Bombing", made China the first country with an air force to go on an expedition to the Japanese mainland, causing shock throughout Japan. The strength of the Chinese Air Force was fully demonstrated, and at the same time, the message of peace was conveyed through "paper bullets". In the local area, people woke up to find white leaflets floating on the streets and rooftops, an action that attracted widespread attention in Japan.
Triumph on the return home: The heroes triumph, the people cheer.
After flying over the Japanese mainland and successfully completing the mission, Xu Huansheng and his team returned to Wuhan safely. Under the leadership of the captain of the 14th Squadron of the Second Air Force Group, they overcame the interception of the Japanese army and the bombardment of antiaircraft guns, and successfully completed the historical mission of "Renyi Expeditionary Bombing." This good news spread in Wuhan, representatives from all walks of life gathered at the airport to welcome, and the top management also came to the airport to express their respect. The success of this expedition became the focus of domestic and foreign newspapers, and comments were made one after another, arguing that the courage and strength of the Chinese Air Force were by no means something that Japan could underestimate.
The impact of the "Expeditionary Bombing of Benevolence and Righteousness": Boost the morale of the people.
This special "Renyi Expeditionary Bombing" not only achieved military success, but also won key victories in psychological warfare and ** warfare. It has been reported at home and abroad that China is strong and cannot be despised by Japan. This action inspired the enthusiasm of the people of the whole country for the War of Resistance and became a legend in the history of China's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. It is a pity that Su Guanghua, Lei Tianjun, Tong Yanbo, and Wu Jichong, among the eight warriors, were martyred in the follow-up War of Resistance and could not witness the victory of the War of Resistance with their own eyes.
Epilogue. The "Renyi Expeditionary Bombing" was a unique and heroic operation in the history of China's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, demonstrating the profound influence of the Confucian values of "benevolence and righteousness". At that difficult moment, the Chinese Air Force successfully boosted the morale of the whole country by transmitting the voice of peace to the Japanese mainland through special means. This historical event left valuable lessons and made important contributions to the subsequent War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. "Expedition of Benevolence and Righteousness Bombing": The Confucian spirit soars into the sky, and the unparalleled inheritance of the country's warriors.
The Renyi Expeditionary Bombing is an exciting chapter in the history of China's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and through this special military operation, the Chinese Air Force has shown unusual courage and wisdom. This historical event not only had a far-reaching impact at the time, but also provided useful lessons for the later War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.
First of all, this "Expedition of Benevolence and Righteousness" fully embodies the core concept of "benevolence and righteousness" in Confucianism. Confucianism has always emphasized benevolence and justice, and regards "benevolence and righteousness" as the highest standard of morality. By choosing "paper bullets" instead of physical bombs in the war, the Chinese Air Force sends a message of peace and highlights the noble morality of "benevolence and righteousness." This strategic choice not only achieved military success, but also earned a reputation on the international stage.
Second, the operation highlighted the resilience of the Chinese people and their desire for peace. Under the threat of Japanese aggression, China** chose a means that was both powerful and full of humane care, and sent warnings and appeals to the Japanese mainland. This strategic choice shows the essential characteristics of the peace-loving nature of the Chinese people, in sharp contrast to the brutality of Japanese militarism. This pursuit of peace has set up a lofty image for China in the international community.
In addition, the heroic actions of eight warriors such as Xu Huansheng were also deeply moved. In the face of great pressure and danger, they did not hesitate to stand up and defend the dignity of the country with their lives. This heroic and fearless spirit inspired the entire country and became a banner during the Anti-Japanese War. Although some of them were martyred in the follow-up War of Resistance Against Japan, their sacrifices have written a strong and colorful stroke in the history of China's War of Resistance against Japan.
Finally, this "Renyi expeditionary bombing" has had a far-reaching impact on the international community. This action not only surprised and shocked Japan, but also gave the international community a new understanding of China's strength. The report mentioned that the Associated Press believes that China is very strong and can never be defeated by Japan. Such an evaluation not only set an example for China to enhance its status in the international community, but also weakened the arrogance of Japan's aggressive forces to a certain extent.
Overall, this "Renyi Expeditionary Bombing" was a remarkable historical moment in the history of China's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Through the guidance of Confucianism, the Chinese Air Force, with superb wisdom and the spirit of benevolence and righteousness, successfully conveyed the message of peace, injected new strength into the War of Resistance Against Japan, and left a valuable experience for the subsequent history of the War of Resistance against Japan. This history will forever inspire us and let us remember the heroes who fought valiantly for peace.
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