Cambridge historian Hans van de Ven is shedding new light on China’s pivotal role in World War II in his upcoming book, which offers an Asian perspective on the global conflict.
As one of the first Western scholars to systematically explore China’s decisive impact during the war, Professor van de Ven brings a unique personal connection to his work. “I think the kind of fate that my grandfather had would have been very similar to those of many people in China,” he reflects, drawing parallels between his family’s experiences in the Netherlands and those of Chinese people who endured wartime occupation.
Both the Netherlands and China suffered under foreign occupation during WWII, a reality that profoundly shaped their histories. Van de Ven emphasizes that this shared experience differs significantly from that of countries like the United Kingdom or the United States, which were not occupied. “It’s very different from the experience, or the perspective, of countries that were not occupied,” he explains.
Through his research, van de Ven aims to highlight the often-overlooked contributions and sacrifices of the Chinese people during the war. By interpreting WWII history from an Asian viewpoint, he hopes to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the conflict and its global ramifications.
This fresh perspective challenges traditional Western narratives and seeks to give due recognition to China’s role. For young readers, especially in the Global South, van de Ven’s work offers an opportunity to learn about the interconnectedness of global histories and the importance of acknowledging all voices in the telling of our past.
