Beijing scores points as it marks 120th anniversary of defeat by Japan
120th anniversary of defeat in Sino-Japanese war is opportunity to demonise an old foe and push reforms at home, analysts say
The 120th anniversary of the first Sino-Japanese war, which falls on Friday, is drawing more media interest than in past years given the current strained ties between the two countries and Beijing's push to modernise its military.
The commemoration represents an opportunity both at home and abroad, analysts say. It allows Beijing to argue on the global stage that Japan's militarism runs deep, while it pushes a message for a domestic audience that reforms are vital to protecting the nation.
On Friday, the North Sea Fleet held a commemoration off Weihai in Shandong , where the Beiyang Fleet was based. The Beiyang was the pride of the Chinese navy at the time, but suffered heavy losses against Japanese forces.
When the war ended on April 17, 1895, little of the fleet remained and Taiwan was ceded to Japan.
Xinhua quoted a naval political commissar as saying the ceremony should stir soldiers' patriotism by reminding them of past humiliations.
Chinese media have also pointed to remarks President Xi Jinping previously made about the anniversary. Xi said in February China should remember the painful lesson of losing Taiwan to Japan, and then in June noted the special meaning the anniversary carried in the traditional Chinese calendar.