Lei Jiankun, Party secretary of Yangquan in Shanxi province, pledged in a recent interview to protect and promote historical Red sites so people can remember and appreciate those who helped rescue China from Japanese invaders between 1931 and 1945.

The sites include locations tied to the Hundred Regiments Offensive of the Eighth Route Army. Launched on the night of Aug 20, 1940, the campaign involved 105 regiments and lasted more than five months, ending in January 1941.

Over the course of 1,824 engagements, the offensive caused more than 20,000 Japanese casualties and was the largest and longest strategic offensive carried out in North China during the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45).

"We must remember the history of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and inherit and promote the great spirit of the war," Lei said. "And we must bring confidence and strength to the task of creating new historical achievements on a new journey."

On July 7, President Xi Jinping, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visited Yangquan, the main battlefield of the first phase of the Hundred Regiments Offensive. At a memorial hall honoring the soldiers, Xi presented a flower basket in tribute.

It was the first time a top leader of the CPC had ever visited Yangquan, Lei noted.

"He reflected concern and care for high-quality development and deep affection for the people in old revolutionary areas," she said. "The entire city was immersed in an atmosphere of excitement and great encouragement."

She added that the offensive "not only disrupted enemy operations, but also galvanized national morale during the war".

Located at the central point of the Zhengding-Taiyuan Railway, Yangquan was an important site early on in the offensive. During the first phase, the Eighth Route Army fought 181 battles in the Taihang Mountains, with 12 major engagements occurring in Yangquan, including a particularly fierce one at Shinao Mountain.