Forgotten Ally: China's World War II, 1937-1945

Rana Mitter's Forgotten Ally examines China's role in World War II, focusing on the eight-year period from 1937-1945 when China fought against Japanese invasion. The book reconstructs the complex political and military dynamics between Nationalist leader Chiang Kai-shek, Communist commander Mao Zedong, and their uneasy alliance against Japan. The narrative covers major battles, strategic decisions, and diplomatic relations between China and its Western allies during the war years. Through extensive research and previously unused Chinese archives, Mitter presents the perspectives of political leaders, soldiers, and civilians who experienced the conflict firsthand. The book traces how China's wartime experience shaped its modern identity and influenced postwar international relations. By examining this critical period, Mitter argues that China's role as a major Allied power has been overlooked in Western histories of World War II, with implications that resonate in current global politics.

Readers appreciate the book's detailed account of China's WW2 experience and its focus on Chiang Kai-shek, Wang Jingwei, and Mao Zedong. Many note it fills gaps in Western understanding of the Sino-Japanese War and China's role as an Allied power. Positive comments highlight: - Clear explanations of complex political relationships - Integration of Chinese source materials - Balanced treatment of Nationalist and Communist forces Common criticisms: - Dense writing style slows the narrative - Too much focus on political leaders versus common people - Limited coverage of military operations - Some repetition between chapters "The diplomatic details can be overwhelming," notes one Amazon reviewer, while another praises how it "finally gives China's resistance against Japan its due attention." Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (300+ ratings) LibraryThing: 4.1/5 (100+ ratings) Several academic journals published favorable reviews, though some questioned Mitter's interpretation of certain diplomatic exchanges.

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🔹 Author Rana Mitter is a professor of Chinese history at Oxford University and can speak Mandarin despite not being of Chinese descent - a skill that allowed him to access previously untranslated Chinese archives for his research. 🔹 The book reveals that China suffered 14 million casualties during WWII, second only to the Soviet Union, yet this staggering toll is often overlooked in Western historical accounts. 🔹 Chiang Kai-shek's wartime capital of Chongqing endured over 200 Japanese bombing raids, making it one of the most heavily bombed cities during WWII - comparable to London during the Blitz. 🔹 The book details how China tied down over 600,000 Japanese troops during the war, significantly weakening Japan's ability to fight elsewhere in the Pacific theater. 🔹 The research draws from newly opened Chinese archives that became available in the 21st century, revealing previously unknown details about the cooperation and tensions between Nationalist China, Communist forces, and their Western allies.