People's Daily issues a commentator's article Saturday to commemorate the 74th anniversary of the "Sept. 18" Incident, the beginning of the Japanese invasion of China's northeastern provinces.

The article is entitled "Never Forget the National Shame and Open up the Future -- in Memory of the 74th Anniversary of the 'Sept. 18'".

On September 18, 1931, Japanese troops launched a sudden attack on the barracks of Chinese troops and the city of Shenyang, and in the following four months, conquered the northeastern provinces.

The article highlights the leading role of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in the Anti-Japanese War. A large number of CPC members lost their life in the war, it says.

September 18, 1931 is a shameful day for the Chinese nation, emphasizes the article, calling for keeping in mind the history, never forgetting the past, cherishing peace, and opening up the future.

China will uphold the banner of peace, development and cooperation and firmly take the road of peaceful development, it says.

The "Sept. 18" Incident, plotted and conducted by a small group of Japanese Militarists, brought about a profound catastrophe to both the Chinese people and the Japanese people, according to the article.

"We never want to extend hatred by keeping in mind the history, " it says, "instead, we want to face the future by making the history a mirror."

It reiterates that the Chinese government has always attached great importance to Sino-Japanese relations, adhered to the principle of maintaining friendly Sino-Japanese ties, and made ceaseless efforts for maintaining friendly Sino-Japanese ties.

It urges the Japanese government and leaders to well handle historic issues with responsible attitudes towards the history, the people and the future.

Source: Xinhua