Efforts accelerate to preserve war sites

Only 42 percent of historical sites related to the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1937-45) are "basically well-preserved," a review by the State Administration of Cultural Heritage shows, while many sites are damaged. Forty-five percent are "partially damaged", and 6.5 percent are "severely damaged".

Consequently, four months ahead of the 70th anniversary of victory, Sept 3, the administration vowed to enhance the protection and preservation of war-related sites and artifacts for the benefit of future generations.

"The task is urgent," said Li Xiaojie, director of the administration. "The protection of historical sites from that war, which was the first thorough victory over a foreign invader in recent Chinese history, is also a long-term project for education."