How did World War II break out in Asia in 1937? Why did Mao Zedong and his fellow communists live in caves after the Long March? How did the notorious Nanjing Massacre occur?
Anita and William are joined once again by Rana Mitter, author of China’s War with Japan 1937-1945, The Struggle for Survival (or Forgotten Ally, China’s World War II), and Modern China: A Very Short Introduction.
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Editor: Adam Thornton
Researcher: Imogen Marriott
Assistant Producer: Alfie Norris
Producer: Anouska Lewis
March 10, 2026