On July 7, 1937, Japan launched a full-scale invasion of China, and China began a comprehensive War of Resistance. While a state of war fully existed between China and Japan, the National Government only issued a Statement of Self-Defense and War of Resistance but did not formally declare war on Japan. On December 7, 1941, Japan launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, marking the start of the Pacific War. On December 9, 1941, the Government of the Republic of China issued its Declaration of War against Japan.
Full Text of the Republic of China’s Declaration of War Against Japan
Declaration of War by the Republic of China Government against Japan
The Japanese military clique has long made it its national policy to conquer Asia and monopolize the Pacific. For several years, China has persisted in its War of Resistance, regardless of all sacrifices. The objective is not only to defend China’s independent survival, but truly to break Japan’s aggressive ambitions and uphold international public law, justice, human welfare, and world peace, as the Chinese government has repeatedly stated.
China is a peace-loving nation. Throughout the past four years and more of the sacred War of Resistance, we originally hoped that the aggressor, Japan, after suffering practical punishment, would eventually reflect. During this period, our friendly nations also exercised extreme forbearance, hoping that Japan would repent, thereby preserving peace throughout the Pacific. Unexpectedly, the habitually brutal Japan remained unrepentant and, furthermore, flagrantly provoked conflicts with our friendly nations, Great Britain and the United States, expanding its acts of war and aggression. It willingly became the principal offender in destroying peace and justice for all mankind, indulging its insatiable ambition for aggression. For all nations that respect faith and justice, this is intolerable. We hereby formally declare war on Japan and announce to both the Chinese and foreign publics that all treaties, agreements, and contracts concerning the relationship between China and Japan are nullified. This is hereby proclaimed.
December 9, the 30th Year of the Republic of China (December 9, 1941 AD)
Chairman Lin Sen
The National Government’s Declaration of War Against Japan is recorded in the National Government Gazette, Vol. 30: Chongqing: 421 (ROC 30.12.10)