SURVIVAL AND DEVELOPMENT: RESEARCH ON CHINESE HIGHER EDUCATION DURING THE WAR OF RESISTANCE AGAINST JAPANESE AGGRESSION (1931-1945)

China’s higher education system demonstrated remarkable resilience during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931–1945), a period marked by national crisis, instability, and widespread destruction. Universities and colleges were forced to evacuate from war-torn regions, often relocating to remote and underdeveloped areas in the country’s interior. Despite facing immense logistical and resource-related obstacles, these institutions continued to function, embodying the spirit of Higher Education Resilience. This study investigates how Chinese universities adapted under wartime conditions, focusing specifically on how they preserved Educational Quality, aligned with National Defense, and maintained Intellectual Independence in the face of adversity. Drawing on 17 semi-structured interviews with scholars, educators, and individuals closely connected to this historical period, the research employs a qualitative methodology grounded in thematic analysis. Th e three-step coding process revealed critical themes that capture the multifaceted response of higher education institutions during the war. Among the most significant were the adaptability of academic administration, innovation in curriculum design to support National Defense Alignment, and the maintenance of academic rigor despite the scarcity of materials and infrastructure. A notable outcome of university relocation was the unintentional stimulation of regional development, as academic institutions brought intellectual resources and cultural vitality to inland provinces. Participants also emphasized that universities served as crucial sites for sustaining Chinese cultural identity, promoting national unity, and resisting intell ectual repression, thereby safeguarding Intellectual Independence. Despite the physical and psychological toll of war, faculty and students persevered, contributing to both the war effort and the preservation of knowledge. This research contributes new perspectives to the discourse on crisis-era education by highlighting how higher education can remain robust even in extreme conditions. The findings illustrate that Higher Education Resilience is not merely institutional survival, but also the capac ity to uphold core educational values and respond to national needs. Ultimately, the study underscores that universities play a vital role in national recovery and development, particularly in times of profound turmoil.