Japan invaded China on all fronts in 1937 and in the next eight years China engaged in the Total War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. The Portuguese Macao government declared neutrality after the Japanese infiltration in Macao (Macau), from where the Japanese military obtained supplies and intelligence. They also monitored the local media, cracked down anti-Japanese activities, and even plotted to assassinate anti-Japanese activists.
Thanks to its neutrality, Macao was one of the few areas in East Asia immune from war devastation when the Pacific War broke out and Hong Kong fell to Japan. The war-free Macao then became a safe haven for refugees from mainland China and Hong Kong, resulting in a severe shortage of food and various resources. The Portuguese Macao government then managed those valuable resources by rationing food, fuel, and power. Meanwhile, government departments, churches, and charities lent a helping hand to those in need by providing food, medicine, and shelter. During this period, a number of schools established in Guangdong Province (廣東) relocated to Macao, together with an influx of experienced educators and intellectuals, booting Macao’s educational development.
The Macao people were active in national salvation during the War of Resistance. As early as the September 18th Incident in 1931, the Macao community established charities and relief groups to raise money for supporting the anti-Japanese war in Northeast China and Shanghai (上海). The Macao public oraganised relief groups to raise money for the war effort when the War of Resistance commenced in mainland China. The obstruction from the Portuguese Macao government and pro-Japan people was unable to stop the Macao people’s enthusiasm. Apart from participating in local national salvation movements, some Macao people even left for the mainland to serve in the military or work on war propaganda, logistics, rescue, and relief. Such was the determination of the Macao people to save their motherland.