Archives cover anti-Japanese counterattack

China released the 13th part of an ongoing archives series on Saturday, covering a counterattack in north China's Shanxi Province in 1938.

Starting on Aug. 25, the website of China's State Archives Administration has released a daily series of articles outlining historic battles to mark the 69th anniversary of the victory against Japanese aggressors.

In April 1938, Japanese troops invaded southeastern region of Shanxi, but encountered heavy counterattack of the Chinese army.

After fierce combat lasting 23 days, more than 4,000 Japanese soldiers were killed and 18 counties and towns resumed operation.

Chinese casualties exceeded 800.

The success of the battle further consolidated anti-Japanese base and created favorable condition for the Chinese troops to head for Hebei and Henan provinces, according to the synopsis of the archives.

The archive series is part of China's activities to mark the "Victory Day" which was set on Sept. 3, 69 years after the Japanese government officially surrendered.