José Luis Centella, president of the Communist Party of Spain Photo: Courtesy of José Luis Centella

The sufferings endured by the Chinese people and the heroic resistance they demonstrated during the anti-fascist war deserve to be remembered, and must be told to the world, José Luis Centella, president of the Communist Party of Spain, told the Global Times in an exclusive interview.

The year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. As an important force in the global anti-fascist fight, China’s history of resistance should be remembered accurately and authentically, said Centella. 

“In this war, numerous Chinese people were brutally killed in bloody tragedies like the Nanjing Massacre,” Centella said. “However, it is heartbreaking that many Europeans are unfamiliar with this history, and even far-right fascists attempt to distort or erase it.”

Centella therefore called for the further implementation of relevant resolutions, such as “condemnation of the glorification of fascism,” on international platforms like the United Nations, firmly exposing the barbaric actions of fascism. “We must not forget that, fascism is the greatest enemy of peace,” he told the Global Times.

Centella suggested that the Spanish and Chinese governments collaborate to delve deeper into the history of the anti-fascist war by organizing events including youth forums, enabling the younger generation to remember this important history. He believes that only by remembering can people remain vigilant, as “the tragedy of fascism may reoccur at any time.”

“In Spain we have institutions for exchange and cooperation with the Chinese government, and on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War, we can jointly hold commemorative events at these institutions, bringing history to the public and ensuring that the brutal acts of fascism are never forgotten,” he said. 

Also a writer himself, Centelia has conducted in-depth research on artistic works related to the anti-fascist war. He recommended several anti-war literary works, such as Ernest Hemingway’s For Whom the Bell Tolls, which tells of the struggles and sacrifices of individuals fighting against fascism during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939).

Although Spain was not a main battleground in World War II, many Spanish citizens bravely participated in the anti-fascist struggle, making great contributions to world peace, said Centelia. 

“In For Whom the Bell Tolls, in addition to depicting the anti-fascist struggle of the Spanish people, we can also have a glimpse of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression,” he said. “Through such works, we can gain a more profound understanding of the brutality of war.”

Dedicated to promoting political and cultural exchanges between Spain and China, Centella was given the 17th Special Book Award of China in June 2024 for his book What is Happening in China. It is the highest award that honors foreigners in the publishing sector for their outstanding contributions in telling China’s stories to the world, according to the Xinhua News Agency.