Photo:www.scio.gov.cn

On Tuesday morning, China's State Council Information Office held a press conference on plans for marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the War against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, China will host a year-long series of events, including a grand gathering and military parade, under the theme "Remember History, Honor the Martyrs, Cherish Peace, and Create the Future." This is both a solemn reflection on history and a resolute declaration for the future.

These commemorations serve as a collective lesson in history that transcends time and space. Eighty years ago, the Chinese people achieved great victory after 14 years of arduous and heroic resistance against Japanese aggression, marking the full triumph of the World Anti-Fascist War. As the main battlefield of the World Anti-Fascist War in the East, the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression started the earliest and lasted the longest, making important historical contributions to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. This monumental triumph of the War against Japanese Aggression was a victory for not only the Chinese people, but also for all people around the world. The Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation, both signed with the participation of China, laid the foundation for the post-World War II (WWII) international order and remain the cornerstones for safeguarding global fairness and justice. Today, some noises in the world attempt to downplay or distort the nature and history of WWII and deny the immense sacrifices and contributions made by the Chinese people in the main theater in the East - this is a betrayal of history.

As General Secretary Xi Jinping has emphasized, the great spirit of resisting aggression is an invaluable source of inspiration, and will always motivate the Chinese people to overcome all difficulties and obstacles and strive to achieve national rejuvenation. The heroic spirit nurtured during the War against Japanese Aggression has shown the world the Chinese people's patriotism of having a sense of duty for the fate of the nation, their unyielding national integrity of preferring death over surrendering, their heroic resolve to fight to the end against all odds, and their unwavering faith in ultimate victory. Today, as China stands at a new starting point for national rejuvenation, it still faces various contradictions, risks and challenges. The great spirit forged in the flames of the War against Japanese Aggression remains a powerful spiritual driving force for realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and deserves to be remembered and carried forward more than ever.

The high-level commemorations of this victory demonstrate China's role as a stabilizing force for world peace. This unforgettable chapter of national suffering and tragedy has embedded a profound cherishment for peace in China's value system. Looking around the world today, the shadow of war has not yet fully receded from us. To commemorate this victory is to draw strength for justice from that history of blood and fire, to warn mankind to avoid repeating the same mistakes, and to build consensus on maintaining peace. Indeed, this is an important part of the global commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War. The commemorative event on September 3 in Beijing will welcome many foreign leaders and dignitaries, highlighting the fact that this victory is a common memory cherished by all humankind while reflecting the universal aspirations of people around the world for peace.

In this sense, China's grand commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the War against Japanese Aggression is also a transmission of the values of China's peaceful ideals. The military parade will include units that have participated in UN peacekeeping missions. China is the country that has sent the most peacekeepers among the permanent members of the UN Security Council. This year marks the 35th anniversary of China's participation in UN peacekeeping operations. Over the past 35 years, the Chinese military has deployed more than 50,000 peacekeepers to over 20 countries and regions, including South Sudan and Lebanon, undertaking 26 UN peacekeeping missions. The participation of those units in the parade not only underscores the solemn commemoration of the victory in the War against Japanese Aggression, but also demonstrates China's commitment as a responsible major power to fulfilling its international obligations and safeguarding world peace. Meanwhile, the display of advanced weapons and equipment will demonstrate the Chinese People's Liberation Army's firm resolve and powerful capabilities in safeguarding the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity. China is a responsible and committed major country that has not only made historic contributions to the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War, but will also continue to make even greater contributions to safeguarding global peace and promoting common development.

Eighty years ago, the victory in the War against Japanese Aggression was a great triumph of justice over evil, light over darkness and progress over reaction. Through this series of commemorative events, China is sending a clear and firm message to the international community: No matter how the times change, China will always be a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development and a defender of the international order. China is willing to work with all countries to build a community with a shared future for mankind and jointly address global challenges. This is not only the best commemoration of history, but the greatest aspiration for the future.