Meng Xiangqing, a military affairs expert

The 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum is being held from September 17 to 19 at the Beijing International Convention Center under the theme of "Safeguarding the International Order and Promoting Peaceful Development Together." On Thursday morning, Meng Xiangqing, a military affairs expert, emphasized in an interview that the September 18 Incident must never be forgotten and that history's tragedy must not be repeated.

"Today is September 18, a day engraved in the hearts of the Chinese people. Sirens sounded in many parts of the country this morning, serving as a warning: On the one hand, we must never forget this period of history; on the other hand, remembering history is about creating a better future. We must never allow such a tragedy, such history, to be repeated. Against this backdrop, it should be noted that safeguarding world peace and stability is the trend of the times. No force can stop the major trend and tide of peaceful development and cooperation," Meng said.

Meng further noted that in recent years, various ideological currents have emerged in the international community, particularly in Japan, including far-right forces, extremism, in addition to visits by some Japanese politicians to the Yasukuni Shrine. "The specter of militarism has not dispersed and we must never allow militarism to run rampant again," he stressed.