This year marks the 70th anniversary of China’s victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the end of World War II. On September 3, known as Victory Day in China, a series of commemorative events — including a rally, a military parade, a reception and an evening gala — will be held in Beijing, to remind the Chinese people and the world of the suffering of and the contributions by the Chinese people during the war.
By Lin Lin
Today, 70 years has passed since the victory of WWII. Though occasional conflicts exist, we live in a new world that is generally peaceful. It is the wisdom of the ancient Chinese philosophers that people should always be prepared for adversity in times of prosperity. Only by taking history as a mirror are we able to find the right path to the future.
WWII is a topic many are reluctant to mention. It was an unspeakable series of horrible events, both on the battlefield and affecting civilians to a degree that was unprecedented in history. It was a time when over 80 countries and regions in Asia, Europe, America, Africa and Oceania and over two billion people were involved, and over 100 million soldiers and civilians lost their lives, with the total economic losses of over $4 trillion.
Among these, China was the first country in the world to fight against Fascist forces when Japanese troops began invading northeast China on September 18, 1931. China was also the main battlefield against Fascism in the Far East. China’s War of Resistance Against Japan is of great strategic significance as it strongly supported the allied powers who were fighting the Fascist countries on the European and Pacific battle fields.
The Chinese people fought long and hard for over 14 years in the War of Resistance Against Japan. Seventy years ago, the Chinese people, through painstaking struggles and with enormous sacrifices, ultimately defeated the atrocious aggression of the Japanese militarists, with over 35 million casualties and over $500 billion worth of direct and indirect losses, defeating 75% of the Japanese army.
China’s victory against Japanese invasion is the nation’s first complete victory over foreign invaders in modern history. It was only after the Chinese patriots tackled the Japanese-controlled puppet regimes in China that the Chinese people sped up their journey towards independence and national renewal. That is why the Chinese people fully understood the importance for their African brothers and sisters to fight in liberation struggles against colonialism and imperialism, and China and Africa indeed fought hand in hand through that dark period in Africa.
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The victory of the world’s anti-Fascist war was won at a big price from the people of the world, leaving a far-reaching and profound impact on human civilisation and progress. History should not be forgotten, not for extending hatred, but to call on people to respect peace and hold on to peace. Only by remembering the scourge of war can we cherish the value of peace.
On this important occasion, the Chinese people deeply remember the innocent victims of the war and pay highest tribute to the forerunners and martyrs who contributed their valuable lives to the victory of the world’s anti-Fascist war and to world peace, civilisation and human progress.
History is the best textbook. All peace-loving people around the world should remember the history and safeguard the international order with the United Nations at the core while promoting global peace and development in the contemporary world. China stays committed to the path of peaceful development and safeguarding the post-war world order.
Against this backdrop, it is unfortunate that some certain country is attempting to challenge the world order, expressing “remorse” rather than sincere apologies for the crimes committed during WWII. This has caused worries in the international community of a new rise of militarism, and has been greeted with unanimous opposition by peace-loving countries.
Looking forward, China has forged a community of common destiny with African countries in the pursuit of common development and prosperity, but this common goal cannot be fulfilled without a peaceful international environment. Indeed, in a more globalised world, the interests of all continents have become closely intertwined and their future tightly interlinked. China and Africa should work together for a peaceful world, taking history as a mirror, and facing forward to the future.
- Lin Lin is the Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe
