Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday that the world is once again at a crossroads between peace and war, urging nations to eliminate the root causes of conflict and prevent the recurrence of historical tragedies.
China Marks 80th Anniversary of Victory
Xi was addressing a grand commemorative gathering and military parade in Beijing, held to mark the 80th anniversary of China’s victory in the War of Resistance against Japanese aggression and the broader World Anti-Fascist War. The event also commemorated the end of World War II and the founding of the United Nations.
Reviewing thousands of troops, advanced weaponry, and aerial formations in Tiananmen Square, Xi highlighted both China’s growing military strength and its call for global cooperation.
Tribute to China’s Sacrifices in WWII
Paying tribute to China’s role in World War II, Xi said: “The Chinese people made a major contribution to the salvation of human civilisation and the defence of world peace with immense sacrifice in the resistance war against Japanese aggression.”
He noted that this was China’s first complete victory against foreign aggression in modern history, achieved under the united front advocated by the Communist Party of China (CPC).
Call for Global Cooperation and Security
Xi emphasised that lasting peace is only possible when nations treat each other as equals, support one another, and live in harmony. “Humanity again faces a choice between peace and war, dialogue and confrontation, cooperation and zero-sum games,” he declared.
He pledged that China would continue following the path of peaceful development and work with other nations to build a community with a shared future for humanity. “The rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is unstoppable, and humanity’s cause of peace and development will prevail,” Xi said.
PLA’s Role in National Rejuvenation
Calling for unity among all ethnic groups, Xi urged the people to advance national rejuvenation through Chinese modernisation. He demanded that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) provide “strategic support for national rejuvenation” by building itself into world-class forces, safeguarding sovereignty, and contributing to global peace and development.
Related stories:
