China commemorated the 80th anniversary of its victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War with a grand military parade in Beijing, drawing international praise for its emphasis on peace and historical remembrance. President Xi Jinping underscored China's commitment to peaceful development during the event, urging global unity to safeguard humanity's shared future.
Honoring Sacrifice, Preserving Memory
Experts worldwide highlighted the parade's role in honoring historical sacrifices. David Orzan, an ambassador from Italy, emphasized that China's wartime perseverance "should be remembered by the entire world," while Japan's Atsushi Koketsu warned against neglecting historical truths. Anthony Jones of the Lisbon Maru Memorial Association recounted his grandfather's rescue by Chinese fishermen during WWII, stressing the importance of passing down lessons of peace to future generations.
Peace as a Cornerstone
Scholars from Sri Lanka, Russia, and Kyrgyzstan praised the parade as a testament to China's dedication to stability. Jinith De Silva noted the People's Liberation Army's discipline as a symbol of defensive strength, while Andrey Gubin affirmed global support for China's diplomatic approach. Humphrey Moshi of Tanzania linked peace to Africa's development goals, stating, "Only with peace can industrialization and modernization be achieved."
A Call for Global Unity
President Xi's speech resonated as a rallying cry for cooperation amid rising geopolitical tensions. Kenyan analyst Stephen Ndegwa described the event as a reminder to prioritize "fairness, justice, and cooperation" in international relations. Elyn MacInnis, descendant of a WWII Flying Tiger pilot, echoed the sentiment: "To honor the past is to carry forward the wisdom that peace is extremely precious."
As nations grapple with complex challenges, China's commemoration reinforced its vision of a shared future built on dialogue and mutual respect—a message experts say aligns with the aspirations of developing regions and global peace advocates alike.
