Honoring history shows way for great rejuvenation

The commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War has provided the world with an opportunity to reflect on the lessons of history.

The military parade and the grad gathering in Beijing on Wednesday to commemorate the occasion not only mark China’s tribute to history but also underscore its resolve to safeguard peace.

Declaring that the world stands at a crossroads, and faces a stark choice between “peace or war, dialogue or confrontation, and win-win outcomes or zero-sum games”, President Xi Jinping’s address at the event emphasized how pivotal this moment is.

The victory against Japanese aggression was achieved via a national united front forged by the Communist Party of China. The 14 years of war were arduous and costly, but the ultimately successful conclusion marked China’s first complete victory against foreign aggression in modern times.

The lesson that China learned from the war was not the “law of the jungle”, but rather the need for a steadfast commitment to maintaining peace, pursuing development and achieving national rejuvenation.

Emphasizing the critical role that military modernization plays in advancing the “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation “and safeguarding China’s “sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity” and world peace, Xi called for the People’s Liberation Army to accelerate its development into a world-class military.

Guided by China’s dedication to the principles of peaceful development and win-win cooperation, the commemoration was not only a reaffirmation of China’s modernization journey, but also a defense of the postwar international system centered on the United Nations, and a demonstration that China has drawn strength from the historical trauma, which has fostered confidence in its development and national unity.

By asserting that China “is never intimidated by any bullies”, Xi stressed China’s resolve and capability to defend its interests and uphold peace.

In a world marked by increasing turbulence and growing global governance challenges, the experience of the World Anti-Fascist War highlighted the importance of unity against common threats. This spirit of unity remains vital today.

Carrying forward the great spirit of the War of Resistance and continuing to advance the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation will help ensure that peace and prosperity are the shared future of all humanity.

China is committed to advancing its modernization and national strength through economic growth, technological innovation, cultural advancement and international cooperation.

Whether to choose peace, dialogue and win-win cooperation or confrontation and zero-sum games is a question that every nation has to answer and a critical test for any country.

President Xi has given an unswerving answer to that question: “The Chinese people will stand firmly on the right side of history and on the side of human progress, adhere to the path of peaceful development, and join hands with the rest of the world to build a community with a shared future for humanity.”

His remarks are a reminder that peace and development should be the prevailing themes of human society. They are also a caution to humanity that peace is not a given, but must be achieved through cooperation, dialogue, inclusiveness and joint efforts.

Editorial, China Daily