On the day the People’s Republic of China marked victory over Japanese aggression during World War II, President Xi began by recalling the “fourteen years of bloody struggle” that “proclaimed the complete victory of the World Anti-Fascist War.” Xi stated that “the Chinese government and people will never forget the foreign governments and international friends who supported and assisted China in its resistance against Japanese aggression,” stressing that the commemorative military parade serves to “remember history, honor fallen heroes, cherish peace, and open the future.”
He went on to underline that although “at times, the rise and fall of power may be determined by strength, the ultimate victory is determined by justice. Justice, light, and progress will triumph over evil, darkness, and reaction. At all times, we must carry forward the common values of humanity, firmly uphold international fairness and justice, and let righteousness prevail in the world.” At the same time, he called for lessons to be drawn from history, insisting that unity and harmony among peoples must prevail so that there is no return to “the law of the jungle, where the strong exploit the weak.” Closing his speech, Xi Jinping stressed China’s modernization, which “will always be a force for peace, stability, and global progress.”
Macau Watches Closely
In the Macao Special Administrative Region, thousands watched the live broadcast of the Commemorative Ceremony for the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
Among the audience, spread across several locations in the city, were thousands of students who experienced what was described as “the first class of the new school year and a living practice of patriotic education,” said Kong Chi Meng, director of the Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ), speaking to Rádio Macau’s Chinese channel.
“[The military parade] helps us understand Macau’s unique role in the context of China’s development,” said Ho Pui I, president of the University of Macau Student Union.
“In addition to showing the strength of the country, it manages to carry forward the national spirit that always seeks continuous growth. The ceremony will help younger generations learn and appreciate this hard-won peace,” said Chan Hao Ieng, vice-president of the Chong Wa Student Association of Macau.
Su Kun, vice-president of the Macau Youth Federation, argued that the parade “can inspire Macau’s youth to reflect on how to inherit the spirit of defending the country, patriotism, and highlight their role in contributing to development.”
*With Xinhua
