Remarks by Ambassador Qi Zhenhong at the Reception Marking the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. China will host a series of commemorative activities. Tonight, we gather at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), a witness to the friendship between China and Sri Lanka, to commemorate the great victory of 80 years ago—a triumph that ended immense suffering and rekindled hope for humanity. Together, we remember history, honor fallen heroes, cherish peace, and create a better future.
The truth of history must be remembered. It reminds us that forgetting is to kill the fallen a second time, while remembering is the most sincere safeguard for peace. The war 80 years ago was a decisive battle between justice and evil, light and darkness, progressives and reactionaries. The torrent of justice, ultimately broke down the ramparts of the mad fascist war machine. Amidst the global catastrophe, the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, marked the beginning of the World Anti-Fascist War, and opened up the main Eastern battlefield. Spanning 14 years, it was known as the battlefield that began the earliest, lasted the longest, saw the fiercest battles to the death, saw the largest deployment of military forces, displayed the grandest scenes of combat, and claimed the highest number of casualties. Suffering over 35 million casualties nationwide, the Chinese people consistently pinned down and combated the main forces of Japanese militarism in its battlefield, annihilating more than 1.5 million Japanese troops, accounting for about 70% of Japan’s total military casualties in World War II. This victory not only played a decisive role in the ultimate defeat of the Japanese aggressors, but also provided crucial support to other battlefronts across the world, making a significant historical contribution to the final victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. Every nameless martyr’s tomb on the soil of China is a cornerstone of the victory in the World’s War against Fascism. Every inch of blood-soaked mountains and rivers bears the mark of those who gave their lives for righteousness. And every name that has faded into silence is a shining sword of light, cutting through the darkness.
The chimes of history echo without end. They enlighten us that peace has never been a natural gift from history, but rather a precious fruit nurtured by humanity through reason, courage, and consensus. 80 years have passed, and the smoke of war has long since dissipated. However, the world today remains deeply turbulent. Power politics and Cold War mentality still linger like ghosts, and the shadow of regional conflicts continues to threaten the hard-earned peace. We remember history not to perpetuate the chains of hatred, but to forever cut off the evil roots that once dragged humanity into the abyss, and to welcome the dawn of true light.
The lessons of history are still fresh. They warn us that militarism will not bring lasting peace. Whether in a cold war, a hot war, a tariff war, or a technology war, there will be no winners. Hegemonism and the law of the jungle where the strong prey on the weak must not be allowed to return. Faced with new circumstances and challenges, the authority and core role of the United Nations can only be strengthened, not weakened. The purposes and principles of the UN Charter have never become outdated. On the contrary, they have become even more important. At this moment, only a profound consciousness grounded in the lessons of history can anchor our course and prevent humanity from falling back into the cycle of darkness and wars.
The mirror of history illuminates the future. It provides guidance to humanity, allowing us to stand on the foundations of history, and work together to forge a bright future of peace and prosperity. China and Sri Lanka share a time-honored friendship, and the ancient Silk Road has long bound us together. We are now working hand in hand to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. From the progress of the Hambantota Port to the rise of the Colombo Port City, and from infrastructure connectivity to the deepening of cultural exchanges, we are jointly writing a vivid chapter in the building of a China-Sri Lanka community with a shared future through concrete actions. This epic new chapter of cooperation is the most vibrant tribute to history, the most solid foundation for peace, and will surely paint an even brighter picture for the future of Sri Lanka.
The memory of history shall never fade. It is a beacon, bearing the scars of blood and fire, illuminating the journey toward dignity and coexistence. Let us pledge together: we must not allow the tragedy of history to repeat itself! With commemoration as our clarion call and cooperation as the vessel that carries us forward, let us jointly serve as guardians of historical memory, partners in development and revitalization, and defenders of international fairness and justice. We will cherish and safeguard the hard-won peace and forge ahead firmly on the path of mutual respect, fairness, justice, and win-win cooperation.
From the Great Wall of China to the Sigiriya Lion Rock in Sri Lanka, let the faith in peace stand like an eternal rock, and let the fruits of development benefit all our descendants!
