On Wednesday, in the heart of Beijing, China staged a spectacular military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. President Xi Jinping, who also serves as general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, oversaw the event as troops marched in perfect formation.
Remembering History 🕊️
For experts like David Orzan from Italy and Professor Atsushi Koketsu from Japan, the parade was a vivid lesson in history. 'China's sacrifices and perseverance should be remembered by the entire world,' said Orzan, highlighting the need to learn from the past. Koketsu agreed, noting that those who forget history are bound to repeat its tragedies.
Anthony Jones from Britain added an emotional layer, recalling how Chinese fishermen rescued British prisoners under fire on the wreck of the Lisbon Maru. 'Recognizing this is not just about seeking credit, but about acknowledging a victory that was truly a global effort,' Jones said.
Commitment to Peace 🤝
Beyond the impressive display of equipment, scholars like Jinith De Silva from Sri Lanka saw the parade as a message of unity and stability. 'China's strength is not wielded for aggression, but for the defense of sovereignty, the preservation of stability, and the promotion of global peace,' De Silva noted.
Experts such as Sheradil Baktygulov in Kyrgyzstan and Mostafa Amin from Egypt emphasized that the parade reaffirmed China's long-standing pledge to peaceful development. As Sheradil put it, 'The military is needed to protect the peaceful development of the country, and not to coerce other countries.'
A Shared Future 🌍
'Today, humanity faces a choice of peace or war, dialogue or confrontation,' Xi said in his speech, stressing that the Chinese people stand on the side of peace and human progress. Scholars from Africa, like Humphrey Moshi in Tanzania and Stephen Ndegwa in Kenya, welcomed this call as a rallying cry for global fairness, justice, and cooperation.
Cameroonian historian Victor Julius Ngoh described it as 'a rallying call for global peace and justice,' reminding powerful leaders to build a more stable world. And for veteran communities and descendants of wartime heroes, the parade was a chance to honor sacrifice and renew a collective commitment to peace.
As the echoes of marching drums fade, the parade leaves behind a clear message: peace is hard-earned, history must be remembered, and global cooperation is key to building a shared future. 🌟
Reference(s):
World experts: China reaffirms peaceful development in grand parade
cgtn.com
