At a solemn United Nations General Assembly meeting marking the 80th anniversary of World War II's end, Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the UN, emphasized the need for a "correct understanding" of history.
He highlighted China's critical role in defeating fascism in the major Oriental theater, citing more than 35 million casualties. Fu said, "By holding back the main forces of Japanese militarism, China not only secured its own survival and national salvation, but also provided strong support to the resistant forces in Europe and the Pacific, making an indelible contribution to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War."
Reflecting on today's global landscape, Fu warned that the world faces a new era of turbulence with unilateralism on the rise and bullying running rampant. He added, "Any scheme or action seeking to downplay, deny, or distort the history of WWII and any rhetoric that glorifies wars of aggression and colonial rule is a mockery of history and an affront to human conscience, and will surely lose the trust of the global community."
Fu called for unwavering support for a UN-centered international system, an international order based on law, and a rules-based multilateral trading system. He urged the world to "say no to all forms of power politics and bullying" and to uphold the authority and status of the United Nations.
Criticizing nations that pick and choose their UN engagement, he noted that withdrawing from agreements, defaulting on contributions, and cutting funding ultimately undermines global cooperation and is "deeply unpopular and doomed to failure."
Why it matters for you:
- Historical memory shapes how nations cooperate on trade, climate and tech.
- A rules-based order can protect digital rights and startup ecosystems.
- Collective action under the UN can address global issues from pandemics to inequality.
Fu's call for honest history and a strong UN resonates with young global citizens, entrepreneurs and changemakers committed to building a peaceful, interconnected world.
Reference(s):
China promotes 'correct understanding' of WWII history at UNGA
cgtn.com
