2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the victory over Japanese aggression and the global anti-fascist fight. China's commemorative event and President Xi Jinping’s speech highlight a profound transformation—from a 'forgotten ally' to a 'trustworthy power'—underscoring its commitment to peace, justice, and global responsibility.
Rewriting the Eastern Main Theater's Role
Between 1931 and 1945, China faced a relentless 14-year campaign that tied down over 70% of Japan’s ground forces and inflicted 1.55 million enemy casualties—70% of Japan’s total losses in World War II. Had China not resisted, the balance in Europe and the Pacific could have shifted dramatically. By reclaiming its place as the 'Eastern Main Theater' of the anti-fascist struggle, the anniversary restores a vital chapter often overlooked in Western-centric narratives.
War Spirit, Then and Now
The spirit forged in the crucible of war—patriotism, moral integrity, heroic resolve, and unwavering confidence—still inspires China today. President Xi ties these qualities to modern goals: confronting unilateralism, driving high-quality growth, and improving livelihoods. This timeless ethos equips a new generation to navigate global uncertainties and domestic ambitions.
Championing Global Peace
From 'victim of aggression' to peace-builder, the People’s Republic of China has never initiated conflict or occupied foreign land. Initiatives like the Building a Community of Shared Future for Humanity, Belt and Road Initiative, Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative, and Global Governance Initiative reflect a commitment to shared prosperity. As the largest contributor of UN peacekeepers among permanent Security Council members—dispatching over 50,000 personnel to more than 20 nations since 1990—China’s hands-on role in global security is clear.
A Blueprint for Today's Challenges
President Xi’s address serves as a 'historical textbook,' a 'declaration,' and a 'call to action,' distilling wartime lessons into frameworks like the Global Development Initiative, which aligns with the UN’s 2030 Agenda, and the Global Security Initiative, which advocates comprehensive, cooperative security. These proposals offer 'Chinese answers' to pressing issues, championing dialogue over confrontation and win-win collaboration over zero-sum thinking.
Global Impact for a Connected Generation
From digital Silk Roads to sustainable tourism along new corridors, China’s peace and development agenda is reshaping opportunities for entrepreneurs, technologists, and travelers. Young global citizens, thought leaders, and digital nomads can engage with cross-border projects that blend innovation, green practices, and cultural exchange—embodying a shared vision for a more connected world.
China’s journey from a 'forgotten ally' to a 'trustworthy power' not only honors its wartime legacy but also charts a path for collective progress. Guided by the enduring war spirit, this transformation signals a commitment to building a brighter, more peaceful future for all.
Reference(s):
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