With history in mind, let’s work together for peace

On Sept 3, the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War was held in grand style in Beijing.

Thirty heads of state and government, about 20 senior representatives of governments and the heads of 10 international organisations, including the United Nations, attended the event.

It is a commemoration of profound relations between the Chinese people and those of the world, and it is also a testimony of our respect for history and aspiration for peace.

President Xi Jinping delivered an important speech at the commemoration. He sent to the world this unequivocal message that the aim of our commemoration is to bear history in mind, honour all those who laid down their lives, cherish peace and open up the future.

President Xi said that the war inflicted more than 100 million military and civilian casualties across the world, and China alone suffered more than 35 million casualties. The best way to honour the heroes who gave their lives for freedom, justice and peace and mourn the loss of innocent lives brutally taken during the war is to make sure that this historical tragedy will never repeat itself.

President Xi recounted that during the war, with huge national sacrifice, the Chinese people held ground in the main theatre in the East of the World Anti-Fascist War, thus making major contribution to its victory. In their war against Japanese aggression, the Chinese people received extensive support from the international community. The Chinese people will always remember what the people of other countries did for the victory of their War of Resistance.

As was pointed out by President Xi, in the interest of peace, we must foster a keen sense of a global community of shared future. All countries across the world should jointly uphold the international order and system underpinned by the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, build a new type of international relations featuring win-win cooperation.

President Xi also solemnly announced that China will cut the number of its troops by 300,000. It was emphasised by President Xi that in the interest of peace, China will remain committed to the path of peaceful development. We Chinese love peace. No matter how much stronger it may become, China will never seek hegemony or expansion. It will never inflict its past suffering upon any other nation. The Chinese people are resolved to pursue friendly relations with all other countries, uphold the outcomes of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, and make greater contribution to mankind.

STANDING SIDE BY SIDE

The Singaporean government appointed former Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Wong Kan Seng, as Special Envoy to attend the event. The Singaporean Ministry of Defence also sent a team to view the military parade. Recently, the Singaporean government and local organisations have also held a series of commemoration events on the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII.

When he was unveiling the Civilian War Memorial in Singapore in 1967, Mr Lee Kuan Yew said: “We meet not to rekindle old fires of hatred, nor to seek settlements for blood debts. If today as we remember these lessons of the past, we strengthen our resolve and determination to make our future more secure then these men and women for whom we mourn would not have died in vain.”

Mr Lee’s wise remarks are still resonating in our minds and keep enlightening us for the future.

The Chinese and Singaporean peoples fought side by side and supported each other during the WWII. Numerous Chinese associations, like the Ee Hoe Hean Club and the China Relief Fund, were the staunch force helping China counter the invasion. Today, it is almost known to every Chinese that, during the most difficult times of the war, thousands of volunteers from South-east Asia had braved all odds to help China and transport much needed war materials.

Seven decades have passed. Now the Chinese people are striving to realise the Chinese Dream, and the Singapore people, after a remarkable Golden Jubilee, are gearing up for a more promising future.

As the 25th anniversary of our diplomatic relationship approaches, I believe with our concerted efforts, the China-Singapore relationship will definitely unveil another more glorious 25 five years and make greater contribution to peace and stability of the region and beyond.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Chen Xiaodong is the Ambassador of China to Singapore.