Reflecting on the 80th anniversary of the victory against Japanese aggression
The 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese aggression and the world anti-fascist war is commemorated to draw lessons from history, inspire people’s longing for peace, and unite in a shared commitment to defend peace.
Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Wu Peng conveyed this key message during a ceremony at the Chinese Embassy in Pretoria on Thursday.
The ceremony was attended by dignitaries including Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, Minister Maropene Ramokgopa, and Deputy Minister Njabulo Bheka Nzuza, among others.
In sharing a message of support, Minister of Small Business Development, Ndabeni-Abrahams, stated that South Africans draw inspiration from China’s legacy, citing President Xi Jinping’s phrase that history shows justice prevails over oppression.
She emphasised that South Africa values its relationship with China, its largest trading partner in sectors like energy and manufacturing.
Reflecting on the past, Wu noted that 80 years ago, people worldwide united against a common enemy, fighting bravely to achieve a significant victory in the anti-fascist war.
He highlighted the war’s devastating impact, affecting two billion people and resulting in over 100 million casualties.
“The ultimate downfall of fascism is proof that justice always triumphs over evil, light always prevails over darkness, and progressive strength always wins against reactionary forces,” he said.
He noted that China played a pivotal role in the world anti-fascist war, with the Chinese People’s war of resistance against Japanese aggression starting early, lasting longest, and incurring immense sacrifices.
From 1931 to 1945, China endured 14 years of struggle, suffering over 35 million casualties and nearly $600 billion in economic losses, he said.
“The Chinese people pinned down and resisted the main forces of Japanese militarism for an extended period, eliminating over 1.5 million Japanese troops, accounting for over 70% of the total casualties of Japanese forces during World War II,” Wu said.
He stressed that China’s efforts on the Asian battlefield significantly supported Allied Forces in Europe, Africa, and the Pacific, contributing substantially to the global victory against fascism.
“We commemorate history not to advocate hatred and war, but to learn from history, awaken people’s aspirations for peace, and unite the powerful force of a shared commitment to and defense of peace,” he said.
The commemoration, he said, also aligns with the 80th anniversary of the United Nations’ founding.
The ambassador reiterated China’s stance on Taiwan, stating that its reunification with China is an integral part of the World War II victory outcomes and the subsequent international order.
He expressed gratitude to the South African government for its consistent support and commitment to the one-China policy.
Looking ahead, Wu noted that South Africa will host the G20 Summit in November and expressed China’s strong support for the country’s G20 presidency.
He expressed enthusiasm for a successful summit that contributes to African peace and development, leaving a “Global South” mark on global governance.
rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za