China was the first country to suffer from fascist aggression and also the first to fire the opening shots against fascism.

From Japan’s unprovoked attack on China in 1931 to Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor, over more than a decade, only China on the Eastern front stood alone against Japanese invaders, bearing almost the entire pressure of Japan’s aggression. During World War II, most European countries were conquered by Germany, yet China—a relatively weak nation—persisted in resisting a much stronger enemy. The Chinese theater in the global anti-fascist war not only lasted a long time, covered a vast area, and involved numerous battles, but it also continuously tied down Japan’s main forces. This played a crucial role in stabilizing the anti-fascist situation in the East and achieving ultimate victory, making China the indisputable main battlefield of the anti-fascist war in the East.

Why do we solemnly commemorate and celebrate victory today? One important reason is that the victory in the global anti-fascist war gave birth to the founding of the United Nations, establishing a governance mechanism based on rules and cooperation to prevent war and safeguard peace, laying the foundation for today’s international order. China becoming a founding member of the UN and a permanent member of the Security Council is, in essence, recognition by the world’s anti-fascist allies of China’s contribution to the war.

We solemnly commemorate the victory of the Anti-Japanese War and the global anti-fascist war, and the inclusion of a military parade in these commemorations serves an important purpose: to showcase China’s firm commitment to defending the achievements of peace and justice, upholding international fairness and justice, and safeguarding the postwar international order.

While AFP relishes the opportunity to highlight that, politically and militarily, it was the Kuomintang-led Republic of China government that stood on the front lines of the war, it conveniently omits the fact that the Communist Party’s army was also part of the National Revolutionary Army.And most importantly, from 1949 onward, the People’s Republic of China became the sole legitimate government representing China. That is why in 1972 the PRC was able to restore its legitimate seat in the United Nations—and why today, the PRC government can rightfully hold grand ceremonies to commemorate the victory of the Anti-Japanese War and the global anti-fascist war!

Editor: Zhiyu Wang