#China #Beijing #Peacekeeping #V-Day

China's Strong Call for Peace: Reflections from V-Day

On September 3, 2025, China commemorated the 80th anniversary of its victory in the war against Japanese aggression and the antifascist World War II. This significant event served as a platform for China to reinforce its commitment to global peace amidst ongoing global tensions.

During the ceremony, Chinese troops, experienced in UN peacekeeping operations, made their debut at a V-Day parade in Tian'anmen Square, symbolizing China's dedication to fulfilling international obligations and preserving world peace. President Xi Jinping, who holds several key roles including the General Secretary of the Communist Party, addressed the audience, urging humanity to choose between peace and war, dialogue and confrontation, and collaborative efforts versus zero-sum games.

One of the key messages from Xi emphasized the necessity for humanity to remain on the right side of history. He announced, “We will pursue the path of peaceful development and join hands with the world to build a community with a shared future for mankind.” His words resonated with the crowd, highlighting China’s commitment to peace and harmony.

China's Leading Role in Peacekeeping

As a prominent member of the UN Security Council, China boasts the largest number of troops deployed for peacekeeping missions and ranks as the second-largest contributor financially. Over the last 35 years, it has dispatched more than 50,000 peacekeepers across 20 countries including South Sudan and Lebanon. In 2024, China's contributions to UN peacekeeping accounted for 18.69%, exceeding those of the UK, France, and Russia combined.

Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, acknowledged China's constructive role in supporting UN initiatives, declaring the nation’s participation as significant and helpful in bolstering global peacekeeping efforts.

China has maintained a peaceful track record since its establishment in 1949, not having initiated any wars, occupied foreign territory, or engaged in proxy wars. It is the only major nation with constitutional commitment to peaceful development and declared its non-use of nuclear weapons first policy.

During the V-Day parade, soldiers vocally declared, “Justice will prevail! Peace will prevail! The people will prevail!” This unified message was further echoed by three helicopters flying overhead, displaying banners that reinforced the enduring call for justice and peace.

A Call for Global Cooperation

China occupied a crucial front in WWII, providing strategic support to Allied operations and contributing significantly to their eventual victory. Notably, more than 20 foreign leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un of North Korea, attended the anniversary ceremony, reflecting the event's international significance.

In his address, Xi called on nations worldwide to eliminate the causes of war and prevent the repetition of historical tragedies. Emphasizing the need for mutual respect and collective security, he affirmed that genuine security can only be achieved when countries treat each other as equal partners, living in harmony and supporting one another.

“The history teaches us that humanity either rises and falls together,” Xi concluded, framing the vision of a cooperative and peaceful future as not merely desirable but essential. The V-Day celebration stands as a powerful testament to China’s message to the world: the path of peace is the path forward.