#China #Beijing #Victory Day #Peace

China’s Victory Day: A Strong Message of Peace

On September 3, 2025, China celebrated the 80th anniversary of its victory in the war against Japanese invaders and the global anti-fascist war, an event meant to emphasize a commitment to global peace in uncertain times. The commemoration took place at Tiananmen Square in Beijing, highlighting China’s dedication to fostering a world rooted in peace and cooperation.

The event featured Chinese troops that have participated in United Nations peacekeeping missions, marking their first appearance in the Victory Day parade. Their presence serves as a testament to China’s international commitments and its ongoing efforts to protect global peace. These troops were honored by President Xi Jinping, who personally greeted them during the parade along Chang'an Avenue, symbolically named the Avenue of Eternal Peace.

President Xi’s speech resonated with the prevailing themes of peace and unity, stating, "Humanity must choose between war and peace, dialogue and confrontation, cooperation that benefits all versus a scenario where one side is left defeated." He asserted that the Chinese people stand firmly on the right side of history, advocating for civil progress.

The focus on peace was evident as Xi affirmed, "We will continue to follow the path of peaceful development, joining forces with the rest of the world to build a community with a shared future for humanity." In the context of the United Nations, China holds a significant position as a contributor, boasting the largest number of peacekeeping troops among the permanent members of the UN Security Council. Over the last 35 years of engagement in peacekeeping operations, China has deployed more than 50,000 peacekeeping soldiers to over 20 countries and regions, addressing crises in locations such as South Sudan and Libya across 26 missions.

In 2024 alone, China accounted for 18.69% of the overall contributions to UN peacekeeping efforts, surpassing the combined contributions of the three other permanent members of the UN Security Council: the United Kingdom, France, and Russia. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, praised China's substantial role in supporting UN peacekeeping missions during his interview with CGTN prior to the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers.

Since the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949, the nation has refrained from initiating any wars, never occupying a millimeter of another country's territory, and avoiding proxy wars. China is also unique in having enshrined the path of peaceful development in its constitution, being the only nuclear-armed state to pledge never to be the first to use nuclear weapons.

During the parade, Chinese soldiers chanted in unison, "Justice will prevail! Peace will prevail! The people will prevail!" This sentiment was underscored further as three helicopters flew over the event, trailing banners that conveyed the same message, celebrating the 80th anniversary of victory in the anti-Japanese resistance and global anti-fascist efforts.

As a vital front in World War II, China's struggle against invasion supplied essential strategic support for the Allies, contributing significantly along with other efforts in Europe and various parts of Asia to secure a momentous victory. The celebrations saw the attendance of over 20 foreign leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

In his address, Xi called upon world nations to eradicate the root causes of war and prevent human tragedies. He stated that collective security is only achievable when nations treat each other as equals, live in harmony, and lend mutual support. Xi added, "History warns us that humanity rises and falls together."

China's Victory Day serves not just as a remembrance of historical triumphs but as a clarion call for peace and cooperation in the face of modern challenges. As global tensions continue to surge, China’s commitment to peace resonates as both a challenge and an invitation for nations to work collaboratively towards a secure and stable future.