Xi Jinping: Carry forward the great spirit of the War of Resistance and forge ahead with courage toward the glorious shore of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

(This is an excerpt of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important remarks from July 2014 to May 2025 on carrying forward the great spirit of the War of Resistance and forging ahead with courage toward the glorious goal of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.)

The Great Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression is a stirring and tragic chapter in the annals of the Chinese people’s struggle for independence and freedom since modern times, and a profoundly turbulent episode in the course of the Chinese nation’s historical development.

The great Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japan brought the awakening and unity of the Chinese nation to an unprecedented height. As Comrade Mao Zedong pointed out, it was “a marvel in the annals of warfare, a heroic feat of the Chinese nation, and a momentous undertaking that shook heaven and earth.”

The Great Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression opened the Eastern main battlefield of the global anti-fascist war and made epoch-making contributions to saving the nation from peril, achieving national independence and people’s liberation, and advancing the great cause of world peace.

—Speech at the Ceremony Commemorating the 77th Anniversary of the Outbreak of the All-National War of Resistance, July 7, 2014

History is the best textbook—and the most sobering wake-up call. The Chinese people bear indelible memories of the suffering wrought by war and pursue peace with unrelenting dedication. Throughout world history, any attempt to achieve external aggression and expansion through force has ultimately ended in failure; this is a law of history. China will unswervingly follow the path of peaceful development and hopes that all nations will join it in doing so, so that the light of peace may forever shine upon the planet we all call home.

Regrettably, nearly seventy years after the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, a small number of individuals still disregard the ironclad historical facts and the tens of millions of innocent lives sacrificed in the war. Going against the tide of history, they repeatedly deny—or even glorify—the history of aggression, undermining international mutual trust, stoking regional tensions, and thereby drawing strong condemnation from peace-loving people around the world, including the Chinese people.

History is history, and facts are facts; no one can alter history or the truth. The Chinese people, who have made tremendous sacrifices, will unswervingly defend the history written in blood and lives. Anyone who seeks to deny, distort, or even glorify the history of aggression will find the Chinese people—and people around the world—utterly opposed!

—Speech at the Ceremony Commemorating the 77th Anniversary of the Outbreak of the All-National War of Resistance, July 7, 2014

The Chinese nation is a great people with a civilization spanning more than 5,000 years, and it has made indelible contributions to the progress of human civilization. Since the advent of modern times, however, China fell behind due to the aggression of imperialist powers and the corruption of feudal rule, gradually descending into a semi-colonial and semi-feudal society. In particular, the brutal invasion by Japanese militarism brought the Chinese nation to the brink of national extinction and ethnic annihilation. Following its annexation of Taiwan and the Penghu Islands in the Sino-Japanese War of 1894–1895, Japanese militarism further secured, through the Eight-Nation Alliance’s invasion of China and the Russo-Japanese War, the right to station troops in southern Northeast China and the Beijing–Tianjin region, thereby establishing forward bases for the expansion of its war of aggression against China. In 1931, Japanese militarism brazenly launched the September 18 Incident, occupying the entirety of Northeast China; and in 1937 it deliberately provoked the Marco Polo Bridge Incident, thereby launching a full-scale war of aggression against China. The ultimate ambition of Japanese militarism was to reduce China to a colony under its exclusive domination, then to annex Asia and ultimately to dominate the world. This fanatical policy of aggression by Japanese militarism inflicted unprecedented and colossal calamities upon the Chinese people and the peoples of most Asian countries, leaving an exceedingly dark chapter in the history of human civilization.

The brutal aggression of Japanese militarism sparked the courageous resistance of the Chinese people. The September 18 Incident marked the beginning of China’s War of Resistance Against Japan and heralded the onset of the global anti-fascist war. The July 7 Incident, in turn, signified the start of the all-national resistance, thereby establishing the Eastern main battlefield of the world’s anti-fascist struggle.

—Speech at the Symposium Marking the 69th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, September 3, 2014

The Chinese Communist Party’s role as the mainstay of the Chinese people’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression was the key to victory. Since modern times, a major reason for the repeated failures of the Chinese people in their anti-aggression struggles has been the corruption and incompetence of the ruling political establishment, as well as internal weakness and disunity within the nation. Born and nurtured amid both domestic turmoil and external threats, the Chinese Communist Party has, from the very day of its founding, regarded the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation as its historic mission: it has defended national independence with the greatest resolve, safeguarded national interests with the utmost determination, and resisted foreign aggression with the greatest courage. Upholding the comprehensive resistance line, formulating sound strategies and tactics, and opening up vast rear-area battlefields, the Party became the backbone of the resistance. No matter how arduous the conditions, how perilous the situation, or how brutal the war, the Chinese Communist Party steadfastly upheld resistance and opposed surrender; it insisted on unity and opposed division; it championed progress and opposed retrogression—working together with all patriotic parties and organizations and with the broad masses of the people to jointly uphold the overall cause of united resistance. With its political platform, unwavering will, and exemplary conduct, the Chinese Communists sustained the entire nation’s hope for national salvation and survival, guided the correct course toward victory in the war, and emerged as the vanguard of the nation in securing that victory.

—Speech at the Symposium Marking the 69th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, September 3, 2014

In the grand course of the Chinese people’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, a great spirit of resistance was forged. The Chinese people demonstrated to the world their patriotic devotion—“the rise and fall of the nation is the responsibility of every citizen”—their indomitable national integrity—“regarding death as nothing and refusing to yield even in the face of certain doom”—their heroic courage—“unafraid of tyranny and fighting to the bitter end”—and their unwavering, unyielding conviction of ultimate victory. This great spirit of resistance is an invaluable spiritual treasure of the Chinese people and will forever serve as a powerful spiritual driving force, inspiring them to surmount all difficulties and obstacles and to strive for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

—Speech at the Symposium Marking the 69th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, September 3, 2014

On December 13, 1937, the Japanese invading forces barbarously entered Nanjing and perpetrated the horrific Nanjing Massacre, in which 300,000 of our compatriots were brutally slaughtered, countless women were subjected to rape and brutal abuse, innumerable children met untimely deaths, one-third of the city’s buildings were destroyed, and vast amounts of property were looted. This heinous, inhuman massacre, single-handedly orchestrated by the Japanese aggressors, ranks among the “Three Great Atrocities” in the history of World War II; it is an appalling crime against humanity and a profoundly dark chapter in human history.

What is truly moving is that, during those days of brutal carnage in the Nanjing Massacre, our fellow countrymen stood by one another in mutual support and solidarity. At the same time, numerous international friends risked their lives to protect the people of Nanjing in various ways and to document the heinous atrocities committed by the Japanese aggressors. Among them were John Rabe of Germany, Bernhard Siewert of Denmark, John Magee of the United States, and many others. The Chinese people will never forget their humanitarian spirit and their fearless acts of righteousness.

The Nanjing Massacre, perpetrated by Japanese aggressors, shocked the world and all people of conscience. Following the victory in World War II, both the International Military Tribunal for the Far East and the Chinese Military Tribunal for the Trial of War Criminals conducted thorough investigations into the Nanjing Massacre and rendered definitive legal findings. A number of Japanese war criminals whose hands were stained with the blood of the Chinese people were brought to justice and severely punished, thereby being forever branded as pariahs in the annals of history.

History does not change with the passage of time, and facts do not vanish simply because someone tries to deny them with clever rhetoric. The heinous atrocities of the Nanjing Massacre are incontrovertible evidence that cannot be distorted or rewritten. Anyone who seeks to deny this historical fact will find that history itself will not allow it, the souls of the 300,000 innocent victims will not allow it, the 1.3 billion Chinese people will not allow it, and all peace-loving and justice-seeking peoples around the world will not allow it.

—Speech at the National Memorial Ceremony for the Victims of the Nanjing Massacre on December 13, 2014

All Party members and all the people of China must forever bear in mind the great history of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, forged with the blood and lives of our forebears; we must never forget the outstanding achievements of the Chinese people in safeguarding national independence and freedom and in defending the sovereignty and dignity of our motherland; we must also remember the tremendous contributions made by the Chinese people to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. We must cherish peace, draw lessons from the past to guide the future, unswervingly follow the path of peaceful development, steadfastly uphold world peace, and, with one heart and one mind, advance socialism with Chinese characteristics.

—Speech Delivered During a Visit to the “Great Victory, Historic Contributions” Themed Exhibition on July 7, 2015

It is essential to conduct extensive publicity, interpretation, and thematic education activities in diverse forms, so that the people of all ethnic groups across the country will firmly remember the great history of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression—a history forged with blood and lives; the outstanding achievements of the Chinese people in safeguarding national independence and freedom and in defending the sovereignty and dignity of the motherland; and the tremendous contributions made by the Chinese people to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War, thereby carrying forward the great spirit of the War of Resistance. We must strengthen the protection and development of sites and relics related to the War of Resistance, fully leverage the role of various memorial facilities, and provide platforms for conducting research on the War of Resistance, showcasing research findings, and conducting patriotic education. We should also promote a correct understanding within the international community of the position and role of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in the global anti-fascist struggle, and intensify international academic exchanges on research related to the War of Resistance. Furthermore, we should encourage the historical communities on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to share historical materials, co-author historical works, and jointly uphold national dignity and honor.

—Speech Delivered at the 25th Collective Study Session of the 18th CPC Central Politburo on July 30, 2015

Taiwanese compatriots have always shared the same breath and destiny with the motherland, and their anti-Japanese struggle was an important component of the nationwide war of resistance. During the half-century of Japanese occupation of Taiwan, Taiwanese compatriots never ceased their resistance, with hundreds of thousands sacrificing their blood and lives in the cause. Following the outbreak of the all-out War of Resistance, Taiwanese compatriots actively joined and supported the resistance efforts of the people on the Chinese mainland, and many laid down their lives for the country. The victory of the Anti-Japanese War brought an end to Japan’s 50-year colonial rule over Taiwan, returning the island to the embrace of the motherland.

—Speech Delivered on September 1, 2015, During a Meeting with Representatives from Various Sectors in Taiwan

During the magnificent Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, countless heroic fighters laid down their lives and shed their blood, making monumental contributions to the victory of the war and to the forging of the great spirit of resistance. This great spirit of resistance will forever serve as a powerful spiritual driving force, inspiring the Chinese people to surmount all difficulties and obstacles and to strive for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

—Speech at the Ceremony for the Presentation of the “70th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression” Medal, September 2, 2015

The heroes of the War of Resistance fully exemplified the patriotic spirit of “the rise and fall of the nation is the responsibility of every citizen.” Devoting themselves to the country and serving it with unwavering loyalty were the most distinctive qualities of these heroes. Faced with the life-and-death crisis of the nation, all compatriots, driven by a profound national pride and the resolve “to die rather than become slaves of a conquered country,” stepped forward to share the nation’s hardships. Under the banner of the Anti-Japanese National United Front advocated by the Communist Party of China, Chinese sons and daughters at home and abroad, united by a deep sense of devotion to family and country, rallied as never before and eagerly threw themselves into the great struggle to defend the homeland and safeguard the nation, thus creating an immense tide of people’s war and writing a chapter of patriotism that shook heaven and earth and moved spirits to tears.

The heroes of the War of Resistance fully embodied the national spirit of regarding death as trivial and refusing to yield even in the face of certain death. As the ancient saying goes, “It is in times of hardship that true integrity is revealed—each deed will be recorded in history.” The Japanese militarist aggressors were exceedingly brutal, treating the Chinese people with unspeakable cruelty and seeking to subdue them through massacre and death. Yet confronted with the executioner’s blade, the Chinese people forged a new Great Wall with their own flesh and blood, each one resolved to die rather than surrender. Countless heroes charged forward under the enemy’s barrage and bravely met their fate beneath the executioner’s sword, thereby demonstrating the indomitable, righteous spirit of the Chinese nation—one that cannot be bent by might or intimidation.

The heroes of the War of Resistance fully exemplified the heroic spirit of fearlessly confronting brute force and fighting to the bitter end. As Comrade Mao Zedong once said, “Our Chinese nation possesses the indomitable spirit of fighting to the death against its enemies; it is determined to restore all that was lost on the basis of self-reliance; and it has the capability to stand proudly among the family of nations.” Since modern times, whenever faced with repeated invasions by powerful adversaries, the Chinese nation has never yielded. Instead, it has continuously rallied its forces, with successive generations stepping forward one after another in unyielding resistance, vowing to fight the aggressors to the death and thus sounding countless heroic triumphal songs that shook mountains and rivers.

The heroes of the War of Resistance fully embodied an unwavering, indomitable conviction in ultimate victory. Their faith burned like a blazing torch, unshaken even in the face of certain death. From the very moment the iron boots of Japanese militarist aggressors trampled upon Chinese soil, the Chinese people launched a great struggle to resist the invaders. No matter how harsh the conditions, how brutal the war, or how enormous the sacrifices, the Chinese people never wavered in their resolve to restore the nation’s rivers and mountains. Upholding the unyielding belief in fighting to the end, they persevered in the war of resistance—indeed, in a protracted war—and ultimately defeated the ferocious aggressors, securing final victory and creating a miracle in the annals of human warfare.

—Speech at the Ceremony for the Presentation of the “70th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression” Medal, September 2, 2015

Since modern times, all those who have sacrificed themselves for the independence and liberation of the Chinese nation, all those who have bravely fought to free the Chinese nation from foreign colonial rule and aggression, and all those who have taken control of their own destiny and blazed new trails for national development—all are national heroes and the pride of our country. The Chinese people will forever cherish the immortal achievements they have wrought!

“The heroic spirit of heaven and earth remains awe-inspiring through the ages.” A nation with hope cannot be without heroes; a country with a bright future cannot be without pioneers. All national heroes, including the heroes of the War of Resistance, are the backbone of the Chinese nation, and their deeds and spirit serve as a powerful force that inspires us to move forward.

—Speech at the Ceremony for the Presentation of the “70th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression” Medal, September 2, 2015

The Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War were a decisive showdown between justice and evil, light and darkness, and progress and reaction. Among these brutal conflicts, the Chinese People’s War of Resistance was the earliest in onset and the longest in duration. Facing the aggressors, the sons and daughters of the Chinese nation fought unyieldingly and with bloodshed, ultimately defeating the Japanese militarist aggressors, safeguarding the civilizational achievements accumulated over more than 5,000 years of Chinese national development, defending the cause of world peace, and creating a remarkable spectacle in the annals of warfare—a great feat of the Chinese nation.

The victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression marked the first complete triumph in China’s modern history in its struggle against foreign invasion. This great victory utterly shattered Japan’s militarist scheme to colonize and enslave China, thereby erasing the national humiliation that had plagued China since modern times—its repeated defeats in resisting foreign aggression. It also reestablished China’s status as a major power on the world stage and won for the Chinese people the respect of peace-loving peoples around the globe. Moreover, this great victory opened up a bright prospect for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and set China on a new journey of phoenix-like rebirth from the ashes.

During that war, the Chinese people, at tremendous national sacrifice, upheld the Eastern Main Battlefield of the World Anti-Fascist War and made a major contribution to its ultimate victory. The Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression also received broad support from the international community, and the Chinese people will forever remember the contributions made by peoples of all countries to the victory of China’s war of resistance!

—Speech at the Rally Marking the 70th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, September 3, 2015

“All beginnings are easy; few achieve lasting success.” Realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation requires the concerted efforts of generation after generation. Having created a splendid civilization spanning more than 5,000 years, the Chinese nation is fully capable of forging an even brighter future.

On the road ahead, all the people of China’s various ethnic groups, under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, must steadfastly be guided by Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, the Important Thought of the Three Represents, and the Scientific Outlook on Development; follow the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics; implement the strategic layout of the “Four Comprehensives”; carry forward the great spirit of patriotism and the great spirit of the War of Resistance; unite as one, braving all hardships and obstacles; and continue to forge ahead with courage toward our established goals!

Let us together forever remember the great truths that history has taught us: Justice will prevail! Peace will prevail! The people will prevail!

—Speech at the Rally Marking the 70th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, September 3, 2015

By commemorating the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, and by condemning the brutality of the aggressors, we seek to inspire all people of good will to yearn for and steadfastly uphold peace—not to perpetuate hatred.

History may grow ever more distant in time, but its insights and lessons—whether acknowledged or not—will always remain. Whether they are the peoples of the nations that bravely fought against aggression in those days or those of the nations that launched such wars; whether they are the generation that lived through that era or those born after it—they must all uphold a correct view of history and keep firmly in mind its insights and lessons.

The insights and lessons of history constitute a shared spiritual treasure of humanity. To forget history is to betray it. The victorious outcomes of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War are beyond question, and the sacrifices made by tens of millions in the cause of independence, freedom, and peace must never be denied. Any words or actions that deny the aggressive nature of these wars, that distort or even glorify them, or that seek to evade historical responsibility for aggression—no matter how they are presented or how lofty their rhetoric may sound—are nothing but self-deception. “He who follows the right path will have many helpers; he who loses the right path will have few.” To deny the history of aggression is to mock history, to insult the moral conscience of humanity, and to inevitably lose the trust of the peoples of the world.

—Speech at the Reception Commemorating the 70th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, September 3, 2015

On September 3, the Chinese people, together with peoples around the world, solemnly commemorated the 70th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. As the main battlefield in the East, China endured national sacrifices totaling more than 35 million casualties and bore the brunt of Japan’s militarist forces. Through these efforts, China not only secured the survival and salvation of the nation but also provided robust support to the resistance forces in Europe and the Pacific, thereby making a historic contribution to the ultimate victory of the World Anti-Fascist War.

History is a mirror. Only by learning from the past can we avoid repeating its mistakes. We must approach history with reverence and a clear conscience. While the past cannot be changed, the future can be shaped. Remembering history is not about perpetuating hatred; it is about drawing collective lessons and heeding those lessons. Preserving and passing on our historical legacy is not about dwelling on the past; it is about forging a brighter future and ensuring that the flame of peace is kindled and carried forward from one generation to the next.

—Speech delivered at the General Debate of the Seventieth Session of the United Nations General Assembly, held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, United States, on September 28, 2015

This—referring to the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (editor’s note)—was the longest-lasting, largest-scale, and most sacrificial national liberation struggle in modern Chinese history, and it was also the first national liberation struggle to achieve complete victory. This great victory marked a historic turning point in the Chinese nation’s journey from the profound crisis it had been mired in since modern times toward national rejuvenation; it was also an important component of the global victory over fascism. It was a victory for the Chinese people—and a victory for the peoples of the world.

—Speech at the Symposium Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, September 3, 2020

The great victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression utterly shattered Japan’s militarist scheme to colonize and enslave China, firmly safeguarded China’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and completely erased the national humiliation of repeated defeats in the struggle against foreign aggression since modern times!

The great victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression reaffirmed China’s status as a major power in the world, earned the respect of peace-loving peoples around the globe, and secured for the Chinese nation a lofty national reputation!

The great victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression strengthened the Chinese people’s resolve to pursue national independence, freedom, and liberation, and ushered in a new historic journey of the ancient Chinese nation—a phoenix rising from the ashes and reborn in fire!

—Speech at the Symposium Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, September 3, 2020

The victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was a great triumph of the national spirit, with patriotism at its core. Patriotism is the very essence of our national spirit and the spiritual bond that unites the Chinese people and the Chinese nation in common purpose and relentless self-improvement. When the survival of the country and the nation hung in the balance, all sons and daughters of the Chinese nation rose up in united indignation and forged an unbreakable front, composing a stirring anthem of patriotism that shook mountains and rivers. Patriotism serves as a powerful spiritual driving force that inspires the Chinese people to safeguard national independence and dignity and to forge ahead courageously in the torrent of history; it is the mighty engine that propels the ship of the Chinese nation through stormy seas and onward with unwavering resolve; and it is the glorious banner that guides the Chinese people and the Chinese nation in unleashing earth-shattering historical momentum and overcoming every hardship and obstacle on the path forward!

—Speech at the Symposium Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, September 3, 2020

Over the 75 years since the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, China has undergone earth-shattering changes. Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, the people of all ethnic groups across the country have rallied in determined effort and pioneering spirit, achieving remarkable development accomplishments that have captured the world’s attention. They have successfully blazed a path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, ushering in a new era for this path. The battle against poverty is nearing victory, and the goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects is within reach, heralding a bright future for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. All sons and daughters of the Chinese nation feel immensely proud of these achievements!

We are also keenly aware that, on the road ahead, we will continue to face a wide array of risks and challenges and encounter numerous obstacles and hardships. We must carry forward the great spirit of the War of Resistance, summoning the resolve and courage to overcome all difficulties without being overwhelmed by them, daring to struggle, adept at innovation, and persevering in our efforts to realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation—until we achieve final victory.

—Speech at the Symposium Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, September 3, 2020

The Communist Party of China and the Chinese people have grown and thrived through struggle, and the spirit of struggle has run throughout every stage of China’s revolution, construction, and reform. Our country is now at a critical juncture in realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and reform and development are at an important stage of overcoming tough challenges and breaking through obstacles. On the road ahead, we will face no shortage of major struggles. We must summon the courage to fight bravely and meet difficulties head-on, embodying the spirit that the more arduous the going, the more resolutely we press forward. Whenever any risk or challenge threatens the leadership of the Communist Party of China and our socialist system; whenever any risk or challenge endangers our sovereignty, security, and development interests; whenever any risk or challenge undermines our core interests and fundamental principles; whenever any risk or challenge jeopardizes the fundamental interests of the Chinese people; and whenever any risk or challenge impedes our efforts to achieve the Two Centenary Goals and realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation—whenever such risks or challenges arise, we must engage in resolute struggle without the slightest wavering or retreat, until victory is secured. History will surely prove that the historic march of the Chinese nation toward great rejuvenation is unstoppable. No individual or force that seeks to impose its will on China through bullying, to alter China’s course of progress, or to obstruct the Chinese people’s endeavor to create a better life for themselves will ever be tolerated by the Chinese people!

—Speech at the Symposium Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, September 3, 2020

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the Soviet Great Patriotic War, and the World Anti-Fascist War. Eighty years ago, the peoples of China and Russia made tremendous sacrifices and achieved a great victory, thereby making historic contributions that will be recorded in the annals of history for safeguarding world peace and advancing human progress. At present, in the face of the rising tide of unilateralism and power politics and bullying on the international stage, China will work together with Russia to shoulder the special responsibilities incumbent upon major world powers and permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, step up to the plate, jointly promote a correct understanding of World War II history, uphold the authority and status of the United Nations, steadfastly defend the outcomes of the war, resolutely safeguard the rights and interests of China, Russia, and the broader community of developing countries, and join hands to advance a more equal and orderly multipolar world and an inclusive, mutually beneficial economic globalization.

—Remarks during the meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 8, 2025