Upholding correct perspective on WWII a shared responsibility

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. China will hold a series of grand events to remember the victory.

As changes unseen in a century are accelerating in a turbulent world, upholding the correct historical perspective on WWII is no longer merely a matter of academic debate. Rather, it has become a shared responsibility of the international community to defend the outcomes of the victory in WWII and maintain world fairness and justice.

First, upholding the correct historical perspective on WWII is an imperative for safeguarding historical truth.

A correct historical perspective is fundamentally rooted in an uncompromising respect for indisputable facts. The Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was the earliest and most prolonged phase of the World Anti-Fascist War. China endured great national sacrifices for and made indelible historic contributions to victory in the World Anti-Fascist War. However, in recent years, erroneous narratives such as propagating that "the German invasion of Poland in 1939 is the starting point of WWII", that "China relied on the Allies for victory" and downplaying "China's contributions" have periodically resurfaced. What is worse, some people with ulterior motives have deliberately propagated fallacies such as the "Japan-as-Victim Discourse" and "Western-centric perspectives".

History must not be distorted and justice must be upheld. In this special year, we must vigorously uphold the correct historical perspective on WWII, resolutely resist erroneous remarks about WWII, eliminate vice and exalt virtue, and set the record straight. Only in this way can the vow of "Never Again" take firm root.

Second, upholding the correct historical perspective on WWII serves as an effective pathway to preventing the recurrence of historical tragedies.

History contains the code of humanity's triumphs and downfalls. Spanish-American philosopher George Santayana has warned, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it". The history of WWII reveals the catastrophic consequences of appeasement policies, the devastating power of extreme nationalism and militarism, and the heavy price paid by people worldwide.

In today's world, major-power competition is intensifying, regional conflicts keep cropping up, and detrimental ideologies such as imperialism, hegemonism and Cold War mentality are resurfacing. A clear-eyed view of history helps the international community assess the risks and challenges in the current global landscape, inspire all parties to engage in global governance through collaboration based on mutual trust, resolve differences via diplomatic dialogue and multilateral cooperation, and ultimately prevent the recurrence of historical tragedies.

Third, upholding the correct historical perspective on WWII is an essential requirement for defending the post-war international order.

Out of the ashes of war, the international community established the United Nations, signed its charter and agreed to "maintain international peace and security", "develop friendly relations among nations", promote "sovereign equality" and "settle international disputes by peaceful means", laying the cornerstone of the post-war international order. This is a solemn contract reached by all countries after going through the trials of war, serving as the fundamental guarantee for the international community to achieve overall peace and stability for 80 years. At present, unilateralism, hegemonism and protectionism are impacting on the UN-centered international system and the international order underpinned by international law. As an old Chinese saying goes, "Past experience, if not forgotten, is a guide for the future".

The international community should more resolutely champion the correct historical perspective on WWII, and firmly oppose all words and deeds that seek to subvert the post-war international order or undermine and contravene multilateralism. Only in this manner can we ensure the great ship of the current international order continues advancing steadfastly on its proper course.

Last but not least, upholding the correct historical perspective on WWII is a vital foundation for co-creating a brighter future for humanity.

The reason why we should bear in mind the history of war is to safeguard world peace and create a brighter future. Eighty years ago, the Chinese people, together with people around the world, through arduous and bloody battles, completely defeated fascism and won the hard-earned peace. It was a decisive battle between justice and evil, between light and darkness, and between progress and reaction. Nowadays, the deficits in peace, development, security and governance are growing, and humanity once again finds itself at a crossroads.

In recent years, China has put forward a series of significant visions and initiatives for global governance, including a community with a shared future for humanity, high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilization Initiative, receiving extensive recognition and strong support from the international community. The best inheritance of history is the creation of history. China, with steadfast integrity and innovative dynamism, has always upheld and practiced the correct historical perspective on WWII with concrete actions.

The tears and triumphs of World War II form both the bedrock of humanity's collective memory and a beacon guiding future peace. Upholding the correct historical perspective on WWII aims not to perpetuate animosity, but to take it as a warning and draw positive wisdom and strength from it. Standing at a new starting point, China looks forward to working with all parties to ensure that the sunlight of peaceful development, equity and justice, and win-win cooperation illuminates every corner of the world.

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