Anti-fascist legacy: From peace to unity

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War.

The 14-year war against Japanese aggression demonstrates how the Chinese nation had united against a common aggressor.

The Communist Party of China mobilized the people and all possible resources to protect the nation's sovereignty and defend its territory from foreign invasion. The Chinese people's spirit and endurance faced extreme challenges, yet, under the CPC's leadership, they resisted, fought and ultimately defeated Japan's aggression and protected the territorial integrity of their motherland.

We must also never forget the colossal military and civilian casualties of over 35 million from this act of aggression, a huge threat to humanity.

Modern times must remember the labor and efforts of the people, heroes and martyrs, because their sacrifices guaranteed the existence of China today.

As President Xi Jinping once said, "We should honor our heroes; a nation of hope cannot be without heroes."

While the past wars have provided lessons for us to learn today, one of them is the necessity to attach importance to the fundamental principles that have shaped China's foreign policy.

China consistently upholds peaceful coexistence, respect for national sovereignty, and noninterference in other nations' affairs as core elements, which the international community should actively safeguard and uphold so that all nations can respect each other's rights and deal with each other in a peaceful way.

China's victory in the antifascist war represents part of a global victory, and today, the international community must never undermine the quest for peace.

Universal peace is a fundamental concept all nations must strive to uphold. We must never take peace for granted; we must always seek it. In pursuit of peace, the international community must honor the United Nations Charter.

As President Xi has always advocated, the United Nations' role in maintaining global peace and stability through upholding every country's sovereignty must be fully brought out.

China's global efforts to promote peace and unity in the post-war era are undeniable. In Africa, for example, China actively safeguards peace, helping the continent address terrorism and regional conflicts.

At the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, China launched the Partnership Action for Common Security, pledging 1 billion yuan ($139.2 million) for Africa's military assistance.

China also supports African peacekeeping operations through the UN Mission, helping this international body secure peace through its actions in nations like Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

As a member of the UN Security Council, China also uses its legitimate veto power to dissuade countries from interfering with the sovereignty of African nations.

China also established the UN Peace and Development Trust Fund for projects to train and guarantee peace in Africa by disbursing more than $11 million for various training initiatives across Africa.

Africa's security dilemma and deficit have been a major concern for the international community, and China has joined hands with multilateral organizations, including the UN and the African Union, to work assiduously to promote the continent's security situation.

In a speech on the 70th anniversary of the UN, President Xi urged the international community to continue seeking peace and development.

Xi said that China, having battled militarism and fascism in the past, possesses a unique insight into the value of peace in our world today. He further urged humanity to learn lessons from history and avoid past calamities.

As Xi said at a 2014 meeting, peace and development cannot be separated; peace cannot thrive on barren land, nor can development be achieved amid the flames of war. His major thrust has been to envision a better future for mankind through common development and collaboration, as enshrined in the Global Development Initiative.

The 80th anniversary of victory in the World Anti-Fascist War has reminded us of history's tales that we must not forget.

More important, we must bring forth a call for unity in peace and development. We cannot afford to allow hostilities, aggression, conflicts, wars and terrorism to continue unchecked in some parts of the world.

The author is a senior lecturer at the University of Lagos, Nigeria.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.