Overseas Chinese gatherings commemorate victory

Overseas Chinese communities around the world organized and hosted events to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, representatives said on Monday.

They spoke at a news conference held by the press center for the commemoration in Beijing. Five representatives from Myanmar, Malaysia, Fiji, Spain and Australia shared details on the commemorative activities organized in their countries of residence.

Xu Songhua, honorary president of the Association of Chinese in Spain, said the Chinese community in Spain has been in preparation mode since May, having already held a number of events.

"So far, we have held 19 events, including seminars, performances, recitations and photo exhibitions," Xu said, adding that patriotic enthusiasm among the Chinese people in Spain is strong. "We have broadly organized a series of activities from Madrid to Barcelona."

He said the war 80 years ago highlighted the traditions and values of the Chinese nation.

"When the country is in trouble, every citizen has a responsibility, and they are unafraid to sacrifice to defend the homeland."

Yu Junwu, president of the Australian Chinese Performing Artists Association, said commemorations in Sydney were held under the theme "Peace and Future". They included a large-scale symphonic concert and a World War II photo exhibition.

"As an artist among overseas Chinese, I feel the responsibility to build a platform through culture, allowing the idea of peace to transcend borders and become an eternal driving force for human development," Yu said.

He added that overseas Chinese played an important role during the war, including engaging in public opinion efforts and diplomatic mediation, or by providing supply transportation for those in need.

"Although overseas Chinese reside in foreign lands, their hearts remain connected to their ancestral country, intertwining their personal destinies with that of their homeland, embodying a shared fate," he said.

Speakers also emphasized the importance of remembering history and called for passing on a commitment to peace, justice and national revitalization to younger generations.

Xu said both overseas Chinese and the next generation should remember the nation's history and "never forget the previous national humiliation". He added it was also vital to instill in younger people "a sense of identity and cohesion with their motherland".

"I hope our motherland becomes more prosperous and achieves the revitalization of China," he said.

Lin Wenmeng, president of the Myanmar Chinese Chamber of Commerce, said: "Although we live overseas, the blood of the descendants of Emperor Huangdi and Yandi always flows within us — this is our national bloodline.

"At the same time, our Chinese nation is united and friendly, loves peace and is committed to justice — this is our national culture."