As the world marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese people's resistance against Japanese aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, China reaffirms a message deeply rooted in its foreign policy: never forget history, always promote peace.
At a Chinese film and photography exhibition held in Johannesburg on 30 July 2025, Mr. Mr Qingjiang, Consul General of China in Johannesburg, the dual purpose of this commemoration - to honour the victory over fascism and to use the past as a guide for peaceful development.
The commemorative event was timed to coincide with the anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) on August 1, highlighting China's transformation from a war-torn state into a stable global player committed to peaceful growth and defence. Ban stressed that although China has built a strong military capacity over the decades, the PLA remains entrenched in defence doctrine: "The Chinese army does not exist to wage war, but to protect peace," he remarked, recalling China's longstanding policy of non-aggression.
A legacy of sacrifice and global solidarity
China's role in defeating fascism is often neglected in Western narratives. Pan reminded participants that the Chinese people had resisted tenaciously for 14 years on the eastern front of World War II at the cost of enormous human and economic sacrifices. This massive effort contributed significantly to the global victory over fascism and also became a formative moment in China's modern conception of international responsibility.
In honouring the past, it was clear that commemoration is not about perpetuating hostility, but about awakening "the goodwill in men's hearts for peace and perseverance" and ensuring that the darkest moments of history are not repeated. The Speaker of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, the Hon. Morakane Mosupyoe, echoed this thought: "Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it," she quoted, stressing that reminders must go hand in hand with active peacebuilding. She also cited South Africa's solidarity with China, not only in commemoration, but also in promoting a multipolar world that rejects imperialism, subjugation and unilateral aggression.
Defence first, peace as the goal
Although the PLA has turned into one of the world's most advanced militaries, China insists that its use is purely defensive. This principle is underscored by its commitment to the Global Security Initiative - one of the three diplomatic pillars unveiled by President Xi Jinping - alongside the Global Development Initiative and the Global Civilisation Initiative. These frameworks aim to promote world peace, inclusive growth and mutual respect among civilisations.
As explained by Mr: "We must... reject all forms of hegemony, bullying and power politics and work together towards a path of peaceful development." This doctrine contrasts sharply with the increasing globalisation of militarisation and the unilateral interventions of powerful states. The Chinese model emphasises sovereignty, multilateral dialogue and the rule of international law - in particular the post-World War II international order shaped by the United Nations.
BRICS and a shared future of peace
The comment also highlighted the relationship between China and South Africa, with both countries sharing a commitment to peace and development. Within the BRICS structure, they are working together to reshape the global order into one that respects sovereignty and equality. South Africa's active role in peace efforts - from the conflict between Russia and Ukraine to the crises in the Middle East and Central Africa - demonstrates its alignment with China's stance against aggression.
As Chairwoman Mosupyoe said: "Our bilateral relationship is even more relevant today as the world is beginning to experience the return of narrow nationalist tendencies that threaten world peace and solidarity." This shared commitment underscores the importance of historical memory in shaping today's military and foreign policies - policies that favour defence over domination and cooperation over confrontation.
The celebration of the 80th anniversary of the victory over fascism is not just a historical milestone. For China, they represent a reaffirmation of a military and diplomatic identity forged in the melting pot of the world war - an identity based on peace, memory and multilateralism. The PLA, though powerful, is not an instrument of aggression but the protector of a nation committed to stability and development.
At a time when geopolitical tensions are rising around the world, China is not calling for war, but for wisdom - and for a common memory that promotes peace instead of division. The message from Johannesburg is clear: the commemoration of victory is not a celebration of triumph, but a tribute to the victims with determination - never to allow history to repeat itself.
Kirtan Bhana
Thediplomaticsociety/gnews.cz - GH
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