The revitalization of the Chinese nation is unstoppable, said Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday, marking the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
Xi, who is also the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), made these remarks in a speech at a grand gathering in Beijing.
Xi stated that this anniversary is an opportunity to remember history, honor the fallen heroes, cherish peace, and build a better future.
"On behalf of the Central Committee of the CPC, the National People's Congress, the State Council, the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, and the CMC, I extend the highest respect to our veterans, patriots, and officers who fought in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, as well as to Chinese citizens at home and abroad who made significant contributions to our victory," Xi said.
A Great Victory
Xi expressed sincere gratitude to foreign governments and friends who supported and helped the Chinese people in their resistance against aggression.
He said that the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, a difficult and glorious war, represents China's first complete victory against foreign aggression in the modern era.
The victory was achieved thanks to a united front against Japanese aggression, advocated by the CPC. Xi added that the Chinese people made significant contributions to saving human civilization and defending world peace through the immense sacrifices made in this war, which was a crucial part of the World Anti-Fascist War.
Only when nations of the world treat each other as equals, live in harmony, and support each other can we ensure common security, eliminate the causes of war, and prevent the repetition of historical tragedies, he said.
According to him, the Chinese nation is a great nation that has never been intimidated by any tyrants, always values independence, and moves forward.
"In the past, when facing crucial struggles between good and evil, light and darkness, progress and decline, the Chinese people have united to resist the enemy," Xi said, adding that they fought for the survival of the country, for the revitalization of the Chinese nation, and for the justice of all mankind.
Building a World-Class Military
Xi emphasized that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) has been and will always be a heroic armed force that the Party and the people can fully trust and rely on. He called on all soldiers to provide strategic support for the national revitalization and to contribute more to peace and development in the world.
He urged the PLA to build itself into a world-class force and resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.
A total of 45 formations and units participated in the grand military parade, and many new weapons and equipment were showcased for the first time, highlighting the PLA's growing ability to utilize new technologies, adapt to the evolving nature of warfare, and prepare for victory in future conflicts.
Experts noted that this fully reflects the legacy of the heroic units from the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and represents a new strategic layout, new progress in modernization, and new achievements in combat readiness for the PLA.
The Chinese President stated that the rapid development of the People's Liberation Army into a world-class military force is a "strategic task" for building a modern socialist country in all respects.
Ten years have passed since China deepened its reforms of national defense and the armed forces. Ten years ago, Xi ordered the reorganization of the military administration structure and command system, and the building of an efficient, modern army capable of succeeding in the information age.
As a result of this reform initiative, the number of soldiers was reduced by 300,000. This marked a historic turning point – for the first time, the proportion of ground forces fell below 50% of the total, the number of personnel in non-combat units was reduced by nearly half, and the number of officers decreased by 30%.
The military reform significantly enhanced operational capabilities. The ground forces became faster and more effective in combat across various environments, while the navy expanded its reach from coastal waters to the open ocean. The air force integrated air and space domains, and the Rocket Force strengthened both nuclear and conventional deterrence.
Meanwhile, the PLA is actively fulfilling its global responsibilities in a peaceful manner. Through high-level visits, consultations, and dialogues, bilateral and multilateral joint exercises and training, and cooperation in personnel training, the PLA works with the armed forces of various countries to address common security challenges and contributes to maintaining world peace and building a community with a shared future for mankind.
The Path of Peaceful Development
Xi stated that China will remain committed to the path of peaceful development and will work with all nations of the world to build a community with a shared future for mankind.
Humanity once again faces a choice between peace and war, dialogue and confrontation, mutual benefit and zero-sum games, Xi said, adding that the Chinese people will firmly stand on the right side of history and on the side of human progress.
He called on the Chinese people of all ethnic groups to remain united and work hard under the strong leadership of the CPC to build a strong country and achieve national rejuvenation in all respects through Chinese modernization.
From the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind to the proposals of the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, and the Global Governance Initiative – Chinese ideas have illuminated the path forward at a time when the world is seeking sustainable and inclusive development.
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