BEIJING, Aug. 13 -- China's upcoming war commemorations are not only a tribute to peace, but also a warning to foreign countries never to repeat the war, a senior official said Thursday.

"Some people in certain surrounding countries have not thought on the lessons of war, and are still committing acts that should be watched," said Gao Yongzhong, deputy head of the Party history research office under the Communist Party of China Central Committee, at a press conference organized by the State Council on Thursday.

By learning every detail of the war, China is educating its people to avoid repeating history and warning certain foreign countries not to attempt war on Chinese people again, he said.

The nation has planned a series of commemoration events in the upcoming month, including a military parade through Tian'anmen Square on Sept. 3, to mark the 70th anniversary of World War II.

China's current major tasks are to develop the economy and revitalize the nation. The country will never be willingly dragged into war, he was quoted as saying.