Four Important Points of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Speech for V-Day Parade

On the morning of September 3, 2015, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech at the V-Day parade to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the victory of Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Want to know the highlights of President Xi’s speech? People’s Daily has summarized the President’s speech into four major bullet points.

(1). To explain a purpose: To remember the history; commemorate the martyrs; cherish peace; and develop the future

Why do we hold the V-Day parade? President Xi addressed--

Ravaging through Asia, Europe, Africa and Oceania, WWII inflicted over 100 million military and civilian casualties. China suffered over 35 million casualties and the Soviet Union lost more than 27 million lives. The best way to honor the heroes who gave their lives to uphold freedom, justice and peace and mourn the loss of innocent lives brutally taken during the war is to make sure that this historical tragedy will never repeat itself.

War is like a mirror. Looking at it helps us better appreciate the value of peace. Today, peace and development have become the prevailing trend, but the world is far from tranquil. War is the sword of Damocles that still hangs over mankind. We must learn the lessons of history and dedicate ourselves to peace.

(2). To emphasize the function: Chinese people are the main force fighting against Fascism in the east battleground.

The victory of Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression is the first complete victory won by China in its resistance against foreign aggression in modern times. In that devastating war, Chinese people had made great sacrifice and also major contribution to the victory of the world’s anti- Fascism cause.

(3). To direct a way: We must foster a keen sense of a global community of shared future and insist the way of peaceful development.

How to maintain peace in long term? President Xi said:

China will remain committed to peaceful development. No matter how much stronger it may become, China will never seek hegemony or expansion. And it will never inflict its past suffering on any other nation.

(4). To announce a decision: China will cut the number of its troops by 300,000. 

The article is edited and translated from “快速读懂习近平“9·3阅兵”重要讲话”, author: Li Shiquan, source: Central Kitchen, an omnimedia platform of People’s Daily