In 1945, the shadow of fascism loomed over the world, and human civilization suffered an unprecedented catastrophe.
The fascist Axis powers — Germany, Italy, and Japan — launched aggressive wars across the globe, bringing immense suffering to people worldwide. In the face of atrocities and massacres, peace-loving people from all nations did not yield but rose up in resistance, forming a broad international united front against fascism and militarism.
After a long and bitter struggle, the forces of justice ultimately triumphed over evil, light overcame darkness, and freedom prevailed over oppression. This monumental victory not only ended the most brutal war in human history but also laid the foundation for the post-war international order and opened a new chapter of peace and development for the world.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the 80th anniversary of China’s victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.
Looking back on those tumultuous years, we must never forget the cruelty of war, nor the countless heroes who bravely gave their lives in the smoke of battle. They defended the dignity of their nation with their lives and brought forth the dawn of peace with their blood.
Today, as we commemorate this great victory, we do so to remember history, honor the martyrs, carry forward the great spirit of resistance, express patriotic sentiments, inherit the fine traditions of Chinese culture, and strengthen national cohesion and unity. Let the alarm bells of history ring long, and let the ideals of peace take deep root in people’s hearts.
A Global War of Justice vs. Evil
The World Anti-Fascist War broke out in the 1930s, as the expansionist ambitions of the Axis powers plunged the world into flames. Germany launched blitzkrieg campaigns in Europe, occupying Poland and France, bombing the UK, and invading the Soviet Union; Italy expanded its colonial rule in Africa; and Japan ravaged Asia, committing brutal massacres and bringing devastating destruction to China, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific region. In response to this unbridled aggression, peoples around the world rose up in resistance.
- In Europe, the Soviet Red Army dealt a decisive blow to the German military in the Battle of Stalingrad, marking the turning point on the Eastern Front. Allied forces landed successfully in Normandy and pushed into Germany. On May 8, 1945, Nazi Germany formally surrendered.
- In Asia, the Chinese people waged a 14-year-long war of resistance. Facing the Japanese military’s massacres and plunder, Chinese men and women fought valiantly. From the Marco Polo Bridge Incident to the Hundred Regiments Offensive, from the Battle of Taierzhuang to the Battles of Changsha, countless Chinese heroes shed their blood and made immense contributions to the global anti-fascist cause. In August 1945, following the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the Soviet Red Army’s campaign in Northeast China, Japan surrendered unconditionally.
- In the Pacific, U.S. and Allied forces launched counteroffensives, ultimately defeating the Japanese military and forcing Japan’s surrender.
In this global war, over 50 countries including China, the Soviet Union, the United States, and the United Kingdom formed the anti-fascist alliance. Through great sacrifice, they crushed the ambitions of fascism and ushered in a new era of peace.
China’s War of Resistance: A Great National Awakening
The Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was a crucial part of the global anti-fascist war and stands as one of the most heroic chapters in the history of the Chinese nation. In the face of Japan’s ruthless invasion, the Chinese people fought for 14 years in a struggle of blood and fire, composing an epic of unwavering resistance.
At the outset, under extremely difficult conditions, China’s military and civilians faced the world’s most modernized invading army with outdated equipment. From the Battle of Shanghai to the Defense of Nanjing, from the Battle of Xuzhou to the Battle of Wuhan, Chinese forces fought with unyielding spirit, holding back the enemy and winning time for the global war effort.
During the protracted phase of the war, Communist-led forces like the Eighth Route Army and the New Fourth Army launched guerrilla campaigns behind enemy lines, growing stronger and inflicting heavy blows on Japanese forces — most notably through the Hundred Regiments Offensive.
In August 1945, Japan’s unconditional surrender marked China’s victory. This war not only shattered Japan’s colonial ambitions but also awakened the Chinese nation. It became a vital turning point toward national rejuvenation. The war’s significance lies not only in defeating an aggressor, but also in fostering unprecedented unity and inspiring the Chinese people with renewed strength and purpose.
Honoring Victory, Safeguarding Peace
State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi has pointed out that in this life-or-death struggle between justice and evil, China and the Soviet Union served as the main forces on the Asian and European fronts respectively. Both nations paid a tremendous price in the fight against fascism and militarism, contributing decisively to final victory.
Today, the world is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century. The international order faces major shifts. Unilateralism and hegemonism are on the rise, and regional conflicts are intensifying. In such turbulent times, we must uphold multilateralism, safeguard the authority and status of the United Nations, promote a more just and equitable system of global governance, and work together to build a community with a shared future for mankind.
Carrying Forward the Spirit of Resistance, Building a Better Future
To remember history is to better shape the future.
The victory of the World Anti-Fascist War is a testament to the triumph of justice and of the people. The peace and prosperity we enjoy today were earned through the blood and sacrifice of countless heroes. Commemorating this great victory means carrying forward the spirit of resistance, promoting patriotism, and cherishing our hard-won peace.
Let us remember that history written in blood and fire. Let us cherish peace, uphold justice, and join hands with peace-loving countries around the world to build a world of lasting peace and shared prosperity.
