Speech by Chinese Ambassador to Lesotho Yang Xiaokun on the Photo Exhibition and Reception of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance[...]

First of all, please allow me to pay respects to:

His Majesty King Letsie III, head of state of the Kingdom of Lesotho,
His Right Honorable Prime Minister Matekane,
Honourable President of the Senate,
Right Honourable Speaker of the National Assembly,
Honourable Chief Justice,
Former Prime Ministers,
Honourable Deputy Prime Minister,
Former Deputy Prime Ministers,
Honourable Cabinet Ministers, past and present,
Excellencies, Heads of Diplomatic Missions and International Relations,
Distinguished Members of the Senate,
Distinguished Members of the National Assembly,
Senior Government Officials,
The District Administrator of Maseru,
Local government councilors of Maseru ,
Members of the press,
Representatives of the Chinese community and Chinese Corporations,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Yesterday, China held a grand military parade in solemn commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. As we just watched, our purpose is to remember history, honor fallen heroes, cherish peace, and create a better future. We have visited the photo exhibition together just now. Many friends told me they were deeply impressed by what they saw-the atrocities committed by Japanese troops, the unyielding resistance of Chinese soldiers, the unity of the Chinese people both at home and abroad, and the solidarity of the international anti-fascist alliance. All these images are a faithful memory of history.

80 years ago, the Chinese people thoroughly defeated the Japanese militarist aggressors after fighting a bitter and heroic war of resistance for 14 years. The victory was achieved under a national united front against Japanese aggression advocated by the Communist Party of China(CPC). This marked the complete victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. It was a historic turning point for the Chinese nation emerging from the grave crises in modern times to embark on the journey toward great rejuvenation; it was also a major turning point in the course of world history. The war engraved in our nation and formed the great spirit of the war of resistance, which embodies the patriotism that inspires the individual to work for the wellbeing of the country, the dauntless national character that prepares to sacrifice oneself for the greater good, the heroic valor that nurtures a national will to confront brute force and fight to the last, and the great perseverance and an unfailing belief in victory.

The Chinese People's War of Resistance also carried profound global significance. China was the first country to fight the Fascist aggressor, experiencing the longest period of struggle, and suffering great sacrifices and heavy losses, making an indispensable contribution. During the stalemate phase of the war. China suffered over 35 million military and civilian casualties, and the direct economic losses exceeded 100 billion US dollars, making China one of the countries with the most sacrifice among Allies. The China theater created crucial strategic space for the Allied forces by firmly pinning down over 70 percent of the Japanese army.

We must not forget that during the World Anti-Fascist War, more than 20,000 brave Basotho soldiers fought in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East against fascist forces. Over 1,100 of them gave their lives on the battlefield, sacrificing for freedom and justice. I would like to pay the highest respect to the fallen heroes and all the brave soldiers from Lesotho.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The victory of the World Anti-Fascist War was not only the triumph of justice over evil and civilization over barbarity, but also of profound historical necessity and progress. It ended the grave threat of militarism and fascism to world peace, safeguarded humanity's pursuit of fairness and justice, and accelerated the collapse of colonialism. The tide of national liberation surged across the globe, and Africa's decolonization movements gained strong momentum. Lesotho's eventual independence was itself one of the fruits of this historic victory.

The experience of the World Anti-Fascist War show clearly that only by upholding international fairness and justice can we consolidate the foundation of world peace. 80 years ago, China, together with fellow anti-fascist allies, initiated the founding of the U.N. and co-drafted and signed the U.N. Charter, ushering in a new era of collective peace and development. The U.N. continues to play a central role in safeguarding peace and stability worldwide today.

The outcomes of the World Anti-Fascist War encompassed Taiwan's recovery from Japanese occupation. Taiwan's return to China forms a vital part of the post-war international order. A host of documents provides a strong and sound international legal effect, basis and source.The Cairo Declaration issued by China, the United States and the United Kingdom on December 1, 1943 stated that it was the purpose of the three allies that all the territories Japan had stolen from China, such as Northeast China, Taiwan and the Penghu Islands, should be restored to China.The Potsdam Proclamation was signed by China, the United States and the United Kingdom on July 26, 1945, and subsequently recognized by the Soviet Union. It reiterated: "The terms of the Cairo Declaration shall be carried out."In September of the same year, Japan signed the instrument of unconditional surrender, in which it promised that it would faithfully fulfill the obligations laid down in the Potsdam Proclamation.On October 25, the Chinese government resumed the exercise of sovereignty over Taiwan. At its 26th session on October 25, 1971, the U.N. General Assembly adopted Resolution 2758, which undertook "to restore all its rights to the People's Republic of China and to recognize the representatives of its Government as the only legitimate representatives of China to the United Nations, and to expel forthwith the representatives of Chiang Kai-shek from the place which they unlawfully occupy at the United Nations and in all the organizations related to it". The Authority of the UNGA Resolution 2758 brooks no dispute or challenge. The one-China principle must be upheld, which reads as There's but one China in the world, Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory and the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. Every country should firmly oppose all forms of "Taiwan independence", and resolutely support the Chinese government to realize national reunification.Any attempt to deny that Taiwan belongs to China is a distortion of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and a challenge to the post-war international order.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

President Xi Jinping has emphasized: "History cautions us that we must remain unwavering in our conviction in justice, unyielding in our commitment to peace, and unshakable in our confidence in the insurmountable strength of the people.Might may rule the moment, but right prevails forever. Justice, light and progress will inevitably triumph over evil, darkness, and regression. At all times, we must advocate the common values of humanity, resolutely defend international fairness and justice, and ensure righteousness prevails and brightness shines in our world.We humans all share the same planet. We must pull together in solidarity and harmony, and ensure that the law of the jungle never makes a comeback. At all times, we must always commit to the path of peaceful development, stay resolved to safeguard global peace and tranquility, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity." In this context, President Xi Jinping has put forward the vision of a community with a shared future for humanity, as well as the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative and Global Governance Initiative, offering China's proposals for reforming and improving global governance.

Staying committed to sovereign equality, international rule of law, multilateralism, the people-centered approach, and real results are "five core concepts" of the Global Governance Initiative. They stem from the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter, and respond to the shared aspiration of most countries. To reform and improve global governance does not mean to overturn the existing international order or to create another framework outside the current international system. Rather, the goal is to make the existing international system and international institutions better at taking actions, working effectively, adapting to changes, responding promptly and effectively to various global challenges, and serving the interests of all countries, particularly developing ones. No matter how the international landscape changes, China will remain firm in safeguarding the international system with the U.N. at its core and the international order underpinned by international law, stand firmly on the right side of history, and join hands with all progressive forces in the world to build a community with a shared future for humanity and make relentless efforts for mankind's noble cause of peace and development.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I'm happy to notice that the all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future is thriving. The China-Lesotho strategic partnership is deepening, with practical cooperation advancing steadily. We all know that King Moshoeshoe I always wanted his people to live in peace. We are ready to work hand in hand with our friends in Lesotho to enhance friendship, promote the well-being of our people, and fulfill the shared vision of our two countries in safeguarding world peace, advancing common development, and promoting fairness and justice.

On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, let us honor the fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice, and let us unite more closely with our friends in Lesotho. Together, we will build a community with a shared future for humanity, stand as defenders of world peace, builders of common security, and champions of multilateralism, and make our contribution to the future of humanity.

Thank you.