Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the Great Patriotic War of the Soviet Union, the Victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and the World Anti-Fascist War

By Ambassador Mrs Fang Hong of the People's Republic of China and Ambassador Mr Vladimir A. Kalinin of the Russian Federation to the Lao PDR

(KPL) This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Great Patriotic War of the Soviet Union, then the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and the World Anti-Fascist War. Eight decades ago, fascist and militarist powers launched wars of aggression that wreaked great havoc on the world. China, Russia together with over 50 other nations including Laos expressed their determination to oppose the invasion. Together, we achieved a triumph of justice over evil, light over darkness, and progress over reaction.

As the primary Asian theatre in World War II and a bulwark against Japanese militarism, China bore the brunt of the earliest, longest and fiercest enemy attacks. China made immense sacrifice and significant contribution to the ultimate defeat of the Axis powers. With 35 million casualties, China inflicted over 1.5 million casualties on the Japanese military, accounting for more than 70% of its total losses in the war. By draining Japan’s resources, exhausting its manpower and weakening its ability to fight elsewhere, China delayed Japan’s "Southern Advance" into the Pacific. Without China’s resistance, Japan would have had a stronger presence in the Pacific and World War II would have unfolded quite differently.

Russia played a crucial, indispensable and ultimately decisive role in World War II. As the backbone of the resistance against German Nazism, Russia lost 27 million lives and nearly every family experienced loss of loved ones. The brave soldiers of Russia and its brotherly nations destroyed or disabled 607 enemy divisions, 77.5% of German Nazism and Axis forces lost in the war, laying the groundwork for the ultimate Allied victory.

Together with the US, the UK, France and other members of the Allied Forces, Russia and China secured a great victory, an achievement forever enshrined in the history of the fight for peace and justice. On September 3rd every year, we commemorate the victory of World Anti-Fascist War, which is attributed to the immense sacrifice of all anti-fascist forces. It should be recognized and respected by all.

Yet the vital contributions of China and Russia remain largely overlooked, downplayed and even distorted in the western narratives in an attempt to break the very foundations of the post-war international order. History stands as it is, and facts speak for themselves.

To honor the legacy of the victory, China and Russia have been holding joint commemorative activities for years. In May, President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Russia and attended the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War victory. President Putin is visiting Beijing to take part in the military parade for the 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.

The war has taught us a vital lesson:“Might makes right”is the logic of hegemony, not the universal principle. It is short-sighted and bound to backfire. We must reject confrontational mindsets, embrace win-win cooperation and work together for a community with a shared future for humanity. That is the only way for us to avoid repeating past tragedies and to enjoy lasting peace and development.

80 years ago, China and Russia, along with other members of the Allied Forces, took to heart the hard lessons of history, established the United Nations and drafted its Charter. Born out of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War, the international order and system centered on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter have served as a cornerstone for peace and a strong protector of the common interests of all nations. 

80 years on, humanity faces new turbulence and transformation. Unilateralism and bullying run rampant and the UN-centered international system and the law-based international order are under serious threat. At this critical juncture, it is more imperative than ever to defend and strengthen the international order which has contributed to global peace, security and stability. Shared growth can only be achieved through consultation and collaboration and the scope of multilateralism needs to be broadened and enriched. As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory over militaristic Japan and the end of WWII, together with other countries, we stand ready to take history as a mirror, stay firmly on the side of justice, safeguard the UN-centered international order and build a brighter future of peace, cooperation and shared prosperity for all.

KPL