(下边有中文翻译请继续看到底。 谢谢。)
This year marks the 80th anniversary of a monumental victory in human history—the triumph of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and the global victory in the World Anti-Fascist War. This anniversary is not only a time of solemn remembrance but also a proud celebration of peace, justice, and international solidarity.
The context of aggression and suffering
On Sept. 18, 1931, Japan’s Kwantung Army, stationed in northeast China, launched a sudden attack on Fengtian (present-day Shenyang) in an attempt to seize the region by force. The September 18th Incident marked the start of Japan’s invasion of China, deliberately planned and initiated by Japanese imperialists. It also signaled the start of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression.
What followed was a 14-year-long brutal invasion by the Japanese imperial forces that left deep scars on the land and people of China.
The Chinese battlefield became the main eastern battlefield of the world’s anti-fascist war. Cities were bombed, villages torched, and innocent civilians mercilessly massacred. Perhaps the most horrifying example was the Nanjing Massacre of 1937, where over 300,000 Chinese civilians and disarmed soldiers were killed in a span of just six weeks. According to historical estimates, more than 35 million Chinese were killed or wounded during the war, and the material destruction was immense, affecting countless lives and infrastructure across the country.
China’s indomitable spirit and resistance
Despite facing overwhelming odds, the Chinese people displayed unwavering courage and unity. Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China and with the active participation of millions of ordinary citizens, the resistance against Japanese forces took shape through conventional warfare, guerrilla tactics, and a deep-rooted determination to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty.
China’s resistance was not merely a national struggle—it was a vital part of the global campaign against fascism. For years, China stood virtually alone on the Asian front, tying down a large portion of Japan’s military forces and making an enormous contribution to the eventual Allied victory.
The Chinese people’s victory over Japanese aggression was not only a military success but a moral and political one. It symbolized the triumph of justice over tyranny, unity over division, and peace over war.
The significance of commemoration
The 80th anniversary of this historic victory is an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by countless heroes, both named and unnamed. It is a call to uphold the values of peace, cooperation, and mutual respect that underpin today’s international order.
China views this anniversary as a solemn reminder of its people’s suffering and resilience, and a powerful reaffirmation of its commitment to peace and development. This year, grand ceremonies will be held across the country, with the central event expected to take place in Beijing. High-level delegations, veterans, scholars, and youth representatives will gather to honor the memory of the fallen and celebrate the enduring spirit of resistance.
The official Victory Day is celebrated annually on September 3rd, marking the formal surrender of Japan in 1945.
Pakistan’s historical and moral support
Though modern-day Pakistan did not exist during World War II, the territory and people that would later form Pakistan were under British India at the time and played an indirect but noteworthy role. Thousands of soldiers from this region served in the British Indian Army and fought in various theatres of war, including the Burma Campaign, where they encountered Japanese forces.
In this campaign, many South Asian soldiers—including those from present-day Pakistan—fought alongside Allied and Chinese forces to halt Japanese advances in Southeast Asia. Their contribution, though often unheralded, helped ease pressure on Chinese forces and was part of the larger struggle against fascist expansion.
Moreover, in the decades since independence, Pakistan has always shown moral solidarity with China in recognizing its wartime suffering and achievements. As a brotherly nation and an ironclad friend, Pakistan deeply respects the resilience of the Chinese people and their contributions to world peace.
Today, the people of Pakistan stand united with their Chinese brothers and sisters in commemorating this milestone. Our shared history of anti-colonial struggle, our mutual respect for sovereignty, and our joint commitment to peaceful development underpin the enduring friendship between our nations.
Looking ahead: Learning from history
Commemorating the 80th anniversary is not only about looking back. It is about drawing lessons for the future. At a time when the world faces new challenges—from geopolitical tensions to economic uncertainties—it is vital to remember the cost of war and the value of peace.
China’s efforts to mark this anniversary also demonstrate its leadership in preserving historical memory, promoting a just world order, and fostering international cooperation. Through the Belt and Road Initiative, regional connectivity, and multilateral platforms like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, China continues to promote shared development and peace—principles forged in the crucible of wartime unity.
As friends and neighbors, Pakistan and China will continue to support each other in these noble efforts. Together, we remember the past, cherish the present, and aspire for a future rooted in peace, justice, and harmony.
Let us all salute the courage of those who resisted fascism, honor the legacy of peace they left behind, and commit ourselves to building a better world in their memory.
今年是中国人民抗日战争胜利和世界反法西斯战争胜利这一人类历史上具有里程碑意义的伟大胜利80周年。这一周年纪念日不仅是一个庄严纪念的时刻,也是一个自豪地庆祝和平、正义和国际团结的时刻。
侵略和痛苦的背景
1931年9月18日,驻扎在中国东北的日本关东军突然进攻奉天(今沈阳),企图用武力夺取奉天。九一八事变标志着日本帝国主义蓄意策划和发动的侵华战争的开始。这也标志着中国人民抗日战争的开始。
随之而来的是长达14年的日本帝国主义野蛮侵略,给中国的土地和人民留下了深深的伤痕。
中国战场成为世界反法西斯战争的东方主战场。城市被轰炸,村庄被烧毁,无辜的平民被无情地屠杀。也许最可怕的例子是1937年的南京大屠杀,在短短六周内,超过30万中国平民和被解除武装的士兵被杀。据历史估计,战争期间有超过3500万中国人死亡或受伤,物质破坏巨大,影响了全国无数人的生命和基础设施。
中国不屈不挠的精神和抵抗
面对巨大的困难,中国人民表现出了不可动摇的勇气和团结。在中国共产党的领导下,在千百万普通公民的积极参与下,通过常规战争、游击战术和根深蒂固的维护国家主权的决心,形成了抗日战争。
中国的抵抗不仅仅是一场民族斗争——它是全球反法西斯运动的重要组成部分。多年来,中国在亚洲战线上几乎是单打独斗,牵制了很大一部分日本军事力量,为盟军最终的胜利做出了巨大贡献。
中国人民抗日战争的胜利,不仅是军事上的胜利,而且是道义上和政治上的胜利。它象征着正义战胜暴政,团结战胜分裂,和平战胜战争。
纪念的意义
这一历史性胜利的80周年纪念是一个机会,让我们反思无数英雄所做出的牺牲,无论是有名的还是无名的。它呼吁维护和平、合作和相互尊重的价值观,这些价值观是当今国际秩序的基础。
中国认为,这一周年纪念是对中国人民苦难和坚韧的庄严提醒,也是对中国致力于和平与发展的有力重申。今年,全国各地将举行盛大的庆祝活动,中心活动预计将在北京举行。高级别代表团、退伍军人、学者和青年代表将聚集在一起,纪念阵亡将士,颂扬持久的抵抗精神。
官方的胜利日是每年的9月3日,纪念1945年日本正式投降。
巴基斯坦的历史和道义支持
虽然今天的巴基斯坦在第二次世界大战期间并不存在,但后来形成巴基斯坦的领土和人民在当时属于英属印度,并发挥了间接但值得注意的作用。数千名来自该地区的士兵在英属印度军队中服役,并参加了各种战争,包括缅甸战役,他们在那里遇到了日本军队。
在这场战役中,许多南亚士兵——包括来自今天巴基斯坦的士兵——与盟军和中国军队并肩作战,阻止了日本在东南亚的推进。他们的贡献,虽然往往不为人知,但帮助缓解了中国军队的压力,并成为反法西斯扩张的更大斗争的一部分。
此外,在独立以来的几十年里,巴基斯坦一直在道义上与中国团结一致,承认中国的战争苦难和成就。作为兄弟国家和坚定的朋友,巴基斯坦对中国人民的坚韧精神和为世界和平作出的贡献深表敬意。
今天,巴基斯坦人民与中国兄弟姐妹团结在一起,共同纪念这一里程碑。我们共同的反殖民斗争历史,我们相互尊重主权,我们共同致力于和平发展,是我们两国之间持久友谊的基础。
展望未来:从历史中学习
纪念80周年不仅仅是回顾。而是为未来汲取教训。当世界面临着新的挑战——从地缘政治紧张局势到经济不确定性——记住战争的代价和和平的价值是至关重要的。
中国的纪念活动也体现了中国在维护历史记忆、维护公正世界秩序、促进国际合作方面的领导作用。通过“一带一路”倡议、区域互联互通和上海合作组织等多边平台,中国继续推动共同发展,倡导在战时团结的考验中形成的和平原则。
作为朋友和邻居,巴基斯坦和中国将继续相互支持。我们要铭记过去,珍惜现在,共同憧憬一个植根于和平、正义与和谐的未来。
让我们向那些抵抗法西斯主义的人们的勇气致敬,向他们留下的和平遗产致敬,并致力于以他们的记忆建设一个更美好的世界。
( 注意: 本文是用AI翻译的,或有误差。请以原版英文为准。谢谢。)