Learning the lessons of history shows it is imperative to build a global shared future
The 20th century was marked by two major world wars that altered power balances and gave rise to
new geopolitical patterns.In particular, World War II was incomparable in human history; it was
driven by the ideologies of Nazism and fascism, forces of imperialism, and policies of
militarization, territorial conquest and persecution that led to the outbreak of the global conflict.
China was the main country that resisted Japanese aggression prior to World War II, which
encompassed Europe, Asia, Africa, the Pacific, the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean and the Arctic
Ocean. In this war, Chinese people were viciously killed by the Imperial Japanese Army in bloody
tragedies such as the Nanjing Massacre, which was widely regarded as one of the worst war crimes
against humanity in World War II. However, some Western people are unfamiliar with this history,
and some far-right groups and publicists attempt to distort and erase it.
But the fact remains. Eighty years ago, people of the world completely defeated fascism, achieving
a monumental victory.As the primary eastern theater of the war, China secured its own survival,
while concurrently providing robust support to Allied operations in Europe and the Pacific, making
an indelible contribution to the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War. This year marks the 80th
anniversary of the end of World War II and the victory over fascism; it is also a year of
remembrance of the enormous contribution of the Red Army, the people and the national liberation
movements to the victory over fascism. Besides, this year's commemorations highlight the
significant contributions of various nations, particularly China, in the global fight against fascist
aggression. Indeed, China's resistance was decisive, and its efforts were pivotal in defeating fascism
and supporting other fronts in Europe and Asia, profoundly contributing to the final victory and
world peace.
Furthermore, the triumph in the World Anti-Fascist War placed a decisive foundation for the
postwar international relations.Recently, President Xi Jinping underscored the fact in his article for
the Russian Gazette newspaper, "We must learn from history, especially the hard lessons of the
Second World War. We must draw wisdom and strength from the great victory of the World Anti-
Fascist War, and resolutely resist all forms of hegemonism and power politics." He also stressed the
need to firmly defend international fairness and justice as well as to decisively uphold the postwar
international order.
Today, 80 years after the end of World War II, the entire world is still struggling for sustainable
peace. More than ever in modern history, it is a critical necessity for humanity to uphold conflict
resolution and prevention, and for various actors to actively promote peace, social progress,
cooperation and friendship among peoples.
As the world has entered a new period of instability and unprecedented crises, more and more
people have come to the realization of the Chinese vision on building a community with a shared
future and the well-being of all humanity.Learning from history to build a brighter and more
peaceful future is of paramount importance for all. More countries have embraced this vision that
serves the common interests of humanity as it responds to peoples' call for peace, justice and
progress by creating the greatest solidarity and synergy among all countries. For many around the
world, it represents a strong counter to both the cold war mentality and the hegemonic thinking of
certain countries that seek supremacy.
