Speech notes China's peace pursuit

President Xi Jinping's address commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War highlighted China's arduous efforts in achieving peace decades ago and its continued commitment to a peaceful path, resonating with experts and communities worldwide.

They applauded the event, saying it underscores the nation's strength and resolve to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

China held a massive military parade on Wednesday in Beijing, where Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivered his speech at Tian'anmen Square. In his address, he reaffirmed that China will always be a force for global peace, stability and progress.

"As President Xi pointed out, this was the first complete victory won by the Chinese people in their struggle against foreign aggression in modern times and also made a major contribution to the triumph of the world's people against fascism," said Keith Bennett, a London-based senior analyst of international affairs and co-editor of online platform Friends of Socialist China.

Bennett, who attended the parade, expressed his excitement about seeing it in person.

"To be able to witness the grand military parade was an unforgettable experience," he said.

Xi also reiterated China's pledge to pursue peaceful development, which is in stark contrast to those who grotesquely speak of other countries being "on the menu", Bennett said.

He noted that the military parade was attended by more than two dozen heads of state and government, along with other dignitaries, most of whom were from the Global South, or the global majority. Bennett added that, like the largest-ever gathering of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization a few days earlier in Tianjin, the commemoration showed that "the days when a handful of colonialist, imperialist or hegemonist powers could dominate world affairs have gone forever."

During the speech, Xi emphasized the People's Liberation Army as a trusted force for the Party and the people, underscoring the military's mission to protect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

During the parade, the PLA unveiled cutting-edge equipment, highlighting the technological advancements for China's military.

"This parade isn't just about disciplined troops, military prowess, or advanced weapons," said Zhang Ruwei, founding president of the Shandong Friendship Association of California, adding that it sends a clear message: China is ready and capable of self-defense.

Jennifer Cheung, president of Global Alliance for Preserving the History of WWII in Asia, was inspired by the event.

"My heart is filled with pride and joy," she said. "On one hand, it reflects China's development and growth. On the other hand, it will take great efforts to continue the momentum till China fulfills its rejuvenation."

Melha Rout Biel, executive director of the Institute for Strategic and Policy Studies, based in South Sudan, said Xi's speech reminds people of the past while pointing forward to the future. "But it is also a message of peace and reconciliation for the sake of world peace, harmony and development."

Xi stated that China's rejuvenation is "unstoppable".

"This is very clear to those who know China's development today, that the country has grown in all areas of development, and no one can prevent China in her endeavor to achieve progress," Biel added.

Jack Midgley, the principal of global consultancy Midgley & Co and an adjunct associate professor in the Security Studies Program at Georgetown University, said: "The parade should be seen as evidence of China's technical and economic progress — not a display of militarism."

World leaders should expect that China will "engage in good-faith diplomacy to maintain a peaceful world order", he added.

Sharon Nakola in Nairobi, Yifan Xu in Washington, and Shao Xinying in Beijing contributed to this story.

Contact the writers at xingyi@chinadaily.com.cn.