WWII commemorations a powerful rejoinder to rising right

Over the past year, China directed much of its diplomatic efforts to championing the postwar international order as it celebrated the 80th anniversaries of the victory in World War II, the founding of the United Nations and Taiwan's restoration to China.

These efforts were "highly necessary and timely", and much more than just simple ticks on the 2025 diplomatic calendar in a volatile world, leading scholars and observers told China Daily.

Such diplomatic efforts proved to be timely reminders of the imminent challenges posed by right-wing impulses, unilateralism and hegemony to countries across the globe, the international system and China's core interests, they said.

At the heart of the celebrations were the V-Day commemorative events, culminating in a parade on Sept 3 at Tian'anmen Square in Beijing. There, China solemnly commemorated the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Attendees included 26 foreign heads of state and government, over 20 high-level representatives of foreign governments, heads of international organizations as well as over 100 diplomatic envoys including 19 from European countries, according to the Foreign Ministry.

In his address before the parade began, President Xi Jinping highlighted the great spirit of resisting aggression, promoted the correct view of history on World War II, and said "justice will prevail, peace will prevail, and the people will prevail".