China commemorated on 3 September the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. President Xi Jinping reviewed troops in Beijing during a military parade to mark the commemoration. The event highlighted the enormous sacrifices and contributions of the Chinese people to the global victory against fascism. 

In his address during the event, President Xi said that the Chinese people made a major contribution to the salvation of human civilisation and the defence of world peace with immense sacrifice in the war. He called on all countries to "eliminate the root cause of war and prevent historical tragedies from recurring." 

The heroic and courageous role of China brought immense hardship to its people and, therefore, the world should recognise the selfless sacrifices made by China and its people in the process of defeating fascism and militarism. 

The Communist Party of China (CPC) was the pillar of the national resistance during the 14-year War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. It was under the leadership of the CPC that the Chinese nation moved from division to unity, from passive defence to active resistance, and from the brink of subjugation to the path of national rejuvenation. 

In fact, since the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, the country has actively pursued a benevolent foreign policy, with a strong sense of global responsibility and a commitment to peace and development. History has shown that prejudice, discrimination and the abuse of power in international relations can lead to chaos or even war. Hence, China firmly rejects the new wave of unilateralism, protectionism, hegemonism and power politics, which negatively affect world peace and stability. In fact, the strategic decision by China to adopt the path of peaceful development, in keeping with China’s enduring cultural traditions of nurturing harmony and peace, remains the strongest motivation for China’s national defence policy that is defensive in nature. 

Africa and China enjoy a rich history characterised by friendship and solidarity, and on this important occasion, Africa pays tribute to China and its people for their significant contribution to world peace and global development. In fact, Africa is aware that China's development path, with its unique Chinese characteristics and farsighted global vision, remains firmly dedicated to the interests of all humanity. Africa respects China as a promoter of world peace, a contributor to global development and an advocate for international cooperation and multilateralism. 

It is clear that China, under the leadership of the CPC, will continue to embrace the world in a more open and inclusive manner, adding momentum to progress and prosperity for both China and the world. 

The author is a senior research fellow at the Institute for African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University.