China announces plans for marking 80th anniversary of victory against Japanese aggression, fascism

BEIJING -- China on Tuesday announced commemorative activities to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend and deliver a speech at a gathering on the morning of Sept. 3 in Tian'anmen Square in central Beijing, which will include a military parade, Hu Heping, executive deputy head of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said at a press conference.

At noon on Sept. 3, a reception will be held. Xi, who is also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, will address the event.

On the evening of that day, a gala will be held, which is to be attended by Party and state leaders.

China designated Sept. 3 as Victory Day to mark the signing of the Japanese Instrument of Surrender on Sept. 2, 1945.

The Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was fought from 1931 to 1945. It was the first to break out and the longest-running campaign in the World Anti-Fascist War. The war resulted in over 35 million Chinese military and civilian casualties.

After a grueling 14 years of tenacious resistance, the Chinese people achieved a great victory in the war against Japanese aggression, which also signaled the complete triumph of the global war against fascism, Hu said.

For this year's commemoration, Hu said, medals marking the 80th anniversary of the victory against Japanese aggression will be awarded to war veterans and family members of the deceased.

On July 7, a ceremony commemorating the 88th anniversary of the beginning of China's whole-nation resistance war against Japanese aggression will be held in Beijing. A thematic exhibition will be launched.

Around Sept. 3, symposiums will be held involving compatriots from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, as well as overseas representatives. International academic seminars will also be held.

Other key activities include a ceremony on Sept. 18 to commemorate the September 18 Incident that marked the start of Japan's 14-year invasion of China; a gathering around Oct. 25 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's recovery from Japanese occupation; and a national memorial ceremony on Dec. 13 to mourn the 300,000 victims of the Nanjing Massacre.

A new list of national-level anti-Japanese aggression war memorial facilities and sites and a new list of renowned heroes, martyrs and heroic groups from the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression will be released.

Themed publications, commemorative coins, and stamps will be issued, and a series of public memorial events will be organized across the country.

The commemorative activities carry profound significance in honoring history, paying tribute to martyrs, and promoting the spirit of patriotism and resistance, Hu said.