This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Today is August 15, 2025. 

Eighty years ago, on this day, Emperor Hirohito of Japan issued the “Surrender Declaration,” announcing Japan’s unconditional surrender. On September 2 of the same year, Japan signed the Instrument of Unconditional Surrender. In 1951, the Chinese government designated September 3 as Victory Day of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression.

Japan’s ongoing aggression against China was one of the darkest chapters in modern Chinese history. In 1931, Japan instigated the September 18 Incident and occupied the entire northeastern region of China. On July 7, 1937, Japan launched a full-scale invasion of China, marked by the shelling of Wanping County and the attack on the Marco Polo Bridge, aiming to turn China into its colony and ultimately dominate Asia and the world.

Japan’s militaristic and barbaric invasion caused unprecedented suffering to the Chinese people, inspiring fierce resistance nationwide. Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese people endured 14 years of arduous and bloody struggle, suffering over 35 million casualties, ultimately securing a great victory on August 15, 1945.

This victory marked the complete triumph of the global Anti-Fascist War! It was the longest, largest-scale, and most sacrificial anti-foreign invasion struggle in modern China, and the first time that the Chinese nation achieved a complete victory in its national liberation fight.

The victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was a magnificent achievement shared by the Chinese people, the Anti-Fascist Allies, and peoples worldwide. This glorious victory was a pivotal moment in the Chinese nation’s transition from a deep crisis in modern history to great rejuvenation. It was also an essential part of the victory in the global Anti-Fascist War. It is a triumph not only for the Chinese people but also for the peoples of the world!

The Chinese people will never forget the valuable aid and support provided by nations and peoples who love peace and justice, and by international organisations that contributed to China’s resistance against Japan. Their inspiring deeds and noble character are forever etched in the hearts of the Chinese people! I have learned many stories about the American Volunteer Group, Henry Norman Bethune from Canada, Rewi Alley from New Zealand and Dwarkanath Shantaram Kotnis from India.

The great victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japan would not have been possible without the contributions of patriotic overseas Chinese, including those in Samoa. In the mid-1930s, as Japan's invasion of China escalated continuously, Samoan Chinese overseas felt deeply connected to their homeland. Some donated 3 pounds annually to the Chinese Club, which regularly remitted the funds to China to support the Anti-Japanese Resistance. At that time, three pounds was not a small sum, but what was even more precious was their profound love for their distant homeland, and their support and steadfastness for justice despite their poverty and hardship.

On September 3, 2025, a grand military parade will be held in Beijing to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. I sincerely invite all peace-loving friends to pay close attention to this event.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. 80 years ago, China and key members of the Anti-Fascist Alliance actively established the United Nations, and jointly drafted the UN Charter, opening a new chapter of cooperation among nations for peace and development. The international system centred around the United Nations is a concentrated reflection of the achievements of World War II victory, laying the foundation for the post-war international order and creating the main platform for maintaining world peace and global governance. Currently, the global political and economic landscape is undergoing major adjustments and transformations, with increasing global challenges emerging. China, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, adheres to genuine multilateralism, firmly upholds the central role of the United Nations, and strongly supports the UN’s pivotal role in international affairs.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the restoration of Taiwan from Japanese colonisation. President Xi Jinping emphasised: “Taiwan’s restoration to China is a victorious outcome of World War II and an integral part of the postwar international order.” The Taiwan question is at the very core of China's core interests. The One-China principle is the political foundation and prerequisite for establishing and maintaining relations between China and other countries, including Samoa.

This year also marks the 50th anniversary of China-Samoa diplomatic ties. China is willing to work with Samoa, learn from history, cherish peace, continue to strengthen friendship, and jointly build an even closer China-Samoa community with a shared future!

Fei Mingxing is the People’s Republic of China’s Ambassador to Samoa.