China is preparing for a moment of deep reflection and national pride as it commemorates the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
At the heart of the commemorations will be a grand gathering on September 3 at Tian’anmen Square, beginning at 9 a.m., where President Xi Jinping will deliver a keynote speech and review the troops.
For China, this anniversary is not only about remembering the past; it is also about honouring the heroes whose sacrifices helped secure the nation’s survival. President Xi has often reminded the Chinese people that “any nation with hope cannot be without heroes”, emphasizing that the great spirit of resistance – forged through immense suffering and sacrifice – remains a source of strength for the nation today.
The commemorations, which will be broadcast live by China Media Group and Xinhua News Agency, will feature a military parade comprising 45 formations and aerial echelons. Particularly symbolic will be the blend of “old” and “new” elements – units descended from anti-Japanese wartime forces alongside China’s modernized armed forces. This arrangement is designed to bridge history and the present, underscoring how China honours its wartime legacy while advancing as a modern nation.
At 8 p.m., a commemorative gala will take place at the Great Hall of the People, also attended by Xi. Thousands of soldiers will march, while domestically produced, active-duty military equipment will be showcased, highlighting China’s progress in defence capabilities.
This is the second V-Day parade of its kind; the first was held a decade ago. Organizers stress that beyond demonstrating military strength to safeguard sovereignty and territorial integrity, the commemoration serves to awaken the nation’s collective memory of foreign invasions, including the Nanjing Massacre, in which approximately 300,000 Chinese people were killed.
China remembers that from 1931 to 1945, its War of Resistance was one of the longest and bloodiest struggles of World War II. Under Communist Party leadership, Chinese forces engaged in thousands of battles, such as the Hundred-Regiment Campaign, inflicting significant losses on Japanese troops.
Over the past four decades, China has drawn lessons from this painful history, prioritizing development and peace. President Xi has described the spirit of resistance as embodying patriotic duty, unyielding courage, and faith in victory – qualities that he asserts are essential for the Chinese people to overcome challenges and achieve national rejuvenation.
Since 2013, China has institutionalized remembrance with new memorial days, legal protections for heroes, and national honours. For Beijing, the annual V-Day is both a solemn tribute to those who fell and a reaffirmation of its role as a promoter of peace in a turbulent world.
Twenty-six foreign leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, will attend China’s V-Day commemorations in Beijing.
