The Embassy of China in Kenya hosted a solemn symposium on Monday to mark the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Diplomats, overseas Chinese representatives, and Kenyan scholars gathered to honour history and emphasize that the commemoration is not about reviving hatred, but about preserving memory, strengthening peace, and inspiring collective responsibility for the future.
In his opening remarks, Charge d’Affaires Zhang Zhizhong stated that the victory of 1945 was not only a turning point for China but also a milestone in the global fight against fascism. He noted that China’s resistance began earlier and lasted longer than any other nation’s during World War II, resulting in the loss of more than 35 million lives.
“These facts are indisputable and should not be forgotten or misinterpreted,” he said. “Remembering history is not about fostering hatred, but about preventing the tragic recurrence of history.”
“Holding a military parade is not about showing off military power, but about demonstrating the will and strength for peace,” the envoy added.
He further explained that the best way to honour the fallen is to “cherish peace and safeguard the outcomes of the post-war international order,” which he warned is under threat from unilateralism, bullying, and the weakening of multilateral institutions.
Speaking on behalf of the overseas Chinese community, Gao Wei, Chairman of the Chinese Overseas Association, delivered an emotional tribute to those who suffered during the war.
“A nation that forgets its history loses its direction,” he declared, stressing that the purpose of remembrance “is not to keep hatred alive, but to gain strength for the future.”
Gao stated that the tragic history serves as a reminder that aggression brings disaster, and peace must never be taken for granted.
“From that painful history, we learned three lasting lessons: unity is strength, courage brings dignity, and strength ensures peace,” he said.
Gao recounted his personal experience at the Beijing military parade, describing the sight of disciplined troops and advanced technology as a testament to China’s resilience. However, he insisted that the true meaning lay in the sacrifices of the past.
“The rising national flag and solemn music reminded me that history must never be forgotten, and peace must always be defended,” he said.
Positioning China’s wartime sacrifices in a broader global context, Professor Peter Kagwanja, President of the Africa Policy Institute, noted that over the last eight decades, humanity has overcome fascism, colonialism, and apartheid, yet new challenges such as unilateralism, protectionism, and climate change continue to threaten international cooperation.
Kagwanja described China as a “gentle giant” that has risen peacefully to become the world’s second-largest economy and a global military power.
“Peaceful development has transformed China into the world’s second-largest economy with a world-class military. Today, China has the largest military in the world, with an expenditure of US$314 billion in 2024, the world’s second-largest defence budget, accounting for 12 percent of global defence expenditures.”
Citing President Xi Jinping’s warning that “China is unstoppable” and “never intimidated by any bullies,” he argued that China’s strength is a guarantor of peace, not aggression.
Kagwanja further reminded the audience of China’s solidarity with Africa, recalling how China’s resistance inspired anti-colonial struggles.
Addressing the symposium, Dr. Hassan Khannenje, Director of the Horn International Institute for Strategic Studies, warned against attempts to downplay or erase China’s contributions to the Allied victory. He criticized those who appear to dismiss China’s wartime sacrifices as a “battle of narratives,” disregarding historical facts and the price paid.
“Today, we stand at a crossroads of history, where there is a struggle between those who want to maintain the status quo defined by force, imperial adventurism, economic dominance, and convenient revisionism on one hand, and those who seek to build a more just and equitable world for shared prosperity,” he said, noting that “the arrogance and false righteousness of unipolarity” has made the world less secure and created a more unstable environment.
“It is for this reason that the People’s Republic of China, working with many nations around the world, and as we celebrate 80 years of victory, must continue to lead efforts in building a world that is fair, defined by a vision of a shared future,” said Dr. Khannenje.
He argued that China and the Global South must lead in building a multipolar world that preserves the gains of the post-war international order.
“China, an important contributor to and overall beneficiary of the post-war international order, continues to expand its moral high ground to stress the historical truth and call for international justice,” added Professor Thomas Namwamba, a senior Lecturer at Kenyatta University, who stated that China’s role in Africa, as a partner in development, is a testament to a nation committed to the well-being of humanity and the global order.
According to Professor Patrick Maluki, the Chairperson of the Department of Diplomacy and International Studies of the University of Nairobi, the victory over fascism is an achievement that offers critical lessons, emphasizing that global governance must be built on fairness, equality, cooperation, and mutual respect.
“Recognizing these contributions is not merely a matter of historical accuracy; it is a moral obligation. To honour history fully, we must include all voices and all sacrifices, ensuring that our understanding of the past is both truthful and inclusive,” he said.
Across all the speeches, a common message reverberated: the commemoration of World War II is not about reliving old animosities but about honouring sacrifice, preserving historical truth, and drawing strength to confront today’s uncertainties.
“History is the best teacher,” Gao Wei stated. “Weakness invites aggression, and unity brings victory. Today, our task is not to dwell in sorrow but to draw strength, reaffirm our confidence, and stride toward the future together.”
