Why China is holding a military parade to commemorate its victory in WWII

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Japan seems to be soliciting support from European and Asian countries for a sit-out of China's events commemorating the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Citing anonymous sources, Kyodo News has reported that Japan conveyed to other countries through Japanese embassies abroad that the events China is holding have so-called "anti-Japanese" tones and suggested leaders of these countries consider carefully whether to participate.

Japan's message is a profound misinterpretation of the purpose of China's commemorative events, especially the military parade to be held on September 3rd.

China is holding the military parade and other events, first and foremost, to commemorate its hard-fought victory in the war and to honor all those who made sacrifices in the fight against Japanese aggression. In the 14-year war from the September 18th Incident in1931 to Japan's surrender in 1945, the Chinese nation suffered more than 35 million military and nonmilitary casualties, accounting for a third of the total casualties of all the countries in World War II.  In total China engaged and tied down over two-thirds of the Japanese military, which significantly contributed to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. China's parade is a celebration of victory and a tribute to the martyrs who gave their lives in their brave fight against Japanese atrocities.

Second of all, rather than provoking hatred, as Kyodo's report hinted, by holding the military parade, China is letting the world know that the Chinese nation cherishes today's peace. The victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression marked a historical turning point for China, as the Chinese nation emerged from a period of deep crisis and began its path toward national rejuvenation. Today, China is the world's second largest economy and enjoys respect and support from the international community. Yet Chinese people remember that peace did not come easily and China stands ready to guard today's peace.

It's also China's message to the international community that it should resolutely defend international fairness and justice and firmly safeguard the post-war international order, which has benefited many nations. China has invited foreign leaders, as well as foreigners who aided the country's resistance against Japanese aggression or representatives of their family members to observe the military parade in Beijing. As the world gathers together to celebrate the victory, we shall all be reminded again that justice will prevail, peace will prevail, and the people will prevail.

Lastly, the parade and other commemorative events also serve as a reminder and warning to forces who intend to lead Asia down the wrong path of militarism or war. In Japanese politics these days, right-wing forces are attempting to whitewash the atrocities Japanese fascists inflicted upon their Asian neighbors in the past and cast Japan as a victim of atomic bombing. Carrying a purpose of revising Japan’s post-war pacifist constitution and building up Japan's military, right wing forces in Japan are posing a threat to the peace and stability not only of Asia, but also the rest of the world. Additionally, with Asia increasingly put under the spotlight of international geopolitics, external powers are also occasionally bringing military tensions or flare-ups to the region. China's commemorations therefore offer an opportunity for sober reflections on how to safeguard the decades-long peace and stability in Asia, that are essential for the region's growth and prosperity.

In summary, what China heralds in the commemoration of its victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War is not hatred, but peace and justice.

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