China's top diplomat calls for resolutely defending hard-won WWII victory

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday called for resolutely defending the hard-won victory in World War II achieved through bloodshed, and effectively safeguarding the hard-earned peace and stability.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks while addressing a symposium on the international situation and China's foreign relations in 2025.

Noting 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, Wang said that it is a special year for people around the world to draw lessons from history and jointly pursue peace and development.

However, Japan, the country that launched the war of aggression against China, has failed to deeply reflect on its crimes, and its incumbent leaders even openly challenge China's territorial sovereignty, the historical conclusions of World War II, and the post-war international order, Wang said.

He emphasized that such moves are absolutely unacceptable to all peace-loving nations and to all people who do not wish to see history repeat itself.

"We must remain highly vigilant against the resurgence of Japanese militarism," Wang noted.

Countries around the world reaffirm one-China principle

An increasing number of countries are standing alongside China, reaffirming their commitment to the one-China principle, acknowledging Taiwan as an inalienable part of China's territory, and opposing any "Taiwan independence" secessionist moves, Wang said.

These countries express explicit opposition to all separatist acts seeking "Taiwan independence," and support China's great cause of reunification, Wang said, adding that any attempts to obstruct this historical trend are doomed to fail.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's restoration to China. Realizing the complete reunification of China is a historic mission that must be fulfilled, one of upholding national sovereignty and territorial integrity in accordance with the law, he said.

Reiterating that the Taiwan question is China's internal affair and is at the core of China's core interests, Wang said it is only natural that China expresses firm opposition and takes robust countermeasures in the face of incessant provocations from "Taiwan independence" forces and the massive arms sales by the United States to Taiwan.

(With input from Xinhua)