Kuala lumpur: When I first visited the Embassy of China in Kuala Lumpur in July, after being informed that I would be flying to China as a participant of the China International Press Communication Centre (CIPCC) programme, the officials told me I would be attending a major celebration in early September – the 80th anniversary of what China officially calls the ‘Victory of Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War’. At the time, I wondered: What kind of celebration is this? Was it directed at Japan? Reports I had read mostly focused on preparations, not the history behind the event.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, after arriving in Beijing on Aug 18, my understanding began to take shape. The Vice President of the Academy of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, Prof Dr Wang Yiwei, in his talk to the CIPCC participants titled ‘The Global Significance of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression’, on Aug 26, explained why the commemoration holds special significance this year. He noted that the military parade is crucial for China as this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory, with the number eight holding cultural significance. He emphasized that the celebration is not intended to stir negative sentiment towards Japan but to remind the world of the importance of peace. Wang reflected on the scale of the suffering, noting that between 1931 and 1945, some 35 million Chinese, both military personnel and civilians, lost their lives during the conflict, including in tragic events such as the Nanjing Massacre.
In the days leading up to the commemoration, CIPCC participants engaged in activities that deepened their understanding of the war’s history. On Aug 27, they visited the Museum of the War of the Chinese People’s Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, which houses thousands of photographs and relics. Modern display techniques bring the 14-year war vividly to life. Participants also watched “Dead To Rights,” a film depicting Chinese resistance during the period, which had a profound emotional impact on many viewers.
A significant press conference was held, during which China’s Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hong Lei, addressed questions about the military parade’s purpose. He asserted that the event was not about projecting strength but rather underscoring China’s commitment to peace. After engaging in these activities, the true significance of the 80th-anniversary commemoration became clearer-a blend of history, remembrance, and the symbolic weight of numbers in Chinese culture.
The celebration on Sept 3 began in the early hours of the morning for CIPCC participants. They underwent multiple security checks and were given designated seating for the event. Upon arrival at Tiananmen Square, participants found themselves in the presence of world leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The event began with China’s largest-ever military parade, showcasing nearly 10,000 soldiers and the country’s latest military assets and weapons. The parade concluded with the release of 80,000 doves and 80,000 colorful balloons, symbolizing peace.
China also unveiled its land, sea, air-based strategic forces as the nuclear triad for the first time in the massive military parade. According to Xinhua News Agency, the triad includes the JingLei-1 air-based long-range missile, JuLang-3 submarine-launched intercontinental missile, new type DongFeng-61 land-based intercontinental missile, and new type DongFeng-31 land-based intercontinental missile. These weapons represent China’s strategic ‘ace’ power to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and dignity.
The event was an overwhelming experience, leaving participants with a deep sense of honor and gratitude for witnessing such a historic occasion. In the span of eight decades, China has transformed from devastation to remarkable achievement, standing today as a nation contributing to the world with compassion and responsibility.