Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has eulogised Nigerian soldiers who fought against Japanese forces in British Burma, stressing that they also played a unique role in the shared fight for victory.

Dunhai spoke yesterday at the symposium commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, which was held in Abuja.

He noted that to truly honour the great victory, there was a need to uphold a correct historical perspective on World War II and reject all forms of historical nihilism.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we have a duty to confront any attempt to distort the truth of WWII, deny its outcome, or belittle China’s contribution. It falls to us to defend it, to safeguard the international system with the United Nations at its core, to protect the international order based on international law, and to uphold the fundamental norms of international relations as enshrined in the UN Charter.”

According to the Ambassador, this year not only marked the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War but also the 80th anniversary of the restoration of the Taiwan region.

“At this historic moment, the symposium offers us an opportunity to reflect on the past, honour our heroes, and reaffirm our commitment to peace and a shared future.

“The September 18th Incident of 1931 marked the beginning of China’s War of Resistance and heralded the prelude to the main Eastern battlefield of the World Anti-Fascist War.

“After 14 years of blood and fire, the Chinese people defeated the brutal Japanese militarist invaders and won a great victory in defending the nation.

“As the Chinese President, Xi Jinping, pointed out, it was through the tremendous sacrifices of the Chinese people, who fought to the end on the Eastern battlefield, that led to the ultimate victory.

“Beyond the resistance of the Chinese people, the Communist Party of China (CPC) played a pivotal role in achieving victory.

“At that critical moment when our nation’s very existence hung in the balance, it was the CPC that stepped forward without fear, shouldering its historical responsibility.

“It was the CPC that first raised the banner of armed resistance and formed the Anti-Japanese National United Front. It was the CPC that formulated the strategy of nationwide resistance and the general principle of a protracted war. And it was also the CPC that established backstage battlefields and base areas,” the Envoy said.

“With unwavering resolve, exceptional leadership, and immense sacrifice, the CPC consistently stood on the front lines of the resistance. We are proud to say the CPC’s contributions have left an eternal monument in the history of the Chinese nation.”

The Ambassador recalled how, 80 years ago, the Chinese people stood united with peace-loving nations across the world.

“With iron will and shared sacrifice, we fought side by side, and finally cleared away the dark clouds of fascism. Eight decades have passed, and today, our world is undergoing transformations unseen in a century. Humanity faces new and unprecedented challenges.

“Once again, we find ourselves at a critical crossroads. That is why today, we are not here to dwell on hatred but to remember history and renew our commitment to peace.

“We are here to learn from the past, to honour the sacrifices that were made, and to pledge together that such tragedies will never happen again.

“Together, let us forge new partnerships for win-win cooperation, stand firmly against hegemony, and join hands in building a brighter future for all humanity.

“China will never forget how hard it was to achieve our today’s peace. That is why we remain firmly committed to the path of peaceful development.

“In 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind. This vision is dedicated to the common interests and well-being of all humanity.

“It presents China’s approach to a better world and China’s wisdom in advancing global peace and prosperity. Over the past decade, through major initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilisation Initiative, this vision has taken root, flourished, and borne remarkable fruit. It has not only shaped China’s own development but also that of the wider world.

“Through this vision, China has pioneered a distinct path to modernisation, creating a new form of human civilisation and offering a new option for all nations and peoples that seek to modernise rapidly without compromising their independence.”

Dunhai noted that another clear outcome of the victorious struggle was the return of the Taiwan region to China.

According to him, it constitutes a key component of the post-war international order.

“As clearly stipulated in foundational international documents, especially the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation, Japan is obliged to return all territories seized from China, including the Taiwan region.

“No matter how the situation in the Taiwan region evolves or what disruptions external forces may create, the historical trend toward China’s complete reunification is unstoppable.

“In the China-Nigeria Joint Statement on Establishing a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and Building a High-Level China-Nigeria Community with a Shared Future, Nigeria reaffirmed its firm adherence to the One-China principle.

“China highly appreciates this stance and supports Nigeria in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions, as well as in playing an even greater role on the international stage.

“China and Nigeria are both major developing countries, leading emerging economies, and key members of the Global South. Our comprehensive strategic partnership has grown beyond bilateral scope and now carries significant global significance.

“At this new historical starting point, let us work together to safeguard the outcomes of the WWII victory, uphold international fairness, justice, and order, inject more stability and certainty into the international community. Let us join hands to advance the steady and sound development of China-Nigeria relations and bring greater benefits to the peoples of both countries.” (The Guardian)