Eighty years ago, the Axis forces, led by Germany, Japan and Italy, surrendered after a campaign of fascist imperialism that cost the world some 80 million lives.

For China, the surrender brought an end to 14 years of invasion, subjugation and ruthless violence. It also signified China's victory in its War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and, more broadly, its victory as one of the major members of the Allied forces in World War II, also known in China as the World Anti-Fascist War.

Having entered the modern era with the outbreak of the First Opium War in 1840, and subsequently being the object of military aggression by multiple foreign powers, China's long-fought and hard-won success in defeating the Japanese aggressors was and remains especially meaningful—its first success in repelling an invading force in modern times.

Since 1840, the year that marked the beginning of a century of turmoil, national rejuvenation has been the greatest dream of the Chinese people. China's plan for national rejuvenation by the middle of this century is a reflection of that dream. The plan extends beyond the nation's own revival to include the building of a community with a shared future for humanity—an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world that enjoys lasting peace, universal security and common prosperity. Its position as a main center and the longest-running battlefield in the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as its central role in the formation of the United Nations, have forged in China a strong will to foster a global commitment to avoiding the mistakes of the past.

It is with this history and with these aspirations in mind that China held a grand gathering for the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War in Beijing on September 3. A military parade during the gathering showcased the latest achievements in the development of China's military capabilities. It sent a clear signal: The country's armed forces form a consistent and firm front in maintaining world peace and China's development strengthens global peace.

The gathering was an opportunity to recognize the great sacrifices and enormous contributions made by the Chinese people and their allies around the world in the global war against fascism. The Chinese people will continue to stand with people all over the world to safeguard the UN-centered international system and the international order underpinned by international law.