Through the crucible, we rise and unite

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"Humanity is again faced with a choice of peace or war, dialogue or confrontation and win-win outcomes or zero-sum games," Chinese President Xi Jinping said on September 3 from the Tiananmen Rostrum, "the Chinese people will stand firmly on the right side of history and on the side of human progress, adhere to the path of peaceful development, and join hands with the rest of the world to build a community with a shared future for humanity."

More than 20 foreign leaders joined him on the Tiananmen Rostrum. The Tiananmen Square was filled with people, accompanied by towering structures shaped like the Great Wall and crowned with giant numerals "1945" and "2025," eager to witness the much-anticipated military parade that commemorates the 80th anniversary of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Representatives of people who had assisted the Chinese people's WWII efforts or their family members from countries such as Russia, the United States, the UK, France, and Canada were invited to the ceremony.

WWII was the deadliest conflict in human history. Around the world, 70-85 million people lost their lives. $1-$4 trillion was lost. In China, the 14-year Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression resulted in more than 35 million military and nonmilitary casualties, a third of the total global casualties. By tying down over 50 percent of the Japanese army's overseas military strength and wiping out over 1.5 million enemy troops, the spread of fascism was significantly slowed and eventually stopped and pushed back in the Eastern battlefield of this global campaign.

A grand gathering to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War is held at Tiananmen Square in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

The war reshaped China and the world. China's national consciousness was awakened and national identity was forged. This was the foundation for the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949 and subsequently ushered China onto a path of modernization. For the world, colonialism began to break down. Countries that were once under the shackles gradually fought for and gained their independence. Wang Yiwei, the director of the Institute of International Affairs at Renmin University, said in an interview that this military parade is a "symbol of modernization" that still contains many elements of traditional Chinese culture. "Modernization doesn't mean westernization," the professor said.

Till this day, China knows the price of war. The scars, though decades later, still remain raw in the Chinese' collective memory. China's commitment to peace was born from the lessons learnt from that period of time, that isolationism is untenable and an international system that is ruled by the law of the jungle brings universal harm to everyone. What China envisions for the world is lasting peace and common security, where the powerful would not use force to prey on others and equality could be truly realized.

But, like President Xi said, the world is facing the choice again.

Soldiers escort the Chinese national flag for a flag-raising ceremony during a grand gathering to commemorate 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, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

The rise of unilateralism, ideology-driven geopolitical conflict and the urge to not just put oneself above others but to harm other people's interests for one's own benefit are tearing at the foundation of peace that, over the past 80 years, many countries enjoyed for an extended period of time. The potential for conflict – regardless of its form – and the actuality of conflicts breaking out around the world are undermining the global institutions that have already been under attack by ultra-nationalistic sentiments.

"Justice will prevail," "peace will prevail," and "people will prevail" were imprinted on the banners hoisted by helicopters as they flew over Beijing during the parade. These aren't just slogans for show, but at the core of the parade and the signals that the commemoration sends. China's military force is built for peace. Among the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, China has contributed the most peacekeepers. While aimed at safeguarding China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, China's development and strength are steered towards fostering a more equal, cooperative, and peaceful international community. As President Xi said when he proposed the Global Governance Initiative days earlier, China will work with all countries for a "more just and equitable global governance system."

And the reason is simple: China and the Chinese people, till this day, still remember the lessons learnt from the dark days of 80 years ago, that there is no winner in war. The people will be served well when peace and stability are guaranteed on a daily basis. Because only then can prosperity take hold. That, despite everything the world is going through, all the differences and arguments countries may have with one another, should be the common pursuit of all.