China unveils plans for activities marking 80th anniversary of victory in Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and World Anti-Fascist War

China announced plans on Tuesday for marking 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, including a gathering on September 3 in Tian'anmen Square and a military parade. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the gathering and will deliver a speech there, according to the Xinhua News Agency. 

Eighty years ago, after 14 years of arduous and heroic struggle, the Chinese people achieved a great victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, marking the complete triumph of the World Anti-Fascist War. This monumental victory belonged not only to the Chinese people but also to people around the world, Hu Heping, an executive vice minister of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, told at a press conference on Tuesday. 

As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, holding grand memorial events serves as a powerful reminder of history and tribute to the fallen heroes. It is of great and far-reaching significance in carrying forward the great spirit of patriotism and the indomitable spirit of resistance, Hu said. 

In the name of the CPC Central Committee, the State Council and the Central Military Commission, commemorative medals for the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War will be awarded to surviving veterans, senior comrades, wartime generals or their families, the official said.

Relevant regions and departments will also organize visits and tribute activities for surviving veterans, senior comrades, wartime generals or their families and the families of fallen heroes of the War of Resistance, Hu said. 

On July 7, in the name of the CPC Central Committee, the State Council and the Central Military Commission, a ceremony will be held at the Museum of the War of the Chinese People's Resistance against Japanese Aggression to mark the 88th anniversary of the full-scale outbreak of the war. 

On the same day, an opening ceremony of a themed exhibition titled "For National Liberation and World Peace — Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War" will also be held.

Around September 3, forums will be held for compatriots from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, as well as overseas Chinese and relevant individuals, in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. An international academic symposium will also be organized, Hu noted. 

On September 18, in the name of the CPC Liaoning Provincial Committee and the Liaoning Provincial Government, a bell-ringing ceremony will be held at the September 18 Incident at the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang, capital of Liaoning, serving as a warning to never forget national humiliation.

Around October 25, a commemorative conference will be held to mark the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's recovery. Overseas Chinese communities will be supported in organizing related memorial activities in their local areas.

On December 13, in the name of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, a national memorial ceremony will be held at the Memorial Hall for the Victims of the Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders to honor the victims of the Nanjing Massacre.

Also, China will announce the fourth batch of national-level memorial facilities and sites related to the War of Resistance, along with the names of renowned war heroes and heroic groups. Restoration and preservation work will be carried out on war memorial sites and relics, and a selection of high-quality exhibitions with resistance themes will be promoted, according to the press conference. 

A series of literary and artistic works, as well as themed publications, will be created and released to commemorate the 80th anniversary. Academic research will be strengthened, and a number of key research projects will be initiated. Additionally, commemorative coins and stamps will be issued.

Across China, local governments and departments will organize commemorative events tailored to their local circumstances. Hong Kong and Macao will also host a variety of remembrance activities, Hu said. 

Commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War is a major event for the Party and the country in 2025, Hu noted. 

As previously outlined, no fewer than five key events are being held in the name of the CPC Central Committee and the state -- a grand commemorative assembly, a state reception, the issuance of commemorative medals, the opening of a themed exhibition, and a national memorial ceremony, he said. 

The decision to organize such high-profile events reflects the Party and the state's deep respect for history and reverence for the fallen heroes, and aims to further cultivate and inspire patriotic sentiment among the people, Hu added. 

At the same time, we will invite international friends to take part in the commemorative events, host international academic symposiums, promote a selection of outstanding works on the War of Resistance, and organize special exhibitions by selected Chinese museums in relevant countries, he said. 

We also welcome all peace-loving countries and peoples around the world to follow and participate in China's commemorative activities, so that together we may honor the hard-won and historic victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, Hu noted.