China and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) have jointly marked the 80th anniversary of the victory of the war to resist aggression and the world anti-fascist war with a number of events.
The Chinese Embassy in the DPRK capital Pyongyang organised a reception on August 20. The Xinhua News Agency reported that among the guests present were Choe Ryong Hae, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK), First Vice-President of the State Affairs Commission of the DPRK, and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People’s Assembly of the DPRK, and DPRK Culture Minister Sung Jong Gyu.
Reporting the speech delivered by Chinese Ambassador Wang Yajun, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said that he noted that, “the China-DPRK friendship was provided in the flames of the bloody revolutionary struggle, [and] stressed that Comrade Kim Il Sung, the great leader of the Korean people and a close friend of the Chinese people, made a great contribution to the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression by waging a death-defying struggle with the Japanese aggressors, together with the Northeast Anti-Japanese Allied Army.
“It is the steadfast policy of the Chinese party and government to successfully defend, consolidate and develop the traditional China-DPRK friendship at all times, he said, expressing the readiness to thoroughly implement the important common understanding made by the top leaders of China and the DPRK and thus advance the socialist cause of the two countries and to make contribution to the happiness of the peoples of the two countries and global peace and stability.”
His speech was followed by that from DPRK Culture Minister Sung Jong Gyu, who paid high tribute to the forerunners of the two countries who sacrificed their youth and lives without hesitation in the sacred anti-Japanese war, and said that the victory in the anti-Japanese war was a world historic event that brought to a close the Second World War with the victory of the world anti-fascist democratic forces and made a great contribution to form a main current with independence and peace in international relations.
He said that the DPRK will make joint efforts together with the Chinese comrades to steadily develop the friendly and cooperative relations forged on the road of accomplishing the cause of anti-imperialist independence and socialism true to the noble intention of the top leaders of the two parties and the two countries.
The website of the Chinese Embassy in Pyongyang carried the full text of both speeches.
It quoted Ambassador Wang Yajun as stating:
“The traditional friendship between China and the DPRK was forged in the revolutionary struggle of blood and fire. More than 80 years ago, the military and civilians of the two countries shared the same hatred and dealt a heavy blow to the Japanese invaders. Many people with lofty ideals in Korea went to China to carry out the anti-Japanese struggle, which received strong support from the Chinese people and inspired the fighting spirit of the Chinese people. In particular, Comrade Kim Il Sung, the great leader of the Korean people and a close friend of the Chinese people, fought to the death against the Japanese invaders together with the Northeast Anti-Japanese Allied Army of China, not only making immortal contributions to the liberation of Korea, but also making important contributions to the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Comrade Kim Il Sung once fondly recalled the days when he was with his comrades-in-arms of the Northeast Anti-Japanese Alliance, saying that he had ‘stablished a deep friendship’ and that ‘the scene of that year is still fresh in his memory’.
“I would like to reiterate that safeguarding, consolidating and developing the traditional friendship between China and the DPRK has always been the unswerving policy of the Chinese Party and government. China is willing to work with the DPRK to resolutely implement the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and two countries, develop the traditional friendly and cooperative relations between China and the DPRK, promote the steady and far-reaching socialist cause of the two countries, benefit the two peoples, and promote regional and world peace and stability.”
And it quoted Minister Sung Jong Gyu as saying that:
“The martyrs of the DPRK and China sacrificed their youth and lives in the anti-Japanese sacred war against the common enemy, and I would like to pay high tribute to them.
“In the first half of the 20th century, Japanese militarism attempted to build a ‘Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere’, imposing tyranny and colonial rule unprecedented in human history, and ruthlessly trampling on the freedom and living homes of people in the DPRK and other countries in the world. More than 80 years ago, the Chinese people carried out an arduous and indomitable struggle, defeated the fierce Japanese invaders, and won a brilliant victory after 14 years of the War of Resistance Against Japan.
“Not long ago, the DPRK solemnly celebrated the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the motherland. On August 15, 1945, the anti-Japanese revolution organised and led by the great leader Comrade Kim Il Sung won victory, ending the history of the Korean colony and ushering in a historic change in the liberation of the motherland. On this day, the Korean people regain their dignity as precious as life, which is a turning point in their destiny and a great victory day. In the 80-year sacred struggle for the founding of the country and safeguarding national sovereignty, it was the victory of August 15 that allowed the Korean people to withstand unprecedented hardships and tests, and firmly defend the victorious history and achievements created and passed down by the martyrs with their lives.
“The desperate struggle of the DPRK and China won a great victory in the War of Resistance Against Japan, which was the victory of the world’s anti-fascist democratic forces, ended World War II, and made great contributions to the establishment of independent and peaceful international relations. Therefore, August 15 and September 3 are the days of progress over reaction, light dispelling darkness on earth, which is of historical significance and a common holiday for progressive people around the world who love independence, justice and peace.
“For the people of the DPRK and China, the victory of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression also contains another profound connotation: the side-by-side battle in the Anti-Japanese Sacred War forged the historical foundation of friendship between the DPRK and China. Japanese imperialism is the common enemy of the people of the DPRK and China, and the great leader Comrade Kim Il Sung fought bloody battles in the War of Resistance Against Japan, laying the tradition of unity and cooperation between the two peoples and opening a historical chapter in the friendship between the DPRK and China. The two peoples forged deep friendship and unity in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and fought against common enemies such as US imperialism in the Chinese Revolutionary Civil War and the Korean Fatherland Liberation War.
“The DPRK-China friendship was created and nurtured by the older generation of leaders of the two countries, and it is the DPRK’s unswerving position to inherit and deepen the development of DPRK-China friendship from generation to generation. The DPRK is willing to work with China to inherit and carry forward the tradition of fighting unity, friendship and solidarity formed by the blood of the two countries in the common struggle against imperialism and in the cause of building socialism and continuously deepen and develop friendly and cooperative relations between the DPRK and China.
“Today, we are sincerely pleased that the Chinese people have inherited and carried forward the spirit of the War of Resistance and patriotism of the last century, overcome various difficulties and challenges, and made remarkable achievements in the process of safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity and building a modern socialist country. It is hoped that the Chinese people will continue to make new achievements in the struggle to realise the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation under the leadership of the Communist Party of China with General Secretary Xi Jinping as the core.”
Two days later, on August 22, overseas Chinese and Chinese students studying in the DPRK held a symposium to mark the anniversary.
In his speech, Ambassador Wang Yajun said: “This great victory is a historical turning point for the Chinese nation from the deep crisis in modern times to the great rejuvenation, and has opened up a bright future for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, which will forever be engraved in the annals of the Chinese nation and the cause of human justice.
“It is worth noting that some international forces today deliberately belittle China’s strategic position as the main battlefield in the Eastern front of the World Anti-Fascist War out of political self-interest or ideological prejudice. To commemorate the great victory and remember the great contributions of the martyrs is to defend the correct view of the history of World War II. In the new era, Chinese people should jointly protect the historical truth, safeguard the achievements of the martyrs’ struggle and sacrifice, and resolutely fight against all historical nihilism such as glorifying aggression, denying aggression, distorting and falsifying history, so as to prevent history from reversing and repeating the tragedy of World War II, so that the torch of peace can be passed on from generation to generation.
“At the time when the nation’s survival was threatened, the Chinese military and civilians were united and hated the enemy and bravely resisted the Japanese invaders. The vast number of overseas Chinese helped the country, donated money and materials and even went to the battlefield in person, playing an important role in the victory of the Anti-Japanese War. They used their blood and lives to forge the great spirit of the War of Resistance, demonstrating the patriotic feelings of the rise and fall of the world and the responsibility of every person, the national integrity of preferring to die unyieldingly, the heroic spirit of not being afraid of violence and fighting bloody battles to the end, and the indomitable and persevering belief in victory.
“China and the DPRK share joys and sorrows, and the two peoples have forged a deep friendship in the test of blood and fire, life and death. Korean-born musician Jung Yul-sung composed the Song of the War of Resistance with musical notes to inspire the fighting spirit of the Chinese and Korean soldiers and civilians; in the Taihang Mountains of North China, the Northeast Plain and other parts of China, there are also figures of Korean people with lofty ideals in the War of Resistance. In particular, Comrade Kim Il Sung, the great leader of the Korean people and a close friend of the Chinese people, together with the Chinese people, formed a large number of anti-Japanese guerrillas and ignited the spark of revolution in the white mountains and black waters. The Chinese and Korean people laid the tradition of solidarity and cooperation in the common struggle of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and forged the historical foundation of China-DPRK friendship.”
Also, on August 19, the Chinese Consulate General in Chongjin held a photo exhibition to mark the anniversary. The Consul General emphasised that that in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, the people of China, Korea and the Soviet Union fought side by side and supported each other and made important historical contributions to the victory.
Previously, on August 14, a joint commemoration was held by the Chinese and Vietnamese embassies in Pyongyang, which also marked the 75th anniversary of their bilateral relations.
Ambassador Wang said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Vietnam 75 years ago, the relationship between the two parties and the two countries has become a model of solidarity and cooperation among socialist countries. Eighty years ago, the Chinese and Vietnamese peoples fought together and forged a deep friendship in the just cause of national independence and national liberation. Looking ahead, China is willing to work with Vietnam to uphold and carry forward the correct view of World War II history, safeguard the post-war international order, defend international fairness and justice and the common interests of developing countries, and safeguard peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region.
Vietnamese Ambassador Le Bo Rong said that on August 15, 1945, Japan announced its unconditional surrender, and the people of Vietnam and China won a great victory against Japanese imperialist aggression. On January 18, 1950, Vietnam and China established diplomatic relations. Since then, the two parties and two countries of Vietnam and China have forged ahead side by side, and the Vietnamese people have always thanked friendly countries, including China, for their assistance in Vietnam’s war against the French and American invaders.
A similar joint gathering of the Chinese and Russian embassies in Pyongyang had been held on July 31.
On August 12, Ambassador Wang and his staff paid a visit to the Museum of the Korean Revolution. The Deputy Director of the Museum said that the victory in the struggle against Japanese imperialism was a common victory achieved by the people of the DPRK and China fighting side by side, and we will never forget it.
The Chinese Ambassador said: “This year marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the DPRK and the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and I believe that in the new historical period, under the strategic guidance of the supreme leaders of the two parties, the people of China and the DPRK will be able to cherish history more, unite as one, jointly deal with various risks and challenges, promote better development of bilateral relations, and make greater contributions to maintaining regional peace and benefiting the two peoples.”
The following articles were originally published by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) and on the website of the Chinese Embassy in Pyongyang. The latter were published in Chinese and have been machine translated.
Chinese Embassy Here Hosts Reception
Pyongyang, August 21 (KCNA) — A reception was given by the Chinese embassy here on August 20 to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
Present there on invitation were Choe Ryong Hae, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea, first vice-president of the State Affairs Commission of the DPRK and chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People’s Assembly, Sung Jong Gyu, minister of Culture, Mun Song Hyok, vice department director of the WPK Central Committee, Pak Myong Ho, vice-minister of Foreign Affairs, Ryu Un Hae, vice-minister of External Economic Relations, and officials concerned.
Also invited to the reception were members of the diplomatic corps here.
Wang Yajun, Chinese ambassador to the DPRK, staff members of his embassy and Chinese guests staying here were on hand.
Wang Yajun made a speech at the reception.
He said that the victory in the unprecedented arduous anti-Japanese war is a great victory not only of the Chinese people but also of the world people loving peace and justice.
Noting that the China-DPRK friendship was provided in the flames of the bloody revolutionary struggle, he stressed that Comrade Kim Il Sung, the great leader of the Korean people and a close friend of the Chinese people, made a great contribution to the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression by waging a death-defying struggle with the Japanese aggressors, together with the Northeast Anti-Japanese Allied Army.
It is the steadfast policy of the Chinese party and government to successfully defend, consolidate and develop the traditional China-DPRK friendship at all times, he said, expressing the readiness to thoroughly implement the important common understanding made by the top leaders of China and the DPRK and thus advance the socialist cause of the two countries and to make contribution to the happiness of the peoples of the two countries and global peace and stability.
Then, Sung Jong Gyu made a speech.
He paid high tribute to the forerunners of the two countries who sacrificed their youth and lives without hesitation in the sacred anti-Japanese war, and said that the victory in the anti-Japanese war was a world historic event that brought to a close the Second World War with the victory of the world anti-fascist democratic forces and made a great contribution to form a main current with independence and peace in international relations.
He said that the DPRK will make joint efforts together with the Chinese comrades to steadily develop the friendly and cooperative relations forged on the road of accomplishing the cause of anti-imperialist independence and socialism true to the noble intention of the top leaders of the two parties and the two countries.
He hoped that the Chinese people would achieve fresher successes in the course of realizing the dream of prosperity of the Chinese nation under the leadership of the Communist Party of China with General Secretary Xi Jinping as its core in the future, too.
The participants in the reception toasted the good health of the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un and the esteemed Comrade Xi Jinping and the better development of the DPRK-China friendly and cooperative relations.
Earlier, the Chinese consulate general in Chongjin hosted a photo exhibition and a reception.
Commemorating the Great Victory and Creating a Bright Future for the Rejuvenation of the Chinese Nation and the Cause of Peace and Justice for Humanity — Remarks by Ambassador Wang Yajun at the Reception Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War
August 21 (Chinese Embassy in the DPRK) – Dear Chairman Choi Ryong-hae,
Dear Ambassadors to the DPRK,
Comrades and friends,
Hello everyone!
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Eighty years ago, after 14 years of arduous and bloody struggle, the Chinese people achieved a great victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, declaring complete victory in the World Anti-Fascist War. This was a victory for the Chinese people! It was also a victory for peace-loving and justice-loving people around the world!
Today, we gather together to commemorate this great victory. We want to review history, draw wisdom and strength from it, and create an even better future. On behalf of the Chinese Embassy in the DPRK, I would like to express my sincere gratitude and warm welcome to everyone who has come!
Comrades and friends,
We commemorate this great victory to defend a correct view of World War II history. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out, “Forgetting history is tantamount to betrayal.” As the main battlefield in the East during the World Anti-Fascist War, China made significant contributions to victory in the war at the cost of over 35 million military and civilian casualties. Countries around the world also made sacrifices to win the war. It can be said that today’s international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order governed by international law were won with the blood and lives of peace-loving people around the world and are the cornerstone of world peace and stability. We commemorate this great victory to firmly uphold the post-war international order and resolutely combat historical nihilism that glorifies and denies aggression, distorts and falsifies history, and prevent the wheel of history from turning back and the tragedy of World War II from repeating itself.
We commemorate this great victory to achieve the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out, “The great spirit of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression is a priceless spiritual treasure of the Chinese people.” In the face of the brutal invasion of Japanese militarism, the Communist Party of China played a pivotal role, rallying the people of the nation to pool their immense strength, thwarting the Japanese militarists’ plot to colonize and enslave China, establishing China’s status as a world power and laying the foundation for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. We commemorate this great victory to carry forward and promote the great spirit of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, unite more closely around the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, strive to write a new and even more glorious chapter in China’s modernization, and create new great achievements in the historical journey of achieving national rejuvenation.
We commemorate this great victory to open up a bright future for the cause of peace and justice for mankind. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out, “War is a mirror that allows us to better appreciate the preciousness of peace.” The victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was a great victory achieved by the Chinese people, the anti-fascist allies, and the people of all countries fighting shoulder to shoulder. The Chinese people will never forget the invaluable support given to China by countries around the world. We commemorate this great victory to continue to stand with peace-loving and justice-loving countries and peoples around the world, always standing on the right side of history, following the trend of the times, opposing hegemony and power politics, and unremittingly promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind and creating a bright future for mankind.
Comrades and friends,
The traditional friendship between China and North Korea was forged in the blood and fire of revolutionary struggle. Over 80 years ago, the military and civilians of the two countries, united in their hatred of the enemy, dealt a heavy blow to the Japanese invaders. Numerous North Koreans traveled to China to participate in the anti-Japanese struggle, receiving strong support from the Chinese people and inspiring their fighting spirit. In particular, Comrade Kim Il Sung, the great leader of the Korean people and a close friend of the Chinese people, fought a desperate battle against the Japanese invaders alongside the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army of China, making not only immortal contributions to the liberation of Korea but also a significant contribution to the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Comrade Kim Il Sung fondly recalled the days spent with his comrades in the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army, stating that “a deep friendship had been established” and that “the memories of those days are still fresh in his mind.”
As we commemorate this great shared victory today , we must carry forward this precious fighting friendship amidst the turbulent international and regional landscape and the recurring risks and challenges. I would like to reiterate that maintaining, consolidating, and developing the traditional China-DPRK friendship has always been the unwavering policy of the Chinese Party and government. China is willing to work with the DPRK to resolutely implement the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and countries, further develop the traditional China-DPRK friendly and cooperative relations, advance the steady and long-term development of the socialist cause of the two countries, benefit the people of both countries, and promote regional and global peace and stability.
Comrades and Friends!
On September 3rd, China will hold a grand commemoration in Beijing for the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. China, along with other countries around the world, will join forces to send a strong message of our times: remember history, cherish the memory of the martyrs, cherish peace, and forge ahead into the future. We are committed to advancing the noble cause of world peace and development!
At this moment, let us deeply remember the heroes who sacrificed their lives heroically for the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the cause of peace and justice for mankind!
Finally, I propose:
To a bright future of world peace, security, prosperity and progress,
To continuously deepen and develop China-DPRK friendly cooperation,
For the health of respected General Secretary Kim Jong-un,
For the health of our respected General Secretary Xi Jinping,
For the health of Chairman Choi Ryong Hae,
For the health of all comrades and friends present here,
Cheers!
The great victory of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was a victory for the world’s anti-fascist democratic forces and laid the historical foundation for the friendship between North Korea and China. — Remarks by Zheng Kui, the Korean cultural heritage leader, at the reception held by the Chinese Embassy in North Korea to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War
August 21 (Chinese Embassy in the DPRK) – Dear Ambassador Wang Yajun,
Dear Chinese comrades,
Diplomatic envoys and their wives from all over the world,
On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, we would like to thank Ambassador Wang Yajun for hosting the commemorative banquet and cordially inviting the DPRK side to attend.
We would like to pay our highest respects to the Korean and Chinese martyrs who sacrificed their youth and lives in the holy war against Japan to oppose the common enemy.
In the first half of the 20th century, Japanese militarism, in its vain attempt to establish a “Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere,” unleashed tyranny and colonial rule unprecedented in human history, ruthlessly trampling upon the freedom and lives of people in countries around the world, including North Korea and China. Over 80 years ago, the Chinese people waged an arduous and unyielding struggle, defeated the vicious Japanese invaders, and achieved a glorious victory in the 14-year-long War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.
Not long ago, North Korea solemnly celebrated the 80th anniversary of its liberation. On August 15, 1945, the anti-Japanese revolution organized and led by the great leader, Comrade Kim Il Sung, triumphed, ending North Korea’s colonial history and ushering in the historic transformation of national liberation. On this day, the North Korean people regained their autonomy and dignity, a precious possession as dear as their lives. This marked a turning point in their destiny and a great day of victory. Throughout the 80-year-long sacred struggle for nationhood and the preservation of national sovereignty, it was precisely because of the victory of August 15 that the North Korean people were able to withstand unprecedented hardships and trials, firmly safeguarding the victorious history and achievements created and passed down by their martyrs at the cost of their lives.
At present, the Korean people, upholding the great spirit of independence and steadfast in their revolutionary convictions, are striving with even greater courage, pragmatism, and intensity to welcome the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Party of Korea and the celebration of its Ninth Congress as victors. The 80 years of the Party of Korea have been filled with glorious victories and heroic pioneering spirit. Under the wise leadership of the beloved General Secretary Kim Jong Un, the Korean people will surely carry forward and develop the Party’s 80-year history from generation to generation, usher in an era of even greater strength, prosperity, and glory, and achieve the historic cause of national rejuvenation.
Comrades and friends,
The great victory of the Korean and Chinese peoples in their desperate struggle against Japanese aggression was a victory for the world’s anti-fascist democratic forces, ending World War II and making a significant contribution to the establishment of independent, self-reliant, and peaceful international relations. It is a significant event in world history. Therefore, August 15 and September 3 commemorate the triumph of progress over reaction and the dispersal of darkness on Earth. They hold historic significance and are shared holidays for progressive people who love independence, justice, and peace around the world.
For the peoples of both Korea and China, victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression carries another profound meaning: the shoulder-to-shoulder struggle in the holy war against Japanese aggression forged the historical foundation of the DPRK-China friendship. Japanese imperialism was the common enemy of the two peoples. The great leader, Comrade Kim Il Sung, valiantly fought in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, laying the foundation for a tradition of unity and cooperation between the two peoples and opening a new chapter in the history of DPRK-China friendship. The two peoples forged a profound friendship and solidarity during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and further fought against common enemies such as US imperialism during the Chinese Civil War and the Korean War of Liberation. This traditional friendship between the two countries has been further consolidated and elevated, becoming even more precious.
The DPRK-China friendship was personally forged and nurtured by the older generations of leaders of the two countries. It is the DPRK’s unwavering position to pass on and deepen the DPRK-China friendship from generation to generation. The DPRK is willing to work with China, in accordance with the lofty will of the leaders of the two parties and countries, to inherit and carry forward the fighting friendship and tradition of friendship and solidarity forged in blood between the two countries in the common struggle for anti-imperialism, independence, and socialist construction, and to continuously deepen and develop the DPRK-China friendly and cooperative relations.
Today, the Chinese people have inherited and carried forward the spirit of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the spirit of patriotism from the last century, overcome numerous difficulties and challenges, and achieved remarkable achievements in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity and building a modern socialist country. We are sincerely pleased by this. We hope that the Chinese people will continue to achieve new successes in the struggle for national rejuvenation under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, with General Secretary Xi Jinping at its core.
Finally, at this solemn moment of commemorating the common victory of the progressive people of the world, I propose the following:
To further develop the friendly relations between the DPRK and China,
For the health of the respected General Secretary Xi Jinping,
For the health of our beloved General Secretary Kim Jong-un,
For the health of Ambassador Wang Yajun and colleagues at the Chinese Embassy in North Korea,
To the health of the diplomatic envoys and their spouses, as well as all comrades and friends present here,
Cheers!
Commemorating the Great Victory and Contributing to the Great Cause of National Rejuvenation — Speech by Ambassador Wang Yajun at the Symposium for Overseas Chinese and Students in North Korea to Commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War
August 24 (Chinese Embassy in the DPRK) – Dear overseas Chinese, overseas students, and representatives of Chinese-funded institutions in North Korea,
Good afternoon everyone!
I am very happy to join you in commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
Eighty years ago, after 14 years of unyielding and bloody struggle, the Chinese people defeated the Japanese militarist invaders, achieved the great victory of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and proclaimed the complete victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. This great victory marked a historical turning point in the Chinese nation’s journey from a profound crisis in modern times to its great rejuvenation, opening up a bright future for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. It will be forever etched in the annals of the Chinese nation and the annals of the just cause of mankind.
On September 3rd, China will hold a grand commemoration in Tiananmen Square. Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, President of the People’s Republic of China, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, will attend and deliver an important speech, sending a strong message to the world: remember history, cherish the memory of the martyrs, cherish peace, and build a shared future. Today, through this symposium, let us review together those arduous and turbulent years, and revisit the light of truth, forged in blood and fire, that illuminates the path forward for our nation and humanity.
Looking back on history, let us always remember the great contributions made by the anti-Japanese martyrs to national independence.
During the 14 years of arduous struggle against Japanese aggression, countless Chinese people bravely fought the formidable enemy with unwavering resolve and built the Great Wall with their flesh and blood. Ultimately, they achieved a great victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, completely shattering the Japanese militarist plot to colonize and enslave China and safeguarding the achievements of the Chinese nation’s civilization over 5,000 years of development. This great victory marked China’s first complete victory against foreign aggression in modern times, opened up a bright prospect for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and began a new journey of rebirth for ancient China from the ashes. This great victory established China’s status as a world power and earned the Chinese people the respect of peace-loving and justice-loving people around the world.
It’s worth noting that some international forces, driven by selfish political interests or ideological bias, are deliberately downplaying China’s strategic position as the main battlefield in the East during the World Anti-Fascist War. We commemorate the great victory and remember the martyrs’ contributions in order to uphold a correct view of World War II history. Chinese people in the new era must jointly safeguard the historical truth and the achievements made by the martyrs’ struggle and sacrifice. We must resolutely fight against all forms of historical nihilism that glorify and deny aggression, distort history, and falsify history. We must prevent history from rolling back and repeating the tragedy of World War II, and ensure that the torch of peace is passed down from generation to generation.
Based on the present, let us inherit and carry forward the great spirit of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and gather the strength to forge ahead for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
At the critical moment of national survival, the Chinese military and civilians united as one, sharing a common hatred for the enemy and courageously resisting the Japanese invaders. Overseas Chinese contributed to the nation’s suffering, donating money and supplies, and even personally going to the battlefields, playing a vital role in the victory of the War of Resistance. They forged the great spirit of resistance with their blood and lives, demonstrating the patriotic sentiment that every citizen bears responsibility for the fate of the nation, the national integrity of facing death with equanimity and refusing to yield, the heroic spirit of defying violence and fighting to the bitter end, and the unyielding and unwavering belief in victory.
At a critical juncture for the nation’s survival, the Chinese people chose the Communist Party of China. For 14 years, the Chinese Communists fought on the front lines of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, playing a pivotal role. With outstanding political leadership and sound strategic tactics, they led the people of all ethnic groups in a united and courageous struggle, creating a spectacle in the annals of war, a feat for the Chinese nation, and an earth-shaking feat. As we commemorate the great victory and carry forward the great spirit of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, we must uphold and carry forward the fine tradition of patriotism under new historical conditions. Under the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, we must maximize the strength of our common struggle, remain committed to the motherland, achieve its complete reunification, and promote comprehensive national development and national rejuvenation through Chinese-style modernization, making contributions worthy of history, the times, and the people.
Looking to the future, let us inherit and carry forward the China-DPRK friendship and jointly write a new chapter in China-DPRK friendship.
China and North Korea are close neighbors, sharing weal and woe. The two peoples forged a profound friendship through blood, fire, and life and death. North Korean-born musician Zheng Lücheng composed a legendary piece of music during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, inspiring the fighting spirit of the Chinese and North Korean soldiers and civilians. North Korean patriots also fought in various parts of China, from the Taihang Mountains in North China to the plains of Northeast China. In particular, Comrade Kim Il Sung, the great leader of the Korean people and a close friend of the Chinese people, joined the Chinese people in organizing numerous anti-Japanese guerrilla forces, igniting the spark of revolution between the White Mountains and the Black Waters. In their shared struggle against Japanese aggression, the Chinese and North Korean peoples established a tradition of unity and cooperation, forging the historical foundation for their friendship.
On the 20th, Choe Ryong Hae, member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea and Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly, led leading officials from various departments of the North Korean party, government, and military to attend the reception held by our embassy to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. This fully demonstrated the resolute resolve of China and North Korea to carry forward their shared history of resistance and to develop China-North Korea friendship. By commemorating the great victory and carrying forward the China-North Korea friendship, we must follow the lofty will of the supreme leaders of the two parties and countries, carry forward our traditional friendship, and promote greater development of China-North Korea relations that keep pace with the times. I would like to express a few hopes to our compatriots in North Korea:
First, we hope that overseas Chinese in North Korea will continue to play the role of a bridge and link in promoting the development of China-North Korea relations, live in harmony and work together with the North Korean people, contribute to the promotion of socialist construction in the two countries, and make more efforts to deepen China-North Korea friendly cooperation.
Second, I hope that Chinese students studying in North Korea will cherish their time and study hard. While striving to acquire professional knowledge, they should also have an in-depth understanding of North Korea’s history, culture, and economic and social development, live in unity and harmony with North Korean teachers and students, and strive to become the inheritors, promoters, and contributors of China-North Korea friendship.
Third, we hope that Chinese-funded institutions in North Korea will actively explore and forge ahead, strive to promote practical cooperation between China and North Korea in various fields, bring more tangible benefits to the people of the two countries, and contribute greater efforts to promoting and deepening exchanges and cooperation between China and North Korea.
Thank you everyone!
The Chinese and Vietnamese embassies in North Korea jointly commemorated the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War
August 15 (Chinese Embassy in the DPRK) – On August 14, 2025, Ambassador Wang Yajun and Vietnamese Ambassador to North Korea Le Bo Rong led diplomats from the Chinese and Vietnamese embassies in North Korea to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. Chinese Embassy Minister Feng Chuntai, Minister Counselor Wang Congrong, Counselor Gao Wu, and Counselor Xu Feng, along with Chief of Mission Pham Quoc Tuan and Defense Attaché Phan Tien Lan of the Vietnamese Embassy in North Korea, attended the event.
Ambassador Wang stated that over the 75 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Vietnam, the relationship between the two parties and the two countries has become a model of unity and cooperation among socialist countries. In April of this year, General Secretary Xi Jinping made Hanoi the first stop of his 2025 overseas visits, marking the first round of mutual visits with General Secretary To Lin, charting a new blueprint for building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future in the new era. Eighty years ago, the peoples of China and Vietnam fought together in the just cause of national independence and liberation, forging a profound friendship. Looking ahead, China stands ready to work with Vietnam to uphold and promote a correct view of World War II history, safeguard the post-war international order, defend international fairness and justice and the common interests of developing countries, and maintain peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region.
Ambassador Le Bo Dung stated that on August 15, 1945, Japan declared its unconditional surrender, marking a great victory for the Vietnamese and Chinese peoples in their fight against Japanese imperialist aggression. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on January 18, 1950. Since then, the two Parties and two countries have forged ahead shoulder to shoulder, and the Vietnamese people remain grateful for the assistance provided by friendly countries, including China, during Vietnam’s war against the French and American invaders. In recent years, thanks to the mutual visits of General Secretary To Lin and General Secretary Xi Jinping, relations between the two Parties and two countries have continued to advance. Through today’s event, the younger generations of the two embassies will gain a deeper understanding of history and forever cherish the Vietnam-China friendship.
The two sides jointly watched videos of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s visits to Vietnam and General Secretary To Lin’s visits to China. Ambassador Le Borong performed his original song “Autumn Wind,” while young Chinese diplomats recited the poem “Wheat Ears on the Monument.” Children of diplomats from the Chinese and Vietnamese embassies sang “On the Taihang Mountains” and “Who Loves Children as Much as Uncle Ho,” respectively, expressing the younger generation’s remembrance of the martyrs and the continuation of friendship.
Chinese Embassy in North Korea visits Korean Revolution Museum
August 12 (Chinese Embassy in the DPRK) – On August 12, 2025, on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of North Korea, at the invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the DPRK, Ambassador Wang Yajun led diplomats from the Chinese Embassy in the DPRK to visit the Korean Revolution Museum. They were accompanied by Yoon Sung-il, Section Chief of the Asia Bureau 1 of the DPRK Foreign Ministry, Kim Joo-young, Section Chief of the Ceremonial Bureau, and Zheng Guanghe, Deputy Director of the Korean Revolution Museum.
The North Korean guide detailed the glorious revolutionary journey of the Korean people from 1926 to 1945, during which they united and heroically fought under the leadership of Chairman Kim Il Sung, achieving a great victory against Japanese imperialism. Deputy Director Zheng stated that the struggle against Japanese imperialism was a common victory achieved by the peoples of both Korea and China fighting shoulder to shoulder, a victory we will never forget. He sincerely hoped that the friendly and cooperative relations between Korea and China would achieve new and greater development.
Ambassador Wang stated that this visit has given him a deeper understanding and appreciation of the arduous journey and brilliant achievements of North Korea’s anti-Japanese revolutionary cause. He expressed his confidence that under the wise leadership of General Secretary Kim Jong Un, the North Korean people, carrying forward the great spirit of struggle, will surely write a new and even more glorious chapter in the cause of socialism. This year marks the 80th anniversary of both the liberation of North Korea and the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. He expressed his confidence that in this new historical period, under the strategic guidance of the top leaders of the two parties and countries, the peoples of China and North Korea will cherish history even more, unite as one, jointly address various risks and challenges, promote the further development of bilateral relations, and make greater contributions to maintaining regional peace and benefiting the peoples of both countries.
The Korean Revolution Museum was established in 1948 and has more than 100 exhibition rooms displaying the history of North Korea’s modern and contemporary revolutionary development from the 1860s to the present.
