CRI听力:China Marks WWII Vicotry Day

Anchor:

China has marked the 69th anniversary of the victory over Japan in World War II with a high-profile ceremony and a symposium attended by the country's top leadership.

This is the first time China has commemorated September 3rd as Victory Day since the government made it an official observance day.

More from CRI's Qi Zhi.

Reporter:

Attending the symposium marking Victory Day with other top Chinese leaders, President Xi Jinping has summarized the significance of the victory.

"The great victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression utterly crushed Japan's militarism's and plans for enslaving China. The victory resurrected China's status as a leading country in the world, and created the bright prospect for the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation."

Xi Jinping notes China was the first country in the world to combat fascist forces, and has also pointed out China's fight was the longest in World War II, playing a decisive role in the ultimate destruction of the Japanese forces.

The president has also taken time to criticize Japanese political organizations and politicians who continue to deny facts and international justice connected to the war.

"Facts are facts. Truth is truth. Any irresponsible words and actions that distort facts are in vain. With the utmost resolution and effort, we join with people all over the world to safeguard the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the world war against fascism. China will allow neither denial nor distortion of this history, nor any return to militarism. The historical tragedy can never be repeated."

Xi Jinping is also calling on Japanese politicians to be prudent in dealing with historical issues, learn lessons from past aggression and stick to the road of peaceful development.

At the symposium, President Xi Jinping has also called on the Chinese people to carry on the national spirit of the Anti-Japanese War, saying the country is facing, what he calls, "many great battles" in its future development.

"In the journey ahead of us, we must unswervingly adhere to the socialist path with Chinese characteristics, put development as CPC's top task in governance, comprehensively deepen reform and stick to the path of peaceful development."

As part of the commemorations, Xi Jinping and other top leaders have attended a ceremony to mark Victory Day.

They presented flower baskets in honor of those killed, meeting with a group of veterans and relatives of the martyrs.

A 14-gun salute has also sounded at the ceremony, symbolizing China's 14-year struggle, which lasted from 1931 to 1945.

35-hundred doves have also been released, symbolizing the estimated 35-million Chinese soldiers and civilians who were killed or wounded by Japanese troops.

For CRI, I'm Qi Zhi.