Zhou Zhicheng, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Chinese Embassy in Morocco, writes for ALDAR: Let Us Preserve History, Cherish Peace, and Build the Future Together

By Zhou Zhicheng, Chargé d’Affaires a.i., Chinese Embassy in Morocco

— Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of Victory in China’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the Global Anti-Fascist War

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in China’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the global anti-fascist struggle. Recently, the Chinese Embassy in Morocco organized a screening of the documentary film The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru at the Chinese Cultural Center in Rabat. The film tells the true story of Chinese fishermen who, risking their lives, rescued British prisoners of war during World War II. This heroic act embodies the noble spirit of humanity that transcends borders and cultural differences during times of crisis, serving the cause of peace. Moroccan friends in attendance were deeply moved; many were brought to tears and affirmed that remembering history is the highest form of honoring peace, as well as a cornerstone for building the future.

Preserving History: China’s Crucial Contribution to Victory in the Anti-Fascist War
World War II was one of the greatest human tragedies. As the main theater of operations in the East, China began its resistance against Japanese aggression earlier, fought longer, and suffered higher casualties than any other region. Through 14 years of bitter struggle and more than 35 million civilian and military deaths, the Chinese people not only secured their survival and national salvation but also provided substantial support to Allied forces in Europe and the Pacific. This contributed an enduring legacy to the ultimate victory in the anti-fascist war, writing a glorious epic of struggle for freedom, national rejuvenation, and global justice.

Cherishing Peace: China as a Firm Force for Global Peace
President Xi Jinping has stated that “the most valuable lesson from China’s victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the global anti-fascist war is to continue unwaveringly on the path of peaceful development.” China remains the only major country to enshrine this principle in both its constitution and the charter of its ruling party, making peaceful development a genuine national commitment.

President Xi has repeatedly emphasized that China, regardless of its level of development, will never seek hegemony, expansion, spheres of influence, or participate in an arms race. In the face of unprecedented global changes over the past century, China has put forward the vision of building a shared future for humanity, alongside initiatives for global development, global security, and global civilization, aiming to provide positive energy to a troubled world. In recent years, China has intensified mediation efforts to resolve crises in the Middle East, Africa, and beyond, contributing effectively to regional and international peace and stability.

Building the Future Together: Defending the Gains of World War II Victory
China was the first country to sign the United Nations Charter, and as a founding member and permanent Security Council member, regards the UN’s establishment as one of the most important achievements of World War II. The goals and principles of the Charter remain foundational for global governance and must be the cornerstone of a balanced multipolar world.

Today, amid growing crises and disorder, some countries still resort to the law of the jungle. To safeguard the gains of victory over fascism and the post-war international order, it is imperative to firmly uphold the UN-based international system, the rules-based global order, and the fundamental norms of international relations derived from the UN Charter’s purposes and principles.

The return of Taiwan to China was a direct outcome of World War II’s victory and is an integral part of the post-war order. International legal instruments, including the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Declaration, explicitly affirm China’s sovereignty over Taiwan. This fact, rooted in history and law, is indisputable. The Chinese people, who do not create problems for others, will not hesitate to face difficulties, and no pressure, threat, or attempt at coercion will prevent the full reunification of the country or China’s march toward national rejuvenation.

The peoples of China and Morocco share a profound attachment to peace. Today, as the world again faces a critical turning point, China wishes to cooperate with Morocco to learn from history and build a shared future of collaboration. Together, we aim to be builders of global peace, defenders of the international system, and promoters of justice and fairness, creating a world that is peaceful, safe for all, prosperous, open, inclusive, clean, and harmonious.