China to hold events at home and abroad to commemorate victory against Japanese aggression, fascism

China will hold various commemorative activities at home and abroad to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, said an official in Beijing on Tuesday.

At a press conference, Hu Heping, executive vice minister of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said that the commemoration of the 80th victory anniversary is a significant event for the Party and the country this year.

Hu said the commemorative activities feature high standards, extensive coverage, and a focus on public participation.

"Five activities will be held in the name of the Party and the country, including a commemorative meeting, a reception, the presentation of commemorative medals, the opening ceremony of a themed exhibition, and a national memorial ceremony. All localities and government departments will also hold relevant commemorative activities according to the instructions of the CPC Central Committee. Provinces and major cities that witnessed significant historic events and battles and activities of major anti-Japanese armed forces during the war against Japanese aggression will host symposiums, academic seminars, and exhibitions of photos, calligraphy, paintings and cultural relics. Compatriots from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, and overseas Chinese will also organize relevant commemorative activities," said Hu.

"Meanwhile, we will also invite international friends to participate in the commemorative activities, host international academic seminars, promote a selection of excellent works themed the war against Japanese aggression, and organize featured Chinese pavilions to hold special exhibitions in relevant countries. We also welcome all peace-loving countries and people around the world to pay attention to and participate in China's commemorative activities, jointly commemorating the hard-won great victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War," he said.

China to hold events at home and abroad to commemorate victory against Japanese aggression, fascism

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned on Sunday that Tehran would view the United States and Israel's military bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" should Washington take military action against Iran.

At a parliamentary session convened to review an emergency proposal on assembly regulations, Qalibaf emphasized that, at this highly sensitive juncture, Iran must accurately and thoroughly identify the schemes of its adversaries.

Qalibaf said that Iran is currently confronting Israel and the United States simultaneously on four fronts: economic, cognitive, military, and counterterrorism. Of them, the economic warfare and the cognitive and psychological warfare began many years ago and have persisted to this day, growing increasingly complex and intense in recent years.

The remarks came as U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran, taking advantage of its nationwide unrest.

Protests have erupted in several Iranian cities since late December over the sharp fall of the rial and long-standing economic hardship. Iranian authorities have acknowledged the demonstrations and voiced willingness to address economic grievances, while warning against violence and vandalism.

Amid the ongoing protests, deadly clashes have been reported lately between police and what the government described as "rioters." However, no official death toll has been released.

Also on Sunday, Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will address the country's economic situation and political environment in a televised interview later that day.

Iran swears to counterattack if attacked