International journalists are gathering in Beijing, bringing a unified voice for peace as China prepares to stage a grand military parade in early September to commemorate the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, 26 foreign leaders will attend China's V-Day commemorations in Beijing, a Foreign Ministry official said on Thursday.
Among them is Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, whose attendance underscores the shared commitment between Indonesia and China to peace, said Doan Widhiandono, chief editor of Disway Daily.
"I'm happy to know that our president will be attending the upcoming event. And I would like to share with our readers in Indonesia that we have the same spirit that colonization, hegemony, bullying no longer exist in the world and should no longer exit. So I think Indonesia has the same spirit as China that every country deserves to have their own freedom and to choose their own destiny, while holding hands together to keep the peace," he said.
Other foreign reporters said the commemorations not only honor history but also convey a message of peace at a time of global uncertainty. Some also pointed to China's emphasis on development, viewing the event as a reflection of its vision for the future.
"Over the last one week, I have been getting a different perspective on how the war was different for the Chinese people, how the Chinese people have given their fair share to ensure victory in the world. Currently, the whole world is under uncertainties, we have trade uncertainties. So the world is looking for some inspirations for peace. And I think that what the Victory Day puts forward is a message of peace. I think that's what it's trying to put forward," said Vignesh Radhakrishnan, a journalist of The Hindu.
"I'm focusing on the fact that China, aside from the technological advancement that they're showing, not just for the military but for other things, they're looking at the peace aspect of it. They are show that 'we are capable but in a peaceful turn', and that is one thing I admire and I am looking out for how this will play out," said Joy Ani, a journalist of Nigeria's Aso Radio and Television.
"The fact that China, the resistance was able to stop the invasions to other countries, which has helped the world, at least to an extent today, that is something we should commemorate," Ani added.
China will stage a massive military parade on September 3 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
Int'l journalists voice message for peace ahead of China's V-Day parade
Int'l journalists voice message for peace ahead of China's V-Day parade
