Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday called for firmly upholding international fairness and justice, staying committed to the path of peaceful development, and making unremitting efforts to improve people's well-being at all times.
Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks when addressing a reception commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
At around 11:30 a.m., Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan entered the banquet hall together with the foreign leaders and their spouses attending the reception.
Xi noted that the victory marks a historic turning point for the Chinese nation -- from the depths of crisis in modern times to the path of great rejuvenation, and also a major turning point in world development.
This great victory was achieved through the joint struggle of the Chinese people together with the anti-fascist allies and peoples across the world, Xi said.
The Chinese government and people will never forget the foreign governments and international friends who supported and assisted the Chinese people in their resistance against aggression, he said.
As inhabitants of the same planet, humanity must stand together in times of difficulty, live in harmony, and never relapse into the law of the jungle where the strong prey on the weak, Xi said.
"The people are the creators of history, and the pursuit of a happy life is a universal aspiration of people from all countries. We should always respond to people's concerns, take the interests of the whole world as our own, and make unremitting efforts to enhance people's well-being," said Xi.
Stressing that Chinese modernization is the modernization of peaceful development, Xi said China will always be a force for peace, stability, and progress in the world.
It is sincerely hoped that all countries will learn from history, value peace, and work together to advance world modernization and create a better future for humanity, Xi noted.
Amidst joyous music, Xi raised his glass with all guests to celebrate the anniversary, and to wish for world peace.
Xi and Peng also watched a cultural performance with the guests.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang presided over the reception.
The reception was attended by leaders and senior representatives of foreign countries, heads of international organizations, former political dignitaries, diplomatic envoys, military attaches and representatives of international organizations in China from various countries, as well as international friends who made contributions to China's victory or representatives of their families.
China's Party, state and military officials, chief executives of the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions, war veterans, relatives of martyrs, and other representatives from home and abroad also attended the reception.
Xi addresses V-Day reception, stressing justice, peace, people's strength
Xi addresses V-Day reception, stressing justice, peace, people's strength
