Hong Kong, Macao representatives express pride in China's achievements after watching V-Day parade

Residents from Hong Kong and Macao voiced deep pride in the country's achievements and growing strength after attending Wednesday's commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War in Beijing, particularly the grand military parade.

Lo King Fai, a 94-year-old veteran of the Dongjiang Column, an anti-Japanese aggression guerrilla force operating in south China which was led by the Communist Party of China, said he was "very happy, very excited" to witness the ceremony.

"I'm very happy, very excited. What I saw was very cool. It was the sacrifice and bloodshed of tens of millions of people that brought us the peace and life we have today," Lo said.

Lo, who also attended commemorations in 1999 and 2015, said he was moved by the display of China's modern defense capabilities.

Lan Kwai Fong Group Chairman Allan Zeman described the event as "very, very special," and said that President Xi Jinping's speech delivered at the event underscored China's belief in peace.

"Today was a very, very special day, I think for all Chinese people including myself. The president made a very, very good speech talking about how China believes in peace, how they can believe in what they do to the world and show the world. Eyes of the world were watching us, because this was very, very special. I've been ... this probably is my third one that I have been at, and the best one, honestly, from everything. Everyone was so moved, and words are not enough to describe for China today. Everyone can feel so proud," said Zeman.

Olympic gold medal-winning fencer Vivian Kong Man-wai was impressed by the presence of female soldiers and China's U.N. peacekeeping force troops in the military parade, saying they represent China's strength and commitment to peace.

"Our female soldiers are looking good, with a spirited and valiant appearance. And then there are the Blue Helmets. They shows not only China's strength, but also a force safeguarding world peace," Kong said.

Miguel de Senna Fernandes, president of the Macanese Association, said the commemoration reflects the importance of unity and peace.

"The experience today was truly precious. I am very moved. President Xi's words deeply touched me. The concept of unity is so important, and peace is so important. I will bring a lot of confidence and deep emotions back to Macao," said Fernandes.

Hong Kong, Macao representatives express pride in China's achievements after watching V-Day parade

China opposes external interference in Venezuela's internal affairs under any pretext, Sun Lei, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations (UN), said on Tuesday.

Speaking an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council requested by Venezuela amid heightened tensions between Caracas and Washington, Sun said for some time now, under the pretext of combating drug trafficking, the United States has continued to increase its military deployment in the waters of the Caribbean off the coast of Venezuela.

The U.S. actions and rhetoric have led to continued tensions in the region, raising serious concerns among regional countries and the international community, he said.

"The U.S. actions seriously infringe upon other countries' sovereignty, security, and legitimate rights and interests, seriously violate the UN Charter and international law, and threaten peace and security in Latin America and the Caribbean. More and more countries in the region and beyond have voiced their grave concern about and strong condemnation of the U.S. actions," Sun said.

As an independent sovereign state, Venezuela has the right to independently develop mutually beneficial cooperation with other countries and defend its legitimate rights and interest, said the Chinese envoy.

China stands against external interference in Venezuela's internal affairs under any pretext, and against illegal unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction that have no basis in international law or authorization by the UN Security Council, he said.

The United States should heed the just call of the international community, immediately halt relevant actions, and avoid further escalation of tensions, Sun said.

Latin America and the Caribbean constitute an important part of the Global South and are a vital force in maintaining world peace and stability and promoting global development and prosperity. China stands ready to work with countries in the region to uphold fairness and justice, and jointly safeguard peace and stability in Latin America and the Caribbean, Sun added.

China opposes external interference in Venezuela's internal affairs under any pretext