Chinese President Xi Jinping's keynote speech at Wednesday's V-Day commemoration in Beijing has drawn widespread international praise, with foreign officials and experts lauding China's firm stance on peace, development, and global cooperation.
The solemn gathering, featuring a grand military parade at Beijing's Tian'anmen Square, was held 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.
In his address, Xi emphasized the need for equality, peace, and mutual support.
"History cautions us that humanity rises and falls together. Only when all countries and nations treat each other as equals, coexist in peace and support each other, can we uphold common security, eradicate the root cause of war and prevent the recurrence of historical tragedies," said Xi.
His words have resonated widely across the globe, drawing praise from politicians and thinkers who view China's unwavering commitment to peaceful development as a vital force for global stability.
"We are very happy to jointly celebrate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. China has forged its own path of development and, today, as a major global power, actively promotes international cooperation to overcome common enemies of humanity -- poverty, hunger, and war. We support and participate in the global initiatives proposed by China," said Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil in an interview with China Central Television (CCTV).
Roberto Di Stefano, mayor of Sesto San Giovanni in Italy, praised China's expanding international engagement, which he said is of great significance for world peace and development.
"In recent years, China has expanded international cooperation, steadfastly pursuing a path of peaceful development and working hand in hand with people across Asia, Europe, Africa, and beyond to promote peace and development worldwide. I believe this is a path worthy of following and learning from," said Stefano.
Czech journalist Helena Kocova praised President Xi's remarks as "very wise," stressing that historical awareness is essential to preventing future crises and fostering global cooperation.
"I think this is a very wise statement of President Xi Jinping. I believe, as a journalist, that treating everyone equally and supporting each other is the way to win over every crisis in the world. And in the Czech Republic, we have a [saying], 'those who don't know their history and who can't learn from it are doomed to repeat it'. And I think China is committed to peaceful development and building a shared future for mankind. China focuses on mutual cooperation and trade and prosperity. It's very important for all the world," said Kocova.
Christine Susanna Tjhin, director of strategic communication and research at Indonesia's Gentala Institute, underscored the enduring value of peace, especially under the current international environment.
"The message that has been delivered is very much important, especially with the current situation, with the current geopolitical tensions. The peace that we have attained so far is attained through blood and tears. And something that we need to always be reminded of -- how this peace should be maintained all the time, and also how this peace will be a very important pillar for our development," said Tjhin.
Nigerian former army spokesman Sani Usman was particularly struck by President Xi's declaration that "the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is unstoppable", highlighting China's growing role in global affairs.
"I am impressed with that -- he (Xi) said, 'the rejuvenation of the Chinese [nation] is unstoppable'. That means he is repositioning China for a greater role and responsibility, focusing on peace, partnership, dialogue and development," said Usman.
South African international relations expert John Stremlau echoed this sentiment, calling for collective action in a rapidly changing world.
"We are in a transition world, and therefore, it will be a transition that we all must work to keep peaceful and to sustain development. The world is a very diverse place, and the Chinese have a coherence of civilization [and] nation. And therefore, I leave to and defer to President Xi Jinping and the Chinese to figure out a way [or] formula for moving forward peacefully and with the ultimate objective of development for all," said Stremlau.
Global observers hail Xi's V-Day speech, praise China's commitment to peace, development
