Compatriots in China's Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan hailed the September 3 V-Day military parade, saying the event left them excited and more determined to work toward the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the safeguarding of peace.
The grand military parade, held at Tian'anmen Square in central Beijing, marked the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. President Xi Jinping delivered a speech before the parade.
In his speech, Xi noted that the Chinese people made a major contribution to the salvation of human civilization and the defense of world peace with immense sacrifice in the war. He called on nations to "eliminate the root cause of war and prevent historical tragedies from recurring."
Japan officially surrendered on Sept. 2, 1945, by signing the Instrument of Surrender. China designated Sept. 3 as Victory Day.
"We commemorate the victory not only to remember the past but also to gather strength in the new era. Facing a complex and changing international situation, we must unwaveringly uphold the policy of 'One Country, Two Systems' and see that the people of Hong Kong administer Hong Kong. Only when our country is stable can Hong Kong achieve prosperity," said Lam Hiu-fai, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China's top political advisory body, from Hong Kong SAR.
"President Xi Jinping's important address expounded on the great spirit of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and showed China's unwavering determination to pursue Chinese modernization through a path of peaceful development. The troops participating in the military parade were in high morale and multiple new equipment made their debut. That has significantly boosted the confidence of all Chinese people, including the people in Macao, to achieve the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation," said Ho Sut Heng, a deputy to the National People's Congress, the highest state organ of power, from Macao SAR.
"I'm very honored to have the opportunity to watch the military parade from the temporary viewing platform on Tian'anmen Square. Peace can only be ensured by strength. In the past, many of our predecessors sacrificed their lives for the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the recovery of Taiwan. That is something all Chinese people should never forget," said Wang Ping-chung, a current affairs commentator from Taiwan region.
Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan compatriots hail V-Day parade, cite boost to national confidence
