Xi's V-Day speech inspires Chinese people to strive for national rejuvenation

Residents from all walks of life across China say they have drawn inspiration from Chinese President Xi Jinping's speech delivered during last week's Victory Day commemoration events in Beijing, saying they will draw strength from the history, carry forward the great spirit of the War of Resistance, and devote themselves to Chinese modernization while writing a new chapter in strengthening the country and rejuvenating the nation. Xi delivered his speech just before the start of a massive military parade held in Tian'anmen Square on the morning of Sept. 3 to mark the 80th anniversary of China's victory in World War II.

During his speech, Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, reviewed the glorious course of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-1945) and solemnly declared the Chinese people's firm stance of "remembering history, honoring martyrs, cherishing peace, and creating a better future."

His inspiring remarks resonated with people across China, with many feeling a sense of pride at how the country has grown in recent decades and expressing their resolve to continue this development journey.

"We deeply feel that a strong motherland is our greatest source of confidence. As urban infrastructure has improved and transportation has become more convenient over the years, our sense of happiness, fulfillment, and security has greatly increased. All of this is inseparable from the leadership of the Party and the care of the General Secretary. We must bear in mind the General Secretary's instructions and work together with people of all ethnic groups to make Xinjiang more beautiful," said Zumretgul Ablet, the head of a local community in Kashgar City of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

The V-Day commemorations were particularly poignant for Yang Huafeng, a 92-year-old veteran who lost both his parents to Japanese invaders. He said he is proud of how his motherland has risen from the devastation of World War II to become a confident nation.

"Our country has grown stronger. We will never invade any country, nor will we allow any country to invade China. I feel the greatness of the Communist Party of China. Only when our country develops better and faster, will our people live happier lives," said Yang.

Xi's speech has also inspired Chinese people to further carry forward the great spirit of the War of Resistance in the new era, and fulfill their duties and responsibilities in their respective fields. "The General Secretary's important speech has filled us with confidence and motivated us to forge ahead. On the path of sci-tech innovation and the application of scientific and technological achievements, we must grapple with tough problems, and integrate innovation into every production line, every piece of equipment, and every line of code. We will use more high-quality scientific research results to continuously elevate Made in China to a new height," said Wu Yan, a researcher with the Qin Chuang Yuan Innovation-driven Platform launched by northwest China's Shaanxi Province.

"It is the bloody battles our revolutionary martyrs fought that have brought us peace today. I will bear in mind General Secretary Xi Jinping's instructions, carry forward the great spirit of the War of Resistance, sustain our revolutionary legacy, live up to my youth and shine in the new era," said Xie Qiming, a young volunteer from Baishan City in northeast China's Jilin Province.

Japan officially surrendered on Sept. 2, 1945, by signing the Instrument of Surrender, with China designating Sept. 3 as its Victory Day over Japan.

Xi's V-Day speech inspires Chinese people to strive for national rejuvenation

A former television host from Taiwan, Zhai Xuan, has made a pivotal decision to leave mainstream broadcasting in order to create content that provides a better understanding of the Chinese mainland and cross-strait relations.

Zhai, a seasoned television host with over a decade of experience in Taiwan's media landscape, recently addressed an audience at an event in Beijing, where she revealed her complete transition into independent online media.

In her remarks, she articulated her aspiration to bridge what she perceives as a significant information gap between audiences on both sides of the Strait, highlighting her commitment to fostering a deeper understanding and connection through her new endeavors.

"I was really surprised by all the fake news. There were stories saying people on the mainland can't afford tea eggs or that they live in mud houses and in Taiwan, this was the main information many people received," said Zhai.

Zhai said she initially began producing online videos to challenge such perceptions while continuing her work as a television host.

In April 2025, she travelled to the mainland with her father to fulfill her late grandfather's wish to return to his hometown. The trip, which reunited family members separated since 1949, was recorded in a video series titled "Journey to Find Our Roots", drawing attention from viewers in both Taiwan and the mainland.

"Many people in Taiwan told me that after watching, they wanted to apply for a mainland travel permit immediately and go looking for their relatives. Some had long forgotten these things, but after seeing my story, they began thinking about their hometowns and family members they had never met and decided to search for their roots," Zhai shared her story at the event.

By mid-2025, Zhai said she began to feel increasing pressure amid rising political tensions and a tightening atmosphere around cross-Strait exchanges in Taiwan.

After more than 12 years in the industry, Zhai resigned from her position, believing it was the right thing to do.

"At that moment, I felt this was a major issue，not just for me, but for Chinese people on both sides of the Strait. If I backed down then, I wouldn’t be standing on the right side," said Zhai.

Since leaving television, Zhai has broadened her online programming to encompass a range of daily-life topics, including practical guidance on applying for a mainland travel permit and using commonly employed mobile applications, in addition to content that delves into historical memory and cultural connections across the Strait.

As the debate over cross-Strait relations continues in Taiwan, Zhai said she remains committed to her current path.

Former Taiwan TV host bridges cross-Strait divide via online media