The PLA Daily published an editorial today, noting that May 9 is a date
worth commemorating for all the peace loving people in the world. It was on that
day 60 years ago, the war in the European theater of the WW II, that inflicted
on mankind extremely grave calamities, was declared to an end, proclaiming that
the decisive victory of the anti-fascist war was won. This spells a victory for
peace and justice, and is likewise a victory of the progressive cause of
mankind. By taking this opportunity, we would like to extend our highest respect
for the people of all countries, who made great sacrifices and contributions to
winning the world anti-fascist war, and to the sons and daughters of the Chinese
nation, both domestic and oversea, who made outstanding merits for winning the
victory of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and to offer our
heartfelt condolences to those innocent victims who were massacred in cold blood
by the aggressors.
As time moves on, everything changes in the world. The past 60 years
witnessed dramatic changes in the world situation and international strategic
configuration. However, "The past, if not forgotten, can serve as a guide for
the future". The passage of time is not able to wear off people's memory of the
great anti-fascist war. It is like a giant history textbook that has left
mankind endless reflection and profound enlightenment.
The victory of the world anti-fascist war shows that justice will surely
triumph over evil, brightness will trump darkness and progressiveness will
outmatch reaction. The evil and reactionary forces will eventually be swept away
by the historical tide. A just and progressive cause is sure to win. This is the
iron rule of history and no force whatsoever can change that or can stand in its
way.
The victory of the world anti-fascist war displays that peace will not come
by easily and therefore should be cherished extraordinarily. In today's world,
peace and development remains to be the theme of the times. Nevertheless, the
world is by no means tranquil, featuring local wars and regional conflicts
popping up here and there, hegemonism and power politics still in existence and
the hazard of terrorist forces, extreme religious forces and nationality
secessionist forces being on the rise. What should be particularly kept guard
against is that the specter of fascism still hovers around and the ghost of
Japanese militarism inexorably hangs on. People basking in the sunshine of peace
must be prepared for danger in times of safety and maintain high degree of
vigilance, constantly develop and enlarge the forces of peace, constrain and
uproot various factors that might lead to war and never allow the tragedy of
world war to repeat again.
The victory of the world anti-fascist war demonstrates that as a
responsible major power, maintaining world peace and promoting common
development, and safeguarding national security and interests must be backed up
with a consolidated national defense and mighty military power. In the new stage
of the new century, we must bear in mind the new historical mission and make
every effort to build up a military force commensurate to China's status and
development interests. We must upgrade our abilities in responding to crisis, in
maintaining peace, in curbing war and winning war so as to better implement the
duty of maintaining national security, defending national sovereignty and
territory integrity, and to make due contributions for maintaining world peace
and promoting common development.
(May 9, PLA Daily)