Xinhua:

We have noticed that this year, people in many countries around the world are commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War in a variety of ways, revisiting that harrowing and heroic chapter in history. The earlier introduction mentioned several planned international exchange activities. What are the main considerations behind these arrangements? Thank you.

Hu Heping:

Thank you for your question. The victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression marked a historical turning point, as the Chinese nation emerged from a period of deep crisis and began its path toward national rejuvenation. It was also a significant part of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War. The Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression received broad support from the international community. Additionally, the Chinese people will always remember the contributions made by people from various countries to China's victory in the war. Mr. Wu also touched on this point earlier.

In the World Anti-Fascist War, the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was the first to begin and lasted the longest. The Chinese people bore the brunt of the main battlefield in the East during the World Anti-Fascist War, making immense national sacrifices. According to incomplete statistics, more than 35 million Chinese soldiers and civilians were killed or wounded. Based on 1937 price levels, direct economic losses exceeded $100 billion, and the indirect losses surpassed $500 billion. The Chinese battlefield tied down and fought the main forces of Japanese militarism, eliminating more than 1.5 million Japanese troops. This played a decisive role in the final defeat of the Japanese aggressors. China's War of Resistance played a strategic role in coordinating with and supporting Allied operations. It aligned with strategic actions on the European battlefield and in other parts of Asia, restraining and disrupting the strategic coordination efforts of the fascist powers of Japan, Germany, and Italy. This had a significant impact on the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and contributed greatly to the global effort for peace.

The Soviet Union, the United States and the United Kingdom, along with other anti-fascist allies, provided valuable human and material support during the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. Canadian doctor Norman Bethune and Indian doctor Dwarkanath Kotnis traveled thousands of miles to China to save lives. French doctor Jean Jerome Augustin Bussiere delivered medical supplies by creating a "hump route by bike" through Japanese lines. German businessman John Rabe and Danish businessman Bernhard Arp Sindberg protected Chinese refugees during the Nanjing Massacre. Journalists such as Briton Michael Lindsay and internationalist fighter Hans Shippe actively reported on and publicized Chinese people's heroic resistance against Japanese aggression. The Chinese people will never forget their moving deeds and noble virtues.

The victory in the World Anti-Fascist War laid an important foundation for the construction of the post-World War II international order. The Chinese people will work together with all peace-loving countries and peoples around the world to promote an accurate understanding of World War II history, implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, and advance the building of a new type of international relations and a community with a shared future for mankind. Thank you.

Shou Xiaoli:

Please continue with your questions. We have time for one last question.