CCTV:

Just now, Mr. Hu introduced the overall arrangements for the commemorative events, which seem very grand. What is the main purpose for doing this? Also, what will the features be? Thank you.

Hu Heping:

As you just said, these commemorative events will indeed be very grand. The Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was a national liberation struggle against the longest and largest-scale foreign invasion with the largest number of casualties in modern Chinese history, making a significant contribution to the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War. The theme of the commemorative events this time is "Bear History in Mind, Honor All Those Who Laid Down Their Lives, Cherish Peace, and Open up the Future." They aim to remember the arduous struggle of the Chinese people against Japanese militaristic aggression, honor the heroes and martyrs who bravely sacrificed their lives in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and all those who contributed to the war, declare the Chinese people's unwavering commitment to the path of peaceful development and to resolutely safeguarding world peace, and draw wisdom and strength from history to create a brighter future.

In recent years, the Party and the state have annually arranged commemorative events for the outbreak and victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the September 18th Incident, and the National Memorial Day for the Nanjing Massacre Victims. We feel that the commemorative events this time have the following several characteristics:

First, the commemorative events are of a high level. Commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War is a major event for the Party and the state this year. Among the plans just introduced, there will be five events held in the name of the Party and the country: the commemorative ceremony, reception, medal presentation, themed exhibition opening and national memorial ceremony. The reason for arranging so many high-level events is to show the Party and the government's respect for history and reverence for martyrs and heroes, and to better cultivate and inspire people's patriotism.

Second, the commemorative events cover a wide range of aspects. The victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression is a grand epic of the Chinese people all making concerted efforts and of the weak defeating the strong. All localities and departments will also hold related commemorative events in accordance with the unified arrangements of the CPC Central Committee. Provinces and key cities where important historical events, major battles and significant anti-Japanese armed forces activities occurred during the war will organize symposiums, academic seminars and other activities and hold exhibitions of pictures, calligraphy works, paintings and cultural relics. Compatriots in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan and overseas Chinese will also organize related commemorative activities to pass on the collective memory of the Chinese nation.

Third, the commemorative events value public participation. In April, the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, together with relevant departments, issued a notice. This clarified the arrangements for mass commemorative activities to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, and required all localities and departments, in line with their actual conditions, to make good use of various grassroots cultural strengths and widely carry out mass commemorative activities with clear themes, diverse forms and rich educational significance, vigorously promoting the great spirit of resisting aggression throughout the society.

At the same time, we will also invite international friends to participate in the commemorative events, hold international academic seminars, promote a batch of excellent works on the theme of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and organize domestic special exhibition halls to hold special exhibitions in other countries. We also welcome all peace-loving countries and individuals in the world to pay attention to and participate in China's commemorative events, and jointly commemorate the hard-won great victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Thank you.