By REN FAQIANG,
Consul & Head of Post of the Consulate of P.R. China in Laoag
IN EARLY AUGUST, the sun shone brightly over Laoag, casting a warm glow across the region. I had the honor of attending the Ablan Day celebration hosted by the provincial government of Ilocos Norte, where I joined Filipino friends from all walks of life in paying tribute to and remembering WWII hero and former Gov. Roque B. Ablan, Sr. During the armed occupation of Northern Luzon by Japan, Ablan bravely led Ilocanos in defending their homeland with unwavering determination. He ultimately gave his life for his country–a sacrifice that continues to inspire deep admiration and respect.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Eight decades ago, peace-loving countries and peoples worldwide, including both China and the Philippines, stood and fought together against fascism and militarism for the future of humanity and global peace.
The 14-year-long Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, which caused over 35 million Chinese military personnel and civilians died, kicked off the World Anti-Fascist War. The main Eastern battlefield for the Global War against Fascism was developed. China makes decisive contributions to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War.
This year also marks the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s return to China. Taiwan’s status has been affirmed by a series of legally binding international documents, including Cairo Declaration and Potsdam Proclamation, and UN General Assembly Resolution 2758. Taiwan has been an inalienable part of China’s territory since ancient times–the historical ins and outs and legal facts about the Taiwan question are crystal clear.
It remains our shared responsibility to uphold a correct historical view of WWII. History’s lessons still vivid. We must stand on the right side of history and the progressive side of mankind, and be firm in safeguarding the international system with the UN at its core and the international order underpinned by international law.
We should also be vigilant against a small number of people have been blatantly turning back the wheel of history by constantly downplaying and whitewashing the aggression. We must be resolute in opposing historical nihilism and let the vision of a world free of war
and with lasting peace take root in our hearts.
History tells us that peace is hard-earned, and tragedy must not be repeated. On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China -Philippines diplomatic relations, we are willing to follow the right path of peaceful development, learn from the our history of resisting aggression, and work together to ensure that the glorious sunshine continues to shine upon us.
