Ambassador Hou Yanqi released an article on South China Morning Post entitled "China, Southeast Asia and the shared legacy of anti-fascist struggle"  on 30 August 2025. The full text is as follows:

Eighty years ago, after 14 years of bloody and unrelenting struggling, the Chinese people won a great victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, a crucial part of the global fight against fascism.

The vicious Japanese militarist aggressors had inflicted immense suffering on China, Southeast Asia and the world at large. The flames of war engulfed more than 80 countries and regions, affecting some 2 billion people. Military and civilian casualties exceeded 100 million. Human civilisation endured devastation on a scale without precedent.

Victory represented justice prevailing over evil, light piercing darkness and progress overcoming reaction. It was a victory not just for the Chinese people, but for people everywhere.

On September 3, the Chinese government will hold a grand event to commemorate the 80th anniversary of this victory, with President Xi Jinping delivering an important address. Eight decades on, we reflect not only on the victory itself but also on the meaning of remembrance: to learn from history, cherish peace and draw on collective wisdom for a better future for mankind.

The Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was an important part of the world’s anti-fascist struggle. The September 18 incident in 1931 marked its beginning, opening the first chapter of the global war against fascism.

As the principal theatre in the East, China’s resistance began earlier, lasted longer and exacted greater sacrifice than any other. More than 35 million Chinese soldiers and civilians were killed or wounded. For years, China held down vast numbers of Japanese troops, playing a decisive role in bringing about the end of World War II.

Southeast Asian nations also endured immense suffering and made significant contributions. In Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Myanmar, the Philippines and beyond, anti-Japanese forces fought with extraordinary courage. Local communities provided men, resources and intelligence to support the Allied cause. Amid the fires of war, Chinese and Southeast Asian peoples fought side by side, defending sovereignty, dignity and justice. Together they forged an unbreakable community of shared destiny.

The war’s end also accelerated the collapse of colonialism. The victories of 1945 inspired national liberation movements across Asia, Africa and Latin America. Vietnam and Indonesia emerged directly from the crucible of war, while other Southeast Asian nations won their independence soon afterwards.

The restoration of Taiwan to China was an integral outcome of the victory and the post-war international order. The 1943 Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation of 1945 and Japan’s Instrument of Surrender all affirmed China’s sovereignty over Taiwan. Later, in 1971, UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 settled the question of China’s representation once and for all, recognising the government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate representative of the whole of China, including Taiwan.

Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. This is history and fact. To date, 183 countries maintain diplomatic relations with China on the basis of the one-China principle. This demonstrates the consensus of the international community and is the political foundation of China’s diplomacy.

Certain countries attempt to deliberately distort Resolution 2758 and promote the false notion that Taiwan’s status is “undetermined”. Such moves are a blatant challenge to the authority of the UN and undermine the post-war international order. They are absurd, dangerous and ultimately doomed to fail.‌

Eighty years on, the world has entered a new period of turbulence and change. We see a certain country increasingly practising unilateralism, wantonly abandoning international agreements, provoking trade and technology wars, and undermining the rules-based multilateral trading system. These actions pose serious risks to world peace, development and prosperity.

The Asia-Pacific, as a focal point where global powers converge, faces unprecedented challenges. We must draw on lessons from history to break the deadlock through cooperation, resolve differences through dialogue, and address challenges with solidarity to jointly safeguard peace, development and prosperity.

First, we must practise true multilateralism and uphold the international system, with the UN at its core. Asia-Pacific affairs should be handled through dialogue and consultation. We must have the courage to say no to hegemony and bullying. The region’s destiny must be determined collectively, on the basis of equal rights and opportunities for all, especially developing countries in the Global South.

Second, we must strengthen exchanges among civilisations and promote harmonious coexistence. Asia’s traditions of peace, cooperation, openness and inclusiveness are not only rooted in history but also embody the shared aspirations of our peoples today. Guided by these values, we can promote the diversity and vibrancy of our civilisations, contributing a new paradigm to global governance.

Third, we must uphold open regionalism and safeguard the ASEAN-centred regional architecture. China firmly supports ASEAN centrality and actively participates in East Asia cooperation mechanisms led by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. We firmly oppose exclusive blocs, so-called decoupling, and “small yards, high fences”. We should make good use of frameworks such as the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership to advance economic integration, expand trade and investment, and unlock new opportunities in emerging sectors.

Past experience, if not forgotten, is a guide for the future. As President Xi has pointed out, we must draw wisdom and strength from the great victory of the world’s anti-fascist war, resolutely resist all forms of hegemonism and power politics, and work together to build a brighter future for humanity.

Eighty years after the end of WWII, we commemorate this great victory not to perpetuate hatred, but to remember the lessons of history and embed the values of peace in the lifeblood of every nation.

At this crossroads of history, China will continue to uphold the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind and follow the right path of peaceful development.

We are ready to work with the Global South, ASEAN included, to safeguard the post-war international order, promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation. Together, we can build inclusive globalisation that benefits all and make a greater contribution to lasting peace, security and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific and beyond.