May I start by paying my respect to H.M. King Letsie III, and all other protocols observed.
The Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Pakalitha Mosisili and Madame Mosisili,
Hon. Tsukutlane Au, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations and Minister of Public Service,
Other Hon. Ministers present here tonight,
Dear Colleagues Their Excellencies Heads of Diplomatic and Consular Missions and International Organizations,,
Respected the Representatives of the Lesotho War Veterans,
Respected Leaders of the Chinese Communities and the Chinese Enterprises Associations in Lesotho,
Distinguished Guests,
Dear Compatriots,
Friends from news media,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening! Lumelang!
Today, it gives me great pleasure and honour to attend the Celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and of the World Anti-Fascist War, that jointly sponsored and organized by the Chinese Embassy，the Chinese Communities and the Chinese Enterprises Associations in Lesotho. First of all, please allow me, on behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Lesotho, to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to The Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Pakalitha Mosisili and Madame Mosisili, Hon. Minister Tsukutlane Au and other Hon. Ministers for their presences, and the warm welcome to all of you present here tonight. I would also like to take this opportunity to express my thanks to the Chinese Communities and Chinese Enterprises for their meticulous preparation and thoughtful arrangements, and wish today’s celebration a complete success!
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, as well as the World Anti-Fascist War. The World War II, which broke out more than 70 years ago, brought unprecedented catastrophes to mankind, and was a life-and -death struggle of the peace-loving countries and peoples against the human civilization’s cruel enemy --Fascist. The fierce war burned all over Asia, Europe, Africa and Oceania, involving over 80 countries and regions, and about 2 billion people, bringing great disasters to world peace and human civilization. The World War II was also a great victory of justice over evil, brightness over darkness and progress over reactionary, and the post-war international order focusing on peace has made significant and far-reaching influence on the progress of human civilization.
The Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression is an important part of the World Anti-Fascist War. The war broke out in China at the earliest day and lasted for the longest time. Facing the brutal aggression of Japanese militarism and the unprecedented national disaster and crisis, the Chinese people, who were unwilling to be humiliated, united as one under the banner of the National United Front put forward by the Chinese Communist Party, and fought together to save the country. At the oriental main battlefield of the World Anti-Fascist War, countless Chinese people fought dauntlessly at the extremely hard and bitter conditions against the Japanese invaders for 8 years and eventually won the great victory of the national liberation. At the same time, China also paid great national sacrifices with more than 35 million Chinese soldiers and civilians killed and injured, and over 600 billion U.S. dollars direct and indirect economic losses according to the exchange rate at that time. In the world, the Chinese people's heroic resistance, by withstanding Japanese invaders’ strong offensive for a long time and hampering their main forces, effectively supported the Allies’ operations in the European and the Pacific Theaters. Chinese people’s great national sacrifices have made indelible historical contributions to both the final victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and the human’s cause for peace, progress and justice.
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
We can not forget that in the struggle against aggression and safeguarding justice, people all over the world shared a bitter hatred against the same enemy and fought hand in hand against the invaders. Africa , as another important battlefield of World War II, with about 1.5 million people from almost 30 countries enlisted or volunteered to join in the army, with 2.5 million people worked in the logistics, and with thousands and thousands of soldiers lost their lives, supported the Allies with a large number of human resources and materials. During World War II, Lesotho alone sent more than 21000 Basotho soldiers to fight together with the Allies, among them over 1100 sacrificed their lives for the world’s peace and the integrity of the Basotho Nation. Today, we are honored to have invited some representatives of the Lesotho War Veterans. Now may I propose that we give them a big hand to show our warmest welcome and highest respect to them. I believe that, although several decades have passed, the cruelty of the war is still lingering in their minds. They could still remember the harsh bombings, the intensive gunfires and their brothers and sisters who lost their lives in the war. The blood of the martyrs should not be shed in vain. Each of us should cherish more dearly today’s hard-won peace, stability and security and work hard together to safeguard the world peace and stability.
History should not be forgotten. Although the flames of World War II is far away, the great victory that decided the future and fate of the world 70 years ago should be remembered by all the peoples who love peace and justice. There’s an old saying in China that “Past experience is a guide for the future.” That means people should keep in mind the past lessons and make it as a reference for the future. As Chinese President Xi Jinping said, history is the best textbook and the best dose of sobriety. The former German President Weizaecker also said, those who do not review history will be blind to reality, and those who are not willing to reflect on atrocities are likely to repeat them in the future. Unfortunately, today’s world is still far from peaceful and stable. Some ghosts of militarism have still not scattered. Not only do they refuse to face up to the history, but also try to distort the history. These trends are worthy of the vigilance and attention of all the peace-loving peoples in the world.
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
The purpose of the commemoration today is not to prolong the hatred, but to cherish the memory of those martyrs, to remember the history, to draw lessons, to arouse people’s yearning and commitment for peace, to prevent the historical tragedy from happening again, to better safeguard the results of the victory of the World War II, to maintain the hard-won peace and explore better and harmonious future. On September 3 this year, the Chinese government will hold the grand commemorations marking the 70th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and of the World Anti-Fascist War in Beijing, inviting leaders from major states involving in the World War II, some Asian countries as well as countries in other regions, representatives from relevant international organizations. The Chinese nation is a peace-loving nation and has always been the backbone for the maintenance of world peace. China will continue to adhere to the road of peaceful development, promote and maintain the world peace and justice, and is willing to work together with the international community to build a harmonious world of enduring peace and common prosperity.
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Over 70 years ago, under the banner of the Chinese people's Anti-Japanese National United Front, people of all ethnic groups, different classes, parties, social organizations, patriotic personages from all walks of life, as well as overseas Chinese united as one and dedicated themselves without hesitation to the life-and-death struggle for national survival, which formed the great spirit of the war of resistance. Chinese people had shown the world with great patriotism and obligation that every man has a share of responsibility for the fate of his country, the national courage of rather die than submit, the heroic spirit of fighting to the last drop of blood, and indomitable belief for final victory. These are our precious spiritual wealth, the mental motivation to overcome all difficulties and obstacles along the road to realize China’s national rejuvenation, as well as the source of strength for overseas Chinese to strive and grow stronger abroad. Facing new historical opportunity, we should inherit and carry forward the spirit of the war of resistance and work hard in unity, to make new contributions to realize the Chinese Dream. Here, I also hope all Chinese compatriots in Lesotho could continue to carry forward the tradition of loving motherland and hometown, care and support China’s development, as well as benefit the local communities in Lesotho and make greater contributions to Africa and Lesotho’s socio-economic development and China-Lesotho friendship.
Thank you!