David Orzan, ambassador in World of Excellence of Gorizia, gives an interview to Xinhua at his home in northeastern Italian city of Gorizia on July 15, 2025.(Xinhua/Ren Yaoting)

GORIZIA, Italy, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) -- The 14-year Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was a crucial front in the global anti-fascist struggle, an Italian cultural official has said.

"The sacrifices and determination of the Chinese people deserve to be remembered and honored," David Orzan, ambassador in World of Excellence of the northeastern Italian city of Gorizia, told Xinhua.

China's protracted resistance significantly tied down Japanese militarism forces and eased pressure on other Allied fronts, he noted.

Located on Italy's border with Slovenia, Gorizia has long been a symbol of both conflict and resilience. It was a fierce battleground during World War II and fell under the Nazi German control after Italy's surrender in 1943.

"For over a year and a half, Gorizia was effectively part of Nazi Germany," Orzan recalled. "This region witnessed countless atrocities and became a tragic chapter in Europe's wartime history."

Not far from Gorizia lies Trieste, home to an Italian Nazis camp equipped with a gas chamber, which later became the San Sabba Rice Mill National Monument and Museum, he said. More than 5,000 people, including Jews, partisans and anti-fascists, were killed there.

Noting that the world is facing economic instability, rising nationalism and a disregard for historical truth, Orzan said that "we must remain vigilant."

"Peace is not an abstract ideal, but a goal rooted in memory, mutual respect and cultural dialogue," said Orzan, who works as the local government's cultural promoter, adding that much of today's turmoil stems from "forgetting the cost of war."

The official spoke highly of China's diplomatic approach in global affairs, saying, "China seeks dialogue over conflict, and that is something the world desperately needs right now."

"We must never forget the past, and we must not allow its tragedies to repeat," he said, expressing serious concern about the resurgence of far-right rhetoric.

Orzan called for more investment in youth education and intercultural exchanges. "If young people make friends from different backgrounds, they are far less likely to be swayed by hate and fear."