BEIJING, Aug. 29 -- On Thursday morning, the press center for the upcoming commemorative events marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War held its first press conference. Hong Lei, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs,  responded to questions including the purpose of the 80th anniversary commemorative activities, Japan's distortion and falsification of history, and Kim Jong Un's attendance at the commemorative activities.

Hong stated that China's holding of the military parade is to demonstrate its firm determination to pursue peaceful development, its strong will to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and its powerful capability to maintain world peace and tranquility.

"On issues of peace and security, China has the best record among the world's major countries. Since the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC), China has never started a war, never occupied one inch of foreign land, and never engaged in proxy wars . China is the only major country to enshrine the commitment to peaceful development in its Constitution and is the UN Security Council permanent member that contributes the most peacekeepers," he added.

While responding questions regarding Japan's denial of aggression, Hong stated that there has always been a force within Japan that attempts to deny aggression, glorify aggression, distort and falsify history, and even rehabilitate and glorify war criminals of the past. "This constitutes a challenge to the post-war international order, to human conscience, and to all peace-loving peoples," he slammed.

The assistant minister further pointed out that in recent years, Japan has significantly adjusted its security policies, increased defense spending year by year, and continuously relaxed restrictions on arms exports, causing the international community to strongly question whether Japan truly adheres to its "exclusively defense-oriented" policy and commitment to peaceful development.

"We urge the Japanese side to face up to history, deeply reflect on its responsibility for aggression, completely draw a clear line with militarism, and take the right path of peaceful development and good-neighborliness and friendship," Hong said.