The Peace Conference in Commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War is held on September 26, 2025. Photo: Zhao Jingru /GT

The Peace Conference in Commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War was held on Friday in Beijing. Participants from multiple countries called for safeguarding the outcomes of WWII, uniting for peace and justice to tackle global challenges and uncertainties.
Under the theme of "Remembering History and Safeguarding Peace," the conference was guided by the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, and hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Peace and Disarmament (CPAPD). More than 150 representatives from over 60 countries attended, according to the Xinhua News Agency, with some representatives emphasizing that this conference highlighted China's latest practices as a "peace practitioner" and provided a platform for people to inherit the spirit of peace.
Peng Qinghua, vice chairman of the standing committee of the National People's Congress and President of the CPAPD, delivered the keynote speech. He urged peace organizations and security think tanks worldwide to promote a correct historical view of World War II, safeguard its victory outcomes, actively practice the Global Governance Initiative, and jointly contribute to building a community with a shared future for humanity.
Former president of the Swiss Confederation Ueli Maurer, former Thai prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, former Pakistani caretaker prime minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar and others, all stressed their commitment to uniting for peace and justice to tackle global challenges and promote human progress during their address.
Maurer said the world urgently needs peace and security amid turbulence and change. He added that China's V-Day commemoration events marking the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War held on September 3 in Beijing was a "worthy ceremony."
Jeffrey Greene, chairman of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation, said at the conference that "peace is not a gift from history, it is a responsibility to the future." He added that the bond forged from Chinese people helping Flying Tigers, a group of American volunteer pilots who fought alongside Chinese forces against Japanese invaders during World War II, must "inspire us in peace."
Sohail Khan, the deputy secretary-general of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), told the Global Times that in an era of global polarization and uncertainty, the conference serves as a crucial platform, uniting people as a "real community" to move forward and collectively rebuild a future of peace and prosperity.
By facilitating interactions across spheres of trade, education, technology and others, this conference enables exchange of information and knowledge, and progress takes place," Khan said.
Zhang Zhizhou, a professor at the School of International Relations and Diplomacy at Beijing Foreign Studies University, told the Global Times on Friday that as a major power that has remained at peace for decades, China consistently advocates for dialogue and consultation to resolve international issues, demonstrating its role as a "peace practitioner" and setting a positive example for international cooperation to advance global peace.
2025 marks the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. A series of commemorative activities have been held across society, demonstrating China's commitment to maintaining world peace, according to the Information Office of the State Council.
The 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) opened on September 9 at the UN headquarters in New York, marking the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, with the theme of "Better Together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights," Xinhua reported.