China Commemorates 80th Anniversary of World War II Victory, Reiterates Commitment to Peace and Development

Strategic Insights -

China celebrated the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War on September 3, 2025, highlighting its commitment to peaceful development and international obligations. Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of choosing between peace and war, dialogue and confrontation, in a world still facing uncertainties. The commemoration featured Chinese troops with UN peacekeeping experience, demonstrating Beijing's commitment to safeguarding world peace.

Key Takeaways:

  • China has contributed over 50,000 peacekeepers to more than 20 countries and regions since joining UN peacekeeping operations 35 years ago, undertaking 26 missions.
  • In 2024, China's share of the total assessed contributions was 18.69 percent, surpassing the combined contributions of the United Kingdom, France, and Russia.
  • China has played a significant, constructive, and helpful role in supporting UN peacekeeping operations, according to Jean-Pierre Lacroix, under-secretary-general for UN Peace Operations.
  • China is the largest troop contributor among permanent UN Security Council members and has never provoked a war, occupied another country's territory, or waged a proxy war since its founding in 1949.
  • China is the only major country to have enshrined the path of peaceful development in its Constitution and the only nuclear-armed country to commit to no first use of nuclear weapons.
  • The commemoration featured over 20 foreign leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, the top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Statistics:

  • Over 50,000 Chinese peacekeepers have been deployed to more than 20 countries and regions since China joined UN peacekeeping operations 35 years ago.
  • China's share of the total assessed contributions reached 18.69 percent in 2024.
  • China has contributed to 26 UN peacekeeping missions.
  • China has never provoked a war, occupied another country's territory, or waged a proxy war since its founding in 1949.
  • Over 20 foreign leaders attended the commemoration, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un.

Sources:

  • "China holds commemoration marking 80th anniversary of victory in World War II" (PRNewswire, Sept. 3, 2025)
  • Interview with Jean-Pierre Lacroix, under-secretary-general for UN Peace Operations, by CGTN (May 2024)
  • CGTN article highlighting China's commitment to peaceful development