Author: Héribert-Label Elisée ADJOVI – Chairman of the Xi’an Think Tank for Sino-African Cooperation and Development
Located south of the Yangtze River, Nanjing is the capital of Jiangsu Province and renowned for its rich historical legacy as a former capital of various dynasties and of the Republic of China. It holds a special place in the collective memory of the Chinese people. It was in the auditorium of the Central Military Academy in Nanjing that the official surrender of Japanese forces in China took place, marking the end of World War II on Chinese soil. Eighty (80) years after the conclusion of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the global war against fascism, China commemorates this victory as a major pillar of its identity and geopolitical narrative. The date was Thursday, September 9, 1945. What legacy remains for posterity? How does this legacy shape China’s contemporary vision of global peace? In what ways does the memory of this struggle continue to inform China’s modern diplomatic discourse? And finally, what message does China convey to the African people in this commemorative and forward-looking context?
China’s Specific Contribution to the Victory Over Fascism and the End of World War II - Strategic Immobilization of Japanese Forces: China played a decisive role in the Allied victory by tying down approximately 1.86 million Japanese troops—nearly half of Japan’s army—on the Chinese front, preventing their deployment to other regions such as Australia, India, and the Middle East. This thwarted a potentially catastrophic junction between German and Japanese forces. - Human Sacrifice: Between 20 and 30 million Chinese military and civilian lives were lost, including 2.2 million soldiers. Over 100 million refugees were displaced—China suffered the second-highest toll among the Allies after the USSR. - Early Resistance: China was the first nation to confront fascist expansion, beginning with the invasion of Manchuria in 1931—well before the official outbreak of World War II. - Founding the UN Order: This prolonged struggle legitimized China’s role as a founding member of the UN Security Council, bearing a historic message of peace and justice.
Symbolism of Victory Against Fascism and Japanese Aggression—80 Years Later - Tribute to Popular Bravery: The commemoration honors the collective courage of the Chinese people. The immense human cost is recognized as the foundation of restored national dignity. - Assertion of National Sovereignty: The victory is seen as the reclamation of independence and territorial integrity after decades of colonial humiliation. It marks the end of foreign domination and the rise of China as a sovereign power. - Strategic Role in WWII: China’s decisive contribution to the global antifascist victory is emphasized, particularly its neutralization of over 1.5 million Japanese troops, which supported Allied efforts across Asia. - Foundation for Global Leadership: Coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the UN’s founding, China reaffirms its commitment to global peace and justice. President Xi Jinping praised the support of peace-loving peoples and antifascist forces as “noble and unforgettable.” - Patriotic Inspiration: Military parades and historical exhibitions aim to transmit the “spirit of resistance” to younger generations, cultivating national memory and cultural pride.
Historical Legacy and China’s Contemporary Vision of Peace and the World The legacy of the Sino-Japanese War continues to shape China’s worldview as a struggle for sovereignty, historical justice, and lasting peace rooted in memory. This glorious past still influences China’s diplomacy and international posture through: 1. Peace Based on Sovereignty and Non-Interference China emphasizes respect for national sovereignty as a prerequisite for global peace—a lesson drawn from its experience under Japanese occupation. It advocates for an international order where no nation imposes its will through force or interference. 2. Memory as a Diplomatic Tool Commemorations of the antifascist war serve not only domestic purposes but also reinforce China’s role in the global victory over fascism. This memory legitimizes its moral leadership in international institutions, especially the UN. 3. Defensive Yet Vigilant Posture China presents itself as a peaceful power—peaceful development is enshrined in the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China and the People’s Liberation Army—but remains ready to defend its territorial integrity, particularly in sensitive areas like Taiwan and the South China Sea. The trauma of Japanese aggression informs a strategic culture of caution, preparedness, and deterrence. 4. Patriotic Education as a Stabilizing Force Museums, textbooks, and memorial sites promote a unified historical narrative centered on resistance and regained dignity. This pedagogy strengthens national cohesion and seeks to prevent any recurrence of colonial or imperialist subjugation. 5. Postcolonial Solidarity Diplomacy China positions itself as an ally of the Global South, especially Africa, by highlighting its own history of anti-imperialist struggle. It promotes a multipolar world based on mutual respect and shared development—in contrast to former colonial powers whose development models often equate to domination and suppression of others.
Memory of the Antifascist War as the “Fuel” of China’s Diplomatic Discourse The memory of the Sino-Japanese War deeply informs China’s contemporary diplomatic narrative, serving as a source of legitimacy, strategic vigilance, and moral leadership. Its key dimensions include: 1. Legitimizing China’s International Role China recalls its decisive contribution to the antifascist victory to rightfully justify its status as a permanent member of the UN Security Council. It presents itself as the heir to a world order founded on peace, justice, and the sovereignty of peoples. 2. Narrative of Resilience and National Unity The story of resistance against Japanese aggression is intended to strengthen internal cohesion and justify the central role of the Chinese Communist Party in defending national interests. It also aims to promote the image of a China that never yields to external oppression. 3. Memory Diplomacy and Historical Remembrance Beijing uses commemorations (such as those of the Nanjing Massacre) to recall Japanese war crimes while calling for sincere recognition of history. This narrative is often activated in response to visits by Japanese leaders to the Yasukuni Shrine or historical revisions in school textbooks. 4. Postcolonial Solidarity and Global South Leadership By highlighting its past as an attacked and resistant nation, China positions itself as a natural ally of countries that have experienced colonialism. It proposes a multipolar vision of the world based on mutual respect and non-interference—in contrast to former imperial powers still struggling to abandon the “master and slave” logic. 5. Justifying Current Strategic Postures The memory of Japanese aggression fuels a culture of territorial vigilance, particularly in sensitive areas such as Taiwan and the South China Sea. It supports a doctrine of active defense, always presented as peaceful and preventive.
Structuring China’s Foreign Policy Around Non-Interference and Peaceful Dispute Resolution China’s foreign policy is built on two doctrinal pillars: non-interference and peaceful resolution of disputes, based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence formulated in 1954. 1. Non-Interference: A Foundational Diplomatic Principle Enshrined in its Constitution and bilateral agreements, this principle affirms absolute respect for state sovereignty. China invokes it to reject external pressure on its internal affairs (human rights, minorities, etc.). In its relations with Africa, Asia, and the Global South, China promotes this principle as an alternative to the “neocolonial diktat” of Western powers. 2. Peaceful Dispute Resolution: Pragmatism and Negotiation China has peacefully resolved border disputes with 12 of its 14 land neighbors, covering 90% of its borders. It favors bilateral consultations and discreet mediation, as seen in the rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia in Beijing. It rejects imposed arbitrations or unsolicited multilateral interventions, especially in the South China Sea. In summary, China advocates a diplomacy based on mutual respect, sovereignty, and direct negotiation—a posture inherited from its history and aligned with its ambition for global leadership.
China’s Key Contributions to Global Peace Efforts in Recent Years 1. UN Peacekeeping Over 50,000 Chinese soldiers and 2,700 police officers have been deployed in more than 20 countries over the past 30 years. China is the largest troop contributor among permanent members of the Security Council. 2. Constitutional Commitment to Peaceful Development China is the only major country in the world to enshrine peaceful development in both its national Constitution and that of the Chinese Communist Party. 3. Multilateral Diplomatic Initiatives China’s multilateral diplomatic initiatives include the Belt and Road Initiative, a lever for economic and regional stability, and active support for the expansion of BRICS and South-South cooperation. 4. Moral and Doctrinal Leadership China’s moral and doctrinal leadership includes its commitment never to use nuclear weapons first and its vision of a “community of shared future for mankind,” adopted in several UN resolutions.
China’s Role in Resolving Current Conflicts, Especially in Africa, the Middle East, and Ukraine In Africa - Discreet mediation in conflicts such as South Sudan, the DRC, and Ethiopia, often via special envoys—China’s Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa is Xue Bing—or stabilizing economic partnerships. - Post-conflict investments in infrastructure, health, and education, seen as levers for lasting peace. - Declared neutrality, emphasizing non-interference and respect for African sovereignty. In the Middle East - Historic Iran–Saudi Arabia rapprochement in 2023, facilitated by Beijing and hailed as a major diplomatic breakthrough. - Strengthened dialogue with Gulf countries, Israel, and Palestine, with consistent calls for inclusive political solutions. - Balanced position, avoiding military alignments while promoting regional stability through development. In Ukraine - Repeated calls for dialogue and a ceasefire, without adopting a moralizing stance. - Proposal of a 12-point plan for a political solution, including respect for territorial integrity and the end of unilateral sanctions. - Deployment of a special envoy, Li Hui, to engage in dialogue with Kyiv and Moscow. In summary, China favors a mediation-based diplomacy rooted in sovereignty, development, and rejection of geopolitical blocs. It positions itself as an alternative to Western powers, promoting an “Asian-style” peace: discreet, bilateral, and pragmatic.
China’s Contribution to Solving Global Challenges (Terrorism, Climate Change, Pandemics) Threatening World Peace China advocates a global and multilateral approach to addressing major planetary challenges, combining security, development, and cooperation. Key contributions include: Against Terrorism - Active participation in UN peacekeeping operations, especially in Africa (Mali, DRC, South Sudan), with specialized security and logistics contingents. - Strengthening regional security cooperation through the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), including joint exercises and intelligence sharing. On Climate Change - World's leading investor in renewable energy, with over 50% of installed solar and wind capacity. - Commitment to carbon neutrality by 2060, supported by green industrial transition policies. - Proactive climate diplomacy, especially in South-South forums and COP summits, advocating for climate justice and fair financing. Against Pandemics - Massive provision of vaccines and medical equipment to over 100 countries during COVID-19 through health diplomacy. - Strengthening WHO capacities with funding and public health cooperation centers. - Development of medical and technological partnerships, particularly in Africa and Asia, to enhance health resilience. In summary, China’s response to global challenges is structured around stability, shared development, and multilateralism, promoting lasting peace through cooperation and respect for state sovereignty.
China’s Vision for a Fairer and More Equitable International Order China proposes a multipolar, inclusive international order based on sovereignty, shared development, and historical justice. This vision is structured around several strategic pillars: 1. Community of Shared Future for Mankind - A central concept of President Xi Jinping, advocating a world built on lasting peace, universal security, shared prosperity, and harmonious coexistence. - Rejection of domination, exclusive blocs, and hegemonism. 2. Multipolarity and Democratization of International Relations - Promotion of a global system where emerging countries, especially from the Global South, have a voice. - Support for alternative institutions like the SCO and BRICS to rebalance Western influence. 3. Inclusive Development and Solidarity-Based Infrastructure - Through the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), China has helped build thousands of kilometers of roads, bridges, ports, and railways, creating over one million jobs in Africa in three years. - Rejection of externally imposed development models in favor of respectful partnerships aligned with national trajectories. 4. Respect for Sovereignty and Non-Interference - Defense of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence: mutual respect, non-aggression, non-interference, equality, and mutual benefit. - Vision of a world where each nation freely chooses its political and economic model. In summary, China proposes a global order based on cooperation, sovereignty, and equitable development—an alternative to systems dominated by former colonial powers, with special attention to Africa and the Global South.
Lessons for the World, 80 Years After China’s Victory Over Fascism According to China, 80 years after the victory over fascism, the world must draw essential lessons to preserve peace: 1. Never Forget the Sacrifices of the Past Peace was won at the cost of tens of millions of lives. The memory of suffering must remain alive to prevent the repetition of tragedies. 2. Respect Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity China emphasizes respect for borders and political choices of each nation as the foundation of global stability. 3. Reject Hegemony and Bloc Mentalities Cold War thinking, unilateral sanctions, and interference are seen as threats to a fair global order. 4. Strengthen Multilateralism and Cooperation The UN Charter remains, according to Beijing, the cornerstone of global peace. China calls for more inclusive and balanced international governance. 5. Build a Community of Shared Future This central concept of Chinese diplomacy envisions a world based on solidarity, common development, and peaceful coexistence. In summary, China invites the world to honor history, defend sovereignty, and build an international order rooted in justice, memory, and cooperation.
China’s Message to Africa in This Commemorative and Forward-Looking Context On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the victory over fascism, China sends a message of recognition, solidarity, and hope to the African people, highlighting a shared history of resistance and a common aspiration for peace, development, and dignity. Shared Memory “The Chinese government and people will never forget the international friends who supported their struggle against aggression” – President Xi Jinping. This message also speaks to Africa, which endured colonial suffering and whose peoples often supported liberation and justice causes. Historical Solidarity and Common Future - China recalls that Africa and China are bound by a shared history of struggle for independence, sovereignty, and progress. - It calls for joint efforts to build a more equitable world based on mutual respect, South-South cooperation, and shared development. Invitation to Peaceful Modernization - China proposes modernization without domination, where each country can choose its path without interference. - It encourages African nations to draw lessons from history to build a future based on peace, stability, and collective prosperity. In summary, China’s message to Africa is that of a respectful partner, bearer of shared memory, and committed to a future of solidarity, peace, and sovereignty. Eight decades after this historic victory, the memory of the heroic resistance of the Chinese people against Japanese aggression and global fascism remains a universal source of inspiration. This 80th anniversary not only celebrates military triumph but reaffirms the collective commitment to peace, justice, and the dignity of peoples.