President Xi Jinping on Wednesday vowed that China will adhere to the path of peaceful development, as he addressed a grand gathering in Tiananmen Square in central Beijing to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Humanity is again faced with a choice of peace or war, dialogue or confrontation, and win-win outcomes or zero-sum games, Xi warned.

"The Chinese people will stand firmly on the right side of history and on the side of human progress, adhere to the path of peaceful development, and join hands with the rest of world to build a community with a shared future for humanity," he said.

President Xi called on nations across the world to eliminate the root cause of war and prevent historical tragedies from recurring.

"Common security can only be safeguarded when nations across the world treat each other as equals, live in harmony, and mutually support one another," he said.

Xi further said the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is unstoppable and humanity's cause of peace and development will prevail, as he directed the People's Liberation Army (PLA) to provide strategic support for national rejuvenation and make greater contributions to world peace and development.

He urged the PLA to build itself into world-class forces and resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.

"The Chinese nation is a great nation that is never intimidated by any bullies and always values independence and forges ahead," he added.

"In the past, when faced with critical struggles between good and evil, light and darkness, progress and reaction, the Chinese people rallied together to defy the enemy. They fought for the survival of the country, for the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and for justice of the whole humanity," Xi said.

The president noted that the Chinese people made a major contribution to the salvation of human civilisation and the defence of world peace with immense sacrifice in the war against Japanese aggression – a significant part of the World Anti-Fascist War.

He added that the war marks China's first complete victory against foreign aggression in modern times.

Following his speech, President Xi reviewed columns of troops during a military parade.

Standing in a Hongqi limousine, Xi, inspected foot, banner and armament formations along Chang'an Avenue.

"Comrades, thanks for your hard work!" he said. (Xinhua/RTHK)
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Last updated: 2025-09-03 HKT 09:35