On 25 July 2025, the Chinese Embassy in the UK held a reception celebrating the 98th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army of China. Chinese Ambassador to the UK Zheng Zeguang pointed out in his speech that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. More than 80 years ago, the peoples of China and the UK fought valiantly against fascist aggression on the main Eastern Front and the European battlefield, making enormous contributions to the global victory against fascism. China’s fight was the earliest to begin, and the longest-lasting. The Chinese people suffered the most significant human and material losses before ultimately defeating Japanese aggressors.

Ambassador Zheng emphasised that it should never be forgotten that China and the UK were allies and fought shoulder to shoulder during the war. That part of history has left behind many touching stories of solidarity ad mutual support in the flames of war. In 1942, Chinese fishermen from Zhoushan risked their own lives under Japanese gunfire to save 384 British prisoners of war on board Lisbon Maru, which was mistakenly torpedoed by a US submarine. Also in 1942, the Chinese Expeditionary Force successfully rescued British troops besieged by the Japanese army in Myanmar. In 1938, George Hogg, a young Briton, travelled thousands of miles to China, where he established schools, aided orphaned children and gave his life for the Chinese people's righteous cause. We should remember history, honour those fallen heroes, cherish peace and strive for a better future. This is why China of holding a series of important commemorative events to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Ambassador Zheng noted that this year also marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nation. Profound changes are unfolding in the world. Geopolitical conflicts are rampant. Unilateralism and bullying keep re-emerging. Multilateral mechanisms are facing grave challenges. Humanity has once again come to a critical crossroads. Against this backdrop, all countries must resolutely defend the outcomes of the victory of WWII, firmly uphold true multilateralism and steadfastly safeguard world peace, stability, fairness and justice. China is committed to peaceful development and stands ready to work with all countries to implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilisation Initiative, and build a community with a shared future for humanity.