Chinese embassy in Germany marks 70th anniversary of WWII victory

Overseas Chinese and German guests have marked here on Thursday the 70th anniversary of the victory of Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Overseas Chinese and students as well as German guests took part in a series of commemorative activities held in the Chinese embassy in Germany. They watched together the military parade in Beijing, which was held earlier in the day in Tian'anmen Square to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the WWII victory.

Juergen Heiducoff, a retired German officer, told Xinhua that Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent a signal of harmony, cooperation and peace to the world in his address at the commemoration in Beijing.

"The military parade is very impressive. I once took part in a parade in Berlin, and I know how complicate and difficult it is. The parade in Beijing is a masterly military performance," Heiducoff said.

Addressing a following panel discussion, Chinese Ambassador to Germany Shi Mingde said the tenacious fight of the Chinese people against Japan during the WWII played a decisive role in completely defeating the Japanese aggressors; In addition, China made an indelible contribution to the war victory by supporting and acting in concert with its allies in their fight in Europe and in the Pacific theater.

"My impression is that very few people in the West know about the war history in Asia during WWII," Shi noted. He expressed hope that people in Germany and other western countries could learn more about this part of history, which helps people get a better and objective understanding of China.

"The Second World War in Asia was disastrous... It caused 35 million casualties in China alone," said Rolf Berthold, Ambassador of East Germany to China from 1982 to 1990. He made a report on China's role in the WWII, with a focus on Japan's aggression and the fight of Chinese people against Japanese fascists.

The former ambassador noted that China's anti-Japanese invasion war, which was not mentioned in many publications on the WWII, was an important part of the World Anti-fascism War.

"Learning about the history happened in Asia and China's war against the Japanese aggression helps people develop a better and more correct understanding of the Second World War," he added.

Besides, experts from China and Germany have also discussed topics including the contribution made by people of other countries for China's victory over Japan as well as Germany's dealing with its Nazi-past after the end of the WWII. Endit