Xi: Party, people will never be divided

Rejuvenation of nation requires leadership by CPC, president says

The Chinese people will not allow attempts by any individual or force to alienate them from the Communist Party of China, President Xi Jinping said in Beijing on Thursday.

Speaking at a symposium commemorating the 75th anniversary of victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War, Xi said that the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation must count on the leadership of the CPC, put people first and steadfastly follow the path of peaceful development.

Any attempt to distort the history of the CPC or vilify its nature and objectives, to distort or change the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, or to deny or vilify the Chinese people's great achievements in building socialism will also be resolutely opposed by the Chinese people, said Xi, who is also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission.

Xi stressed that the Chinese people will not allow any individual or force to impose their will on China through bullying, to change the path that China should follow, or to hinder the Chinese people's efforts to create a better life.

Attempts to obstruct the Chinese people's peaceful life and their right to development or to sabotage their exchanges and cooperation with people in other countries are also opposed, he said.

Noting that the country has witnessed earthshaking changes since the victory of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, Xi said that the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is ushering in a bright future as China is nearly completing its goals in poverty alleviation and building a moderately prosperous society in all respects.

The president pointed out that commemorating the victory of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War also means reflecting on the lessons of history in order to safeguard peace in the future.

Peaceful and friendly long-term China-Japan relations conform to the fundamental interests of people in both countries and meet the need for maintaining peace and stability in both Asia and the world, said Xi, stressing that Japan putting its history of militarist aggression in perspective and showing remorse for it is the important political foundation for the establishment and development of bilateral ties.

Xi hailed the great spirit of resisting aggression bred during the war as an invaluable source of inspiration, saying that it will always motivate the Chinese people to overcome all difficulties and obstacles and strive to achieve national rejuvenation.

The Chinese people demonstrated to the world their patriotism, national character, heroism and a strong will to win during the war, he said, adding that it was also a great victory in which the CPC had played a vital role.

On Thursday morning, Chinese leaders led by Xi attended a commemoration in Beijing for the 75th anniversary of the victory of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

It was also attended by representatives from all walks of life, including war veterans, relatives of military officers and martyrs who fought in the war, as well as relatives of foreigners who contributed to victory in the war.

The event was held at the Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression near Lugou Bridge, also known as Marco Polo Bridge, in southwestern Beijing.

The commemoration started at 10 am. All participants sang the national anthem and then paid a silent tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in the war.

Xinhua contributed to the story.