To mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, a photo exhibition was launched on Friday in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi.
Organised by the Chinese Embassy in Kenya and the Xinhua News Agency Africa Regional Bureau, the exhibition was held at the National Museums of Kenya. Senior government officials, diplomats, scholars, curators, and historians attended the event.
The exhibition showcased China’s significant role in defeating imperialist aggression and fascism, as well as in ushering in a post-World War II international order characterised by peace, multilateralism, and development.
Speaking at the event, the Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, Guo Haiyan, said the great victory was commemorated to remember history, honour martyrs, cherish peace, and create a better future.
“The victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was China’s first full victory against foreign aggression in modern times since 1840,” Guo said.
By thwarting Japanese militarists’ attempts to colonise and enslave China, the victory re-established China’s status as a major country and charted the bright prospect of national rejuvenation, Guo added.
The ambassador also noted that despite the painful lessons of history, unilateralism, hegemony, and bullying are creeping back. She stressed the urgency of upholding the international order based on international law and the principles outlined in the United Nations Charter.
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Anne Wang’ombe, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action in the Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services, observed that China’s victory against Japanese aggression and fascism was pivotal in reshaping world history and inspiring the Global South to resist colonialism.
Wang’ombe said the heroic acts of the Chinese people, which led to the downfall of Japan’s imperialist ambitions and fascism in some Western nations, also motivated African states to fight foreign domination and exploitation.
Erastus Mwencha, former Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, said China’s resistance against Japanese aggression and global fascism encouraged other developing countries in their struggle to defend territorial integrity and sovereignty.
The exhibition will remain open to the public until 31 August.
