China's People's Liberation Army hosted a V-day commemoration reception on Wednesday for more than 170 foreign military officers and representatives from 30 countries. [Special coverage]
Fan Changlong, vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission, said in his address that September 3 is a day to be remembered forever.
The victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression is a victory of justice, a victory of the people, and a victory of the world, Fan said.
China has planned a series of events in the run-up to the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII, culminating in a military parade on September 3 in Beijing.
"We shall never forget those who have fought with enormous courage or those who have fallen for the nation. We shall never forget all the violence and atrocity of the war, which deserves deep introspection. We shall never forget those forces of justice who joined hands with us in defeating enemies and making peace," he said.
China emphasizes remembering the history of the War of Resistance, not continuing the hatred. The country seeks to draw wisdom and strength from history in order to move on, he said.
The most valuable insight China gained from victory in the war is that aggression and expansion by use of force is doomed to fail. Peaceful development is what the people desire for, and shall entail a strong nation, Fan said.
He said that China will unswervingly take the path of peaceful development, resolutely pursue a defense policy which is defensive in nature, actively practice the security outlook of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, and join hands with other countries to build enduring peace.
Vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission Xu Qiliang and senior military officers attended the reception.
Seventeen foreign countries from Asia, Europe, Oceania, Africa and the Americas have sent troops to join the V-Day parade.
A total of 12,000 troops and 500 pieces of equipment are expected to march through Tian'anmen Square, with nearly 200 aircraft expected to fly overhead.
