On August 28, 2025, Assistant Foreign Minister Hong Lei attended the press conference for the events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, and briefed on the progress of preparations for the commemoration events.

Hong Lei introduced the attendance of 32 foreign leaders, including President of Russia Vladimir Putin, President of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong Un, and other heads of state and government, as well as speakers, deputy prime ministers and high-level representatives from other countries, the heads of international and regional organizations, the former statesmen, and international friends or their families, who were invited to the Commemoration. He emphasized the features in terms of the participation of foreign guests, namely, high-level participation, highly representative participation, and extensive participation. He stated that the Chinese side warmly welcomed foreign guests to China to jointly commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Hong Lei said, "Now the international situation is going through changes and turbulence. Peace deficit is rising. We still have a formidable task in safeguarding world peace." The Chinese people will stand with people all over the world to firmly defend the victorious outcomes of World War II, safeguard the U.N.-centered international system and the international order underpinned by international law, work for the building of a community with a shared future for mankind and contribute to the noble cause of world peace and development.

Hong Lei also answered questions from Chinese and foreign media on China's peaceful development, mutual support between China and Russia in holding commemoration events for the 80th anniversary of the victory in the wars of resistance and the World Anti-Fascist War, China-DPRK relations, and historical issues related to Japan.