On August 22nd, 2025, Chinese Ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian published an article entitled "Uphold a Correct Historical Perspective and Defend International Fairness and Justice" on the Australian newspaper 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. 

The full text is as follows：

Recently, a series of commemorative events have been held across Australia to solemnly mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Together with peoples around the world, China will also hold a gathering 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. China and Australia stood as steadfast allies in the struggle against fascism. During one of humanity's darkest hours, China and Australia stood firmly as allies in the fight against fascism, making important contributions to the defense of world peace and justice. Yet, for too long, the enormous sacrifices made by the Chinese people, the historic contribution of China to the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War, and the shared struggle of China and Australia have often been neglected or overlooked. The smoke of war may have long dispersed, but the glory of that struggle must never fade into oblivion. To uphold a correct historical perspective of the Second World War is not only to restore historical truth, but also to safeguard the fruits of victory, to cherish peace, and to open up a brighter future. In this spirit, I wish to share three points.

First, the strategic importance of the Chinese battlefield must not be underestimated. Influenced by the Western-centric historical view, some tend to focus primarily on the European theater of the Second World War, while downplaying the decisive role of the China theater. As noted in the China-Australia jointly made documentary The War That Changed the World, the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression marked the outbreak of the World Anti-Fascist War and opened the first large-scale anti-fascist battlefield in the East. Starting the earliest and lasting the longest in the World Anti-Fascist War, China's resistance suffered more than 35 million casualties in the fight for the nation's survival. As the main battlefield in Asia, China made an immense historic contribution to the global victory over fascism. The Communist Party of China (CPC) held high the banner of the national united front against Japanese aggression, safeguarded the unity of resistance, and stood as the pillar of the entire nation's resistance. China's resistance greatly weakened Japan's capacity to expand into the Asia-Pacific, disrupted its attempts at strategic coordination with Nazi Germany, and bought precious time for other anti-fascist nations. This played an important role in ensuring coordination among the allies' fronts and the smooth implementation of the overall strategy. Research by institutions such as the Australian National University has shown that China's resistance paved the way for victories of anti-fascist allies in the Pacific theater. Without China's prolonged struggle, Japan might have shifted its forces to Southeast Asia and even towards Australia at a much earlier time.

Second, the shared history of China and Australia fighting side by side must not be forgotten. The peoples of China and Australia, standing firm for justice and fighting side by side amidst the flames of war, made immense sacrifices to secure the great victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. History will not forget the 180 dockworkers at Port Kembla who staged a ten-week strike during the Nanjing Massacre, refusing to load even a single piece of raw iron lest it be turned into weapons of atrocity. History will not forget the Australian Gull Force soldiers who fought alongside Chinese guerrillas on Hainan Island, shedding their blood on Chinese soil. History will not forget that Australia's fight against Japan during the Second World War was not only of great significance to the Pacific theatre, but also formed a strategic resonance with the China theatre, together constituting an important part of the World Anti-Fascist War. The shared memory of China and Australia standing together in mutual support and united resistance deserves to be cherished and remembered by our two peoples.

Third, the historic significance of Taiwan's return to China must not be denied. Eighty years ago, Taiwan was returned to China, with the recognition of major victorious nations and Japan. The recovery of Taiwan is a victorious outcome of Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, and an important part of the post-war international order. The historical and legal fact is undeniable. China was a founding member of the United Nations, and the first country to sign on the UN Charter. In 1971, Resolution 2758 was adopted at the 26th General Assembly of the UN with an overwhelming majority, which settled once and for all the political, legal and procedural issues regarding the representation of the whole of China, including Taiwan, at the UN. It affirmed there is but one China, the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. Yet, some seek to challenge the authority of UNGA Resolution 2758, calling Taiwan's status "undetermined", falsely claiming that the PRC has never governed Taiwan, and fudging and hollowing out the one-China principle. These comments distort the facts and history, and tread on international law and the basic norms of international relations. To uphold the one-China principle, and to oppose "Taiwan independence" and external interference,is an inevitable requirement for safeguarding China's sovereignty and territorial integrity,the foundation and prerequisite for ensuring peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and a just cause defending the outcomes of the victory in the Second World War and the post-war international order.

China and Australia forged friendship in times of hardship. Today, as major countries in the Asia-Pacific, we are both committed to safeguarding and promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in our region and the world. A nation that forgets its past cannot hope for a bright future. Choosing one's own path does not mean walking alone. China is ready to work with Australia and all peace-loving nations to uphold a correct historical perspective, to defend international fairness and justice, and to join hands in striving for lasting peace in the international community, the common well-being of all peoples, and a bright future for China-Australia relations.