By Asim Shahzad
LAHORE: Chinese Consulate Acting Consul General Lahore Mr Cao Ke has said that China and Pakistan, as all-weather strategic cooperative partners, key members of the Global South and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, are glued together to safeguard the international system with the United Nations at its core, safeguard the international order based on international law, and jointly defend our sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Such heart-warming statement came up when Pakistan had recently celebrated blissful joy of Marka-e-Haq showing its military and diplomatic mettle inflicting defeat to India in the month of May.
Acting Chinese Consul General Mr Cao Ke was addressing a seminar organized by Institute of International Relations and Media Research (IIRMR) in chair with its President Yasir Habib Khan.
Seminar titled 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s war of resistance against Japanese aggression, the world anti-fascist war, and the restoration of Taiwan was held at local hotel here on today.
He said that Chinese people fought valiantly against Japanese militarism in WWII, sacrificing more than 35 million civilians and military personnel to fracture the Axis strategy, causing 70 percent of Japan’s total WWII casualties. “China’s resistance, the first to ignite and last to extinguish, fundamentally reshaped WWII’s trajectory,” he added.
The Chinese people, he mentioned, won the great victory of this devastating war and restored Taiwan from the illegal occupation of Japan, declaring the complete victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. “The restoration of Taiwan, which is a landmark triumph of World War II and constitutes an integral part of the post-war international order. Taiwan’s status as part of Chinese territory has never changed and will never be allowed to change.
The Communist Party of China played a pivotal role in the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. President Xi Jinping pointed out that, the CPC fought bravely on the front lines of this War, sustaining the Chinese nation’s hope of survival and becoming the mainstay of the entire nation’s struggle,” he remarked.
Addressing a seminar former foreign secretary Shamshad Ahmed Khan said that contributions and sacrifices of China, one of the world’s major powers, in World War II were far greater than those of countries that exploited the war’s outcomes and used them to serve their own interests, mostly Western allies. “Pakistan-China friendship is not based on transient interests or expediencies rather it is above personalities or any change in domestic or international situation.
CPEC, flagship project of BRI, which on completion will bring overarching socio-economic connectivity. “At this juncture what we need to understand that we could master our common destiny only if we face it together,” he added.
Speaking at seminar, former vice Air Chief Airforce Sajid Habib said that at the time China under the leadership of its great leader had been fighting against Japanese fascism in word war II, Muslims of subcontinent under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam had been struggling for the creation of Pakistan.
“City of Lahore has a pride that it played a role in the independence of China as Walton airport used to be place to train Chinese pilots that served in Chinese War of resistance against Japan,” he added.
“The relation with China established its roots even before the liberation and later such bond went cemented in all sphere of life including on the level of defence cooperation. We (Pakistan and China) need to deepen their time-tested collaboration and ties to shine together on global landscape,” he prayed.
Former Navy vice admiral NA Rizvi said that China enjoys a rich history like other few civilizations. “Chinese nation has amply proved their resilience and perseverance at different juncture of history. The Sino-Japan has witnessed massive Japanese atrocity against China. In Particular the Japanese atrocity in Nanjing are unspeakable. But China showed its ability to bear with patience and then responded perfectly. He praised Pak-China relations based on mutual trust moving in high gear and said China always support Kashmir issue,” he added.
PU Pakistan Study Centre Director Prof. Dr. Amjad Abbas Magsi emphasized that the world must recognize China’s immense sacrifices and not repeat the mistakes of the past. The 20th century witnessed, he said, profound transformations in the global power dynamics. During World War II, Japan’s relentless assault on China ultimately culminated in a devastating defeat. “As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of China’s triumph over Japanese aggression in 2025, it’s essential to acknowledge China’s crucial role in the Allied forces’ victory,” he added.
PU History and Pak Studies dept Chairperson Prof Dr Ruksana Iftikhar and Educationist Dr Iftikhar ul Haq said that Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931–1945) and the recovery of Taiwan were defining moments that left profound lessons and a lasting legacy for China and the world.
Major (retd) Shahzad Nayyar said that Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1937–1945) was a national liberation struggle. “It was also a front in the global anti-fascist movement during World War II. Japan’s invasion of China reflected fascist-style militarism and imperial ambition. It was confronted by united efforts of Kuomintang and the Chinese Communist Party,” he added.
