New York, USA — At a solemn United Nations General Assembly meeting on Wednesday, China called on the international community to promote a correct understanding of World War II history and to uphold the UN-centered international system amid turbulent times.
Fu Cong, China’s permanent representative to the United Nations, emphasized China’s significant role in the global victory over fascism. “China, which won the war in the major Oriental theater of WWII, endured casualties exceeding 35 million,” he said. “By holding back the main forces of Japanese militarism, China not only secured its own survival and national salvation but also provided strong support to resistant forces in Europe and the Pacific, making an indelible contribution to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War.”
Fu called for a united effort to promote a correct understanding of WWII history. “Any scheme or action seeking to downplay, deny, or distort the history of WWII and any rhetoric that glorifies wars of aggression and colonial rule is a mockery of history and an affront to human conscience, and will surely lose the trust of the global community,” he said.
He also urged nations to uphold the authority and status of the United Nations. “We must firmly uphold the UN-centered international system, the international order based on international law, and the rules-based multilateral trading system, and unequivocally say no to all forms of power politics and bullying,” Fu stated. He cautioned against countries that treat the UN as something they can “use when it suits them and discard when it doesn’t.”
Representatives from other countries also addressed the assembly. Vassily Nebenzia, Russia’s permanent representative to the United Nations, reflected on the immense sacrifices made during the war. “China lost 35 million people. The United States, approximately half a million. Serbia organized the largest partisan movement in Europe. The struggle for the freedom of the peoples was carried out by heroes from Latin America, Asia, and Africa. The cost for the Soviet Union was 27 million people,” he said.
Antje Leendertse, Germany’s permanent representative to the United Nations, acknowledged the legacy of pain tied to her country’s history. “That legacy of pain, destruction, and loss will forever be tied to my country’s name. We carry this burden with humility and a moral responsibility, and we accept it without hesitation,” she said. “‘Never again’ is not only a commitment for Germany. It is a universal obligation—one that binds us all.”
Stavros Lambrinidis, head of the European Union Delegation to the United Nations, emphasized the importance of honoring the sacrifices made. “It is an opportunity to reiterate our commitment to collaborating with all Member States of the United Nations to ensure a more peaceful, equitable, and prosperous future for generations to come,” he said.
Philemon Yang, President of the UN General Assembly, called on world leaders to choose dialogue over conflict. “On this 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, we reflect on the immense sacrifices made by the millions who fought and died to secure the freedoms we too often take for granted,” he said. “We stand at a defining moment—not only for this institution but for humanity.”
In March, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The resolution calls for special commemorative meetings to be held in May 2025 and every five years thereafter to honor the victims of the war. It was introduced by several countries, including China, Russia, Belarus, and others.
