Mr. President,

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, and many countries are celebrating this historic victory against Fascism in various ways. Today is a day of remembrance and reconciliation declared by the General Assembly. The Chinese Delegation welcomes the convocation of this special solemn meeting of the General Assembly. We wish to take this opportunity to pay our noble tribute to those courageous fighters who sacrificed their lives during the anti-Fascist war and to the Red Army of the former Soviet Union who made great contribution to the final victory, and our profound condolences to all the innocent victims.

Mr. President,

It was this date 60 years ago that witnessed the final defeat of the Nazi forces, which was once rampant on the European continent. Three months later, militarism aggressors that had savaged the Asia-Pacific region also surrendered themselves. It was an enormous cost for all the peace-loving and justice-upholding people in the world. Countless people were tortured to death in the Nazi concentration camps or slaughtered by militarist forces. WWII brought untold sorrow to mankind, with its unprecedented scope and losses of people’s life and property. The world people finally acclaimed the victory of justice and hard-won peace cemented with blood and flesh.

Mr. President,

Today, in this solemn hall, we once again review and commemorate the historical event. Our purpose is to urge all the peace-loving people not to forget the sanguinary war and not to allow the recurrence of tragedy. Sixty years have passed since the end of WWII, and the seeds of peace have been deeply rooted in the hearts of the world people. Tireless reconciliation efforts have also borne fruits of hope. Nevertheless, we cannot fail to note that even after 60 years, the ghost of Nazism and militarism still lingers on. A handful of die-hard followers and some extreme right-wing forces and organizations are still trying very hard to distort and deny past crimes, in open defiance of human conscience. It is pivotal for the international community to heighten its vigilance. Lessons learned from the past can guide us in the future. To use history as mirror, one should know the things of shame and then acquire fortitude. Today’s special meeting is not just for commemorating WWII victims, but more importantly for remembering and facing up to history and learning lessons. Only by so doing, can we save succeeding generations from the scourge of war.

Mr. President,

Sixty years ago, the United Nations was born amidst the victory chant at the end of world anti-Fascist war. Today, the United Nations still shoulders primary responsibility in preventing the ashes of war from rekindling, in maintaining world peace and stability, and in promoting human progress and development. Our Organization faces such new challenges as terrorism, trans-national crimes, eradication of poverty and inequality, and establishment of a fair and equitable new international political and economic order. Mankind is at a new historical turning point, and the United Nations is also at a crucial crossroad. Let us join hands once again in the spirit of unity and reconciliation to embrace the future of the entire mankind and respond to new challenges.

Thank you, Mr. President.