Among the many significant phrases in President Xi Jinping’s speech at the military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory Day of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and against Fascism, commemorating the end of World War II and celebrated in grand fashion at Tiananmen Square in Beijing on September 2, 2025, the one I found by far the most beautiful and central was:

“History warns us that humanity rises and falls together. Only when all countries and nations treat each other as equals, coexist in mature peace, and support one another can we maintain common security, eradicate the root of war, and prevent the repetition of historical tragedies.”

This phrase encapsulates not only the essence of Xi’s message, but also a profound reflection on humanity’s shared destiny—an urgent call to equality, cooperation, and to a mature and lasting peace that we must all strive for in order to avoid the conflicts that have overshadowed the past.

In a world undergoing paradigm shifts and facing an undeniable global turning point, President Xi reminds us that when history speaks today, it places us squarely before the challenge of choosing between war and cooperation. Below is the full transcript of his speech:

“I would like to pay high tribute to our veteran soldiers and comrades, patriots, and officers who fought in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, as well as to the Chinese citizens both at home and abroad who made important contributions to our victory.

I also express my sincere gratitude to foreign governments and friends who supported and assisted the Chinese people in their resistance against aggression. I extend a warm welcome to the guests from around the world who join us today.

Comrades and friends, the Chinese people’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression was a great war fought with tenacity and courage. Under the banner of the National United Front against Japanese Aggression, established at the initiative of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese people rose to confront a formidable enemy with iron will and waged a great war of flesh and blood to defend the nation, ultimately achieving the first complete victory against foreign aggression in modern times.

The Chinese people’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression was an important part of the world anti-fascist war. With enormous national sacrifices, the Chinese people made great contributions to saving human civilization and safeguarding world peace.

History warns us that humanity rises and falls together. Only when all countries and nations treat each other as equals, coexist in peace, and support one another can we maintain common security, eradicate the root of war, and prevent the recurrence of historical tragedies.

The Chinese nation is a great nation that never allows itself to be bullied and that always cherishes independence while moving toward the future. In the past, in critical struggles between good and evil, light and darkness, progress and reaction, the Chinese people united to challenge the enemy. They fought for the survival of the country, for the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and for justice for all humanity.

Today, humanity once again must choose between peace and war, dialogue and confrontation, mutually beneficial cooperation and zero-sum games. The Chinese people firmly stand on the right side of history and the progress of human civilization. We will remain committed to the path of peaceful development and join with all peoples of the world to build a community with a shared future for humanity.

The People’s Liberation Army of China has been and will always be the heroic armed forces in which the Party and the people can place their full trust. All service members must faithfully perform their sacred duties, accelerate the building of a world-class army, and resolutely safeguard China’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. All members must provide strategic support for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and make greater contributions to world peace and development.

History carries the foundation of the past and inspires the future on a new journey in a new era. The Chinese people of all ethnic groups, under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China, must continue to follow Marxism-Leninism, the Theory of the Three Represents, and the Scientific Outlook on Development; fully implement the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era; remain steadfast on the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics; carry forward the spirit of the great War of Resistance; press ahead with enterprise and resolve; and work together to advance the cause of building China into a great country in every respect and realizing national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization.

The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is unstoppable. The noble cause of peace and development for humanity will prevail.”