By Frans Sello waga Machate I Pretoria, South Africa
PRETORIA – The Chinese Embassy in South Africa, Pretoria hosted a solemn yet forward-looking commemoration on Thursday 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.
Ambassador Wu Peng reflected on the sacrifices of millions during World War II, describing the victory as “proof that justice always triumphs over evil, light always prevails over darkness, and progressive strength always wins against reactionary forces.” He underscored China’s unwavering commitment to peace, multilateralism, and building “a community with a shared future for humanity.”
Wu highlighted China’s role as the main Eastern battlefield in World War II, with more than 35 million Chinese casualties and decisive contributions to the defeat of Japanese militarism. He noted that the post-war international order, centered on the United Nations Charter, remains vital for global peace and stability.
Importantly, he reaffirmed China’s dedication to a multipolar world where cooperation, not confrontation, drives progress. “We must unite all peace-loving nations worldwide, just as we did in the past when we stood shoulder to shoulder against fascism,” Wu said, while also expressing China’s full support for South Africa’s upcoming G20 Johannesburg Summit.
Speaking on behalf of the South African government, Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams echoed Wu’s sentiments, drawing parallels between China’s wartime resilience and South Africa’s own liberation struggle. “The values which guided China through its darkest hours; resilience, unity, and belief in a brighter future, are the very values that inspire our struggle for progress and transformation,” she said.
Ndabeni-Abrahams celebrated the flourishing bilateral relationship, describing China as South Africa’s largest trading partner. She pointed to billions in Chinese investment that has modernised local industries and created jobs, from Hisense’s manufacturing base in Atlantis to Huawei’s technology footprint. She stressed South Africa’s eagerness to expand cooperation in renewable energy, green hydrogen, infrastructure, and the digital economy, as well as opening new global markets for South African MSMEs.
“Our relationship is not only about trade figures,” she affirmed. “It is about jobs created, skills transferred, technologies shared, and the people-to-people connections that strengthen our societies.”
The commemoration brought together senior ANC leaders, government ministers, and former premiers, alongside diplomats and international partners. The gathering symbolised more than just a remembrance ahead of the main commemoration event that will take place on 03, September in Beijing, China, it reinforced a strategic alliance rooted in mutual respect, shared development goals, and the pursuit of a just and equitable international order.
As both nations look ahead, their partnership continues to serve as a beacon of South-South cooperation, fostering prosperity not just for their citizens but for the wider African continent and the Global South.ss
