The lessons of the past serve as a stark warning for future generations, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Belarus Zhang Wenchuan told BelTA. In the year of the 80th anniversary of the Victory, he reflects on the lessons of World War II in the context of current developments in the region and the world, on Belarus’ support for national unity in China, and on the issue of Taiwan.
Victory anniversary
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the Soviet people’s victory in the Great Patriotic War, and the victory in the world anti-fascist war. During that brutal war, China and Belarus paid a tremendous price defending their sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.
At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, on 3 September Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko participated in commemorative events in China marking the 80th anniversary of Victory Day. During the meeting, the two leaders highlighted the contribution of the peoples of China and Belarus, who fought shoulder to shoulder, to the defeat of militarism and fascism. They also reached an important consensus on the need to preserve the memory of World War II and promote world peace.
The Chinese people pursue a peaceful and friendly policy toward their neighbors, but they will not compromise or make any concessions on matters concerning the foundational principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, a position that is also shared by Belarus.
China and Belarus are genuine and strategic partners, consistently supporting each other on issues affecting each other’s core interests. The One China principle is enshrined in the agreement establishing diplomatic relations between China and Belarus and has been repeatedly reaffirmed in joint statements by the two heads of state.
Belarus consistently adheres to this principle, supports all of China’s efforts to preserve national unity, and opposes any form of so-called Taiwan independence, a position China highly values.
The government and people of the People’s Republic of China will continue to resolutely defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and at the same time, are prepared to work with the international community, including Belarus, to jointly protect the post-war international order and maintain peace and stability throughout the world.
Fools persist in their blunders
On a recent trip to Spain, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier made a stop in Guernica and laid a wreath at the memorial to the victims of the bombing that took place over 80 years ago. He emphasized: “Germany bears responsibility for the bombing of Guernica in 1937, and Germans must never forget the crimes committed.”
This gesture is reminiscent of German Chancellor Willy Brandt’s silent act of atonement in 1970, when he knelt before the Monument to the Ghetto Heroes in Warsaw after laying a wreath.
The commemoration in Guernica and the symbolic “Warsaw Genuflection” are rooted in the same spirit: Germany’s resolve to face history, to reflect upon it with depth, and to seek pardon for the crimes of the Nazi regime. This posture has not only facilitated reconciliation with affected nations but has also elevated Germany’s standing in the eyes of the international community.
By stark contrast, on the other side of the world, Japan, a fellow former Axis power and defeated nation in World War II, has taken a very different historical path. Successive Japanese leaders have repeatedly visited Yasukuni Shrine to pay tribute to war criminals, systematically revised history textbooks, denied the Nanjing Massacre, and sought to reframe wartime aggression. In recent years, Japan has also fundamentally shifted its security posture, steadily increasing its defense budget and openly debating an overhaul of its non‑nuclear principles.
A recent remark by a Japanese politician that the use of force by mainland China against Taiwan could represent an “existential crisis” for Japan grossly violates the One China principle and constitutes interference in China’s internal affairs.
Since ancient times Taiwan has been an integral part of China’s territory, sacred and inviolable. In the late 19th century, following the Sino-Japanese War, Japan occupied Taiwan and imposed a brutal colonial rule lasting half a century, marking the darkest period in Taiwan’s history.
China’s sovereignty over Taiwan is affirmed by a number of internationally binding instruments, including the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation, and the Japanese Instrument of Surrender. This represents an integral outcome of the victory in World War II and the postwar international order, and these historical and legal facts are beyond dispute.
Furthermore, the 1972 Joint Communique of the Government of Japan and the Government of the People’s Republic of China explicitly states that the Government of Japan recognizes the Government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate government of China and affirms that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the territory of the People’s Republic of China. The Government of Japan fully understands and respects this position of the Government of China. This constitutes Japan’s political commitment to China.
The Taiwan question as a red line
Taiwan is Chinese Taiwan; it has never been and never will be a separate state. The Taiwan question represents the core of China’s fundamental interests; it is a red line and boundary that cannot be crossed.
No individual or force should underestimate the Chinese people’s resolute determination, unwavering will, and strong capacity to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The historical trend toward China’s reunification is unstoppable. Everyone must take China’s concerns seriously, cease all provocative actions, and earnestly fulfill their political commitments to China and the international community.
A nation that lacks credibility cannot be strong, just as a person without integrity cannot stand tall. A country that fails to confront history and shoulder responsibility will never genuinely gain the trust and respect of the international community.
I am convinced that a politician who refuses to acknowledge their mistakes, who fails to correct them, and who breaches their commitments will, in time, face severe consequences. To rectify a mistake demonstrates courage and wisdom; to stubbornly repeat it is the height of foolishness.
Indeed, a mistake unlearned is already a betrayal of one’s own self.
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