Dear Editor,
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. The Second World War broke out because fascist countries like Germany, Italy, and Japan narrowly placed the interests of their own countries and their people above others. More than 80 countries and regions were involved in WWII with more than 100 million casualties. As the main eastern battlefield, China made a significant contribution to the victory of the war after 14 years of arduous fight, with more than 35 million casualties. Guyana was also actively committed to protecting the peace and tranquility of mankind during the war. Guyanese joined the British army and about two-thirds of the aircraft manufactured by the Allied Forces were made of Guyana’s bauxite.
After the flames and smoke of World War II dissipated, the United Nations was born in the expectations of the world for peace, development, harmony, and prosperity. The 193 member states have jointly pledged, “To save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime has brought untold sorrow to mankind, and … to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom.” “And for these ends-to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbours, and … for the promotion of the economic and social advancement of all peoples.” The international order and relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter help to establish contemporary basic norms governing international relations and provide a solid guarantee for the post-war peace and development.
As the first founding member country to sign the UN Charter, China has always abided by the Charter and has been a promoter of world peace, a contributor to global development, and a defender of international order. China has for 30 years participated in the UN peacekeeping mission, and sent over 40,000 peacekeepers. While eradicating the poverty of more than 800 million people in our own country, China has provided developing countries with 180 poverty reduction projects, 118 agricultural cooperation projects, 178 trade promotion aid projects, 103 ecological protection and climate change projects, 134 hospitals and clinics, 123 schools and vocational training centers. The South-South Cooperation Assistance Fund has implemented more than 80 projects in more than 30 developing countries, injecting impetus into global sustainable development. From proposing the Five Principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, mutual non-interference in internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence, to promoting the establishment of a new type of international relations featuring mutual respect, fairness, justice and win-win cooperation, as well as to build a global community with a shared future (a country should accommodate the legitimate concerns of others when pursuing its own interests; and it should promote common development of all countries when advancing its own development), China show the world that it is willing to take responsibility in respect of abiding by international conventions and maintaining international order.
At present, global problems such as environmental pollution and climate change are intensifying, and various chaos such as economic downturn, geographical turbulence, terrorist crises, and civil frictions have emerged one after another. This year, the COVID-19 pandemic has raged around the whole world and caused severe damage. The destiny of mankind is connected and closely related. Only by seeking common ground while shelving differences and uniting and cooperating, can we successfully solve common problems and maintain peace and development. Con-versely, if one is obsessed with the “Cold War” mentality, pursue double standards, play zero-sum games, and attempt to restrict the development of other countries to satisfy one’s own selfishness by discrediting, suppressing, and creating chaos, it will not only deviate from the United Nations Charter, but also increases the instability of the international situation, and eventually shoots oneself in the foot.
We should look back into the history and remain true to our original aspiration. In commemorating victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, we do not want to perpetuate the hatred, but to learn from history, remember the lessons, and create a better future. The Chinese, bred by five thousand years of civilization, believe in “being kind to others is doing good to yourself”, and are willing to consult with the people of all countries, including the Guyanese people, to jointly contribute to and share peace and development.
Yours faithfully,
Cui Jianchun
Chinese Ambassador
