China to uphold WWII victory: premier

Chinese Premier Li Keqiangdelivers the government work report during the opening meeting of the third session of China's 12th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2015. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

BEIJING, March 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said Thursday China will host events to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the victory in the world's war against fascism and the Chinese people's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression.

Addressing lawmakers in the Great Hall of the People at the opening meeting of the annual session of the National People's Congress, Li said China will work together with other countries to uphold the victory of World War II and international justice.

China has announced to hold a military parade this year to mark its victory over Japan. The event would be part of worldwide commemorative activities for the WWII victory.

Japan invaded northeast China in 1931 and had conducted a full-scale invasion since 1937. By the end of WWII, more than 35 million Chinese soldiers and civilians were killed or wounded, as only one result of the Japanese aggression and atrocities.

Japan signed the formal surrender on Sept. 2, 1945, and thus the following day, Sept. 3, was declared by China as the Victory Day.

Premier Li said China will commit to peaceful development, pursue a win-win strategy of opening up and help develop a new type of international relations based on mutual benefit and cooperation.

China will work to deepen strategic dialogue and practical cooperation with other major countries and work to build a sound and stable framework for major-country relations, he said.

Efforts will also be made to make progress in neighborhood diplomacy and work to create a community with a common future, Li said.

China, at the same time, will strengthen unity and cooperation with other developing countries, protect common interests, actively participate in international and multilateral affairs and work to make both the international system and the international order more just and equitable, he said.