On 28 August 2025, A roundtable discussion commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War was held in Ashgabat.
The event, organized by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Turkmenistan, brought together representatives of political parties, public organizations, veterans of the Great Patriotic War, parliamentarians, Chinese companies, educators, students, and media. The gathering served not only to reflect on historical events but also to underscore the importance of peace and cooperation between nations.
The discussion was moderated by Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Turkmenistan, Zhong Hua. Speakers included Chinese Ambassador to Turkmenistan Ji Shumin, Hero of Turkmenistan and Executive Secretary of the National Commission for UNESCO Chinar Rustamova, leaders of the Democratic, Agrarian, and Industrialists and Entrepreneurs parties, members of the Mejlis (Parliament), representatives of the Magtymguly Youth Organization, and prominent media figures.
The event opened with a screening of the documentary “Sacrifice, Solidarity, Memory”, which highlighted the heroism and sacrifices of the Chinese people during their fight against fascism from 1931 to 1945.
In his keynote address, Ambassador Ji Shumin emphasized that China was among the first nations to resist fascism. Over 14 years of conflict, the Chinese people suffered immense losses, with over 35 million military and civilian casualties in the fight against fascism on the Eastern Front of World War II. The economic toll was staggering, with direct losses exceeding $100 billion.
Quoting Chinese President Xi Jinping, the ambassador stated, “The greatest lesson of this victory is the need to pursue the path of peaceful development.” He stressed China’s ongoing role as a proactive contributor to global development and a defender of the international order.
The ambassador also highlighted that Turkmenistan, recognized by the UN as a neutral country for over 30 years, pursues a foreign policy of neutrality that aligns with the peace-loving traditions of the Chinese people. This shared commitment has laid a strong foundation for the steady growth of Turkmen-Chinese relations across diverse sectors, including transport, agriculture, energy, science, and culture.
Chinar Rustamova, Hero of Turkmenistan and Executive Secretary of the National Commission for UNESCO, underscored the global significance of the Chinese people’s anti-fascist struggle: “This fight was not just for China’s salvation; it was for the defense of peace worldwide and the preservation of human civilization.”
Quoting President Xi Jinping, she noted, “China and Japan are close neighbors, and long-term peaceful relations between them benefit both nations and contribute to stability in Asia and the world.”
She added, “The strong friendship forged in the blood of our peoples during World War II remains a cornerstone of modern Turkmen-Chinese relations,” urging all to cherish peace as the highest value.
Other speakers, including Mejlis Committee on International and Interparliamentary Relations member Merdan Tuvakov, Head of the Culture and Media Department of the Magtymguly Youth Organization Central Council Velimyrad Ovezov, and Director General of the Media Turkmen News Agency Bekdurdy Amansaryev, shared insights on the current state of Turkmen-Chinese relations.
They emphasized that the centuries-old ties between the two nations have evolved into a strategic partnership. Both countries share aligned positions on key global and regional issues, working together to promote peace and stability in line with the UN Charter. These historical bonds are reinforced by active cooperation aimed at strengthening global security and sustainable development, with Turkmenistan and China uniting to uphold an international order based on equality and mutual respect.
In her closing remarks, Zhong Hua stated: “Eighty years ago, the Chinese people, alongside the people of the world, including the Turkmen people, made immense sacrifices and achieved a great victory in World War II. Today, as we reflect on history, we draw wisdom and strength for the future. China and Turkmenistan are nations that sincerely value peace, independence, and the well-being of their people. Together with Turkmenistan and other countries, we are committed to preserving peace, strengthening cooperation, and building a brighter future.”
A photo exhibition was held on the sidelines of the round table. The exhibition featured dozens of archival images provided exclusively by China’s Xinhua News Agency. These black-and-white photographs vividly depicted the courage and sacrifices of the Chinese people in their fight for global peace.
///nCa, 28 August 2025