On August 14, the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) and the Cuban government held a grand gathering at the Palace of the Revolution in the capital city, Havana, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Nearly 200 people attended the event. Among them were Cuban party and government leaders, including Miguel Díaz-Canel, First Secretary of the PCC Central Committee and Cuban President; Roberto Morales Ojeda, Member of the Political Bureau and Secretary of Organization of the PCC Central Committee; and Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, Cuban Minister of Foreign Affairs. Also present were Hua Xin, Chinese Ambassador to Cuba, representatives from Chinese enterprises, overseas Chinese and students in Cuba, as well as diplomatic envoys from various countries; and friends from all walks of life.

In his address, Rodríguez spoke highly of the historic contribution of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, stressing that without China’s victory, the course of world history would have been rewritten. He noted that, 80 years later, China has grown into a strong and unwavering country, one that follows the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics and advocates peace, respect, and solidarity. Cuba welcomes China’s development, which has brought stability and opportunities to the world, particularly to developing countries and the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region.

Rodríguez reaffirmed Cuba’s firm commitment to the one-China principle and its opposition to any attempt to undermine China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also expressed gratitude for China’s steadfast opposition to the U.S. blockade and sanctions against Cuba. He said that the two countries will continue to work hand in hand to promote a more just and equitable international order.

In his remarks, Ambassador Hua Xin said that the painful lessons of World War II must never be forgotten. Commemorating this important day serves as a reminder to the international community to learn from history and resolutely oppose all forms of hegemonism and power politics. He stressed that China and Cuba, as important members of the Global South, will firmly stand on the right side of history, strengthen solidarity and cooperation, and make greater contributions to world peace, development, fairness and justice.

A short film commemorating the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was screened at the event, which was covered by Cubavision and several other media outlets.