China Marks 81st Anniversary of Victory Over Japanese Aggression

The Government of China and the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region organized nationwide events on September 3, 2026, to commemorate the 81st anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

In Hong Kong, Chief Executive John Lee attended a ceremony at the Hong Kong City Hall Memorial Garden featuring flag-raising and a period of silence. In mainland China, activities spanned several cities. A symposium was held in Beijing, while the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre hosted poetry readings and songs under the theme "remember history and cherish peace." Other observances included tributes at the Northeast China Revolutionary Martyrs' Memorial Hall in Harbin, educational events in Changchun, and a moment of silence at a martyrs' cemetery in Zunhua City.

During the commemorations, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun urged Japanese right-wing forces to fulfill international obligations and pursue peaceful development, citing concerns over Japan's record-high defense budget request for the 2027 fiscal year. Local officials and curators emphasized the role of historical artifacts in proving war crimes and educating younger generations on the lessons of history.