TBILISI, November 27 (Xinhua) — A film screening and photo exhibition were held in Tbilisi on Wednesday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The event was co-organized by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Georgia, Grigol Robakidze University, and the Center for China and Southeast Asia Studies.
Prior to the screening, H.E. Zhou Jian, the Ambassador of the PRC to Georgia, delivered a welcoming speech. He emphasized that preserving historical memory plays a crucial role in strengthening international peace and justice. The Ambassador noted that China endured immense sacrifices—with 35 million casualties—and made a decisive contribution to the defeat of Japanese militarism and the victory of the global anti-fascist movement.
Ambassador Zhou Jian recalled that in 1941, following Nazi Germany’s invasion of the Soviet Union, Japan was unable to advance northward due to the ongoing war with China. This relieved the USSR of the threat of fighting on two fronts. He also noted that after the outbreak of the Pacific War, Japanese advances to the south slowed, and plans to link up with German forces in the Caucasus and the Middle East were thwarted. According to the diplomat, the Sino-Japanese war made a significant strategic contribution to maintaining global peace.
The Ambassador stressed that victory in World War II and the subsequent formation of the international order were made possible by the enormous sacrifices of the world’s peoples. He reminded the audience that at the end of the war, the international community established the United Nations (UN) and drafted the UN Charter, which laid the foundation for the modern international order and established its key norms.
The head of the diplomatic mission further stated that the post-war international order based on the UN Charter must be strictly observed, and any attempts to undermine it represent a threat to global security. He specifically noted that the Taiwan question is an internal matter of China and does not accept external interference.
As part of the event, the feature film “The Battle of One Hundred Regiments” was screened, dedicated to the large-scale offensive operation of China’s Eighth Route Army in 1940. The film recreates key episodes of national resistance and highlights the determination of the Chinese people in their struggle for national independence. Held at Grigol Robakidze University, the screening brought together professors, students, members of the public, and international guests.
Beka Natsvlishvili, Director of the Center for China and Southeast Asia Studies, noted that the film provides a deeper understanding of China’s contribution to the Victory in World War II and is essential for preserving historical memory. According to him, the film truthfully and emotionally conveys the atmosphere of those years, demonstrates the resilience and immense sacrifice of the Chinese people, facilitates the transfer of historical truth to the younger generation, and serves as an important tool for strengthening international understanding and peace.
Following the screening, participants engaged in a friendly dialogue, during which all parties expressed a commitment to further strengthening humanitarian and cultural exchanges between China and Georgia.