The annual International Peace Day commemoration event, themed "Aspire for a safer Asia," kicked off in Xi'an, capital of China's Shaanxi Province on September 23. Han Qide, vice-chairperson of the 12th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), President of the Chinese People's Association for Peace and Disarmament, addressed the opening ceremony under the topic "Asian people join hands to preserve peace and safety, work together to build a peaceful and prosperous future." Han said that Asian nations are facing numerous threats to peace, both old and new. Japan, in particular, was the perpetrator and the defeated nation in Asian battlefield during World War II. Its leaders still deny its history of aggression and continue to challenge the postwar international order. "We should learn from history, respond to safety challenges together, join hands in boosting prosperity and development in Asia. Let people in Asia and the world live a happy life in a peaceful environment." He said. Han added that the Chinese dream is a dream of peace and development, which is closely connected with the dreams of every other nation in Asia. In the process of realizing their own dreams, Chinese will also the help the people of other Asian nations fulfill their own dreams. Other political leaders in attendance included Sri Lanka Parliament Speaker Chamal Jayantha Rajapaksa, former Bangladesh president Hussain Muhammad Ershad and former Cyprus president Dimitrios Christofias. United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon also remotely congratulated the successful opening of the commemoration activities. Around 33 political figures, experts and scholars of peace and development from 17 Asian nations will participate in the two-day event. Related News
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