War to resist US intervention teaches us to value peace

July 27 marks the 70th anniversary of the signing of the armistice of the Korean War (1950-53). Battle after battle, the poorly-equipped Chinese People's Volunteers force, along with the army of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, fought the US-led forces which were armed with the most sophisticated weapons and equipment of the time until an armistice was signed on July 27, 1953.

Commemorating the 70th anniversary is vital to highlight the importance of peace and make efforts to build a peaceful, brighter future, and not to continue confrontation.

From the Chinese perspective, commemorating the victory of the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea is also important to review history and learn about the significance of that war. Through their valorous resistance, the Chinese People's Volunteers force foiled the United States' strategy to intervene not only on the Korean Peninsula but also in the region and the internal affairs of China.

The victory in the war foiled the invasion and expansion plans of imperialist powers, safeguarded the security of New China, stabilized the situation on the Korean Peninsula and helped maintain peace in Asia and the world. President Xi Jinping said at a meeting in 2020 to mark the 70th anniversary of the Chinese People's Volunteers force entering the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to fight in the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea, that the victory was "a declaration that the Chinese people have stood firm in the East and an important milestone in the Chinese nation's march toward the great rejuvenation".

Another reason to commemorate the victory of the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea is to understand today's world, from a long-term and objective perspective.

That some Western big countries are engaged in a great power game with China is evident. Despite that, it is necessary that the two sides make rational decisions when dealing with competition or cooperation.

Some big country has intensified its efforts to contain China in all aspects in the name of competition. On the other hand, it says it will avoid a conflict in the interest of cooperation.

Beijing has shown strategic determination in the face of those countries' provocations and adopted a diplomatic approach to build a positive environment.

China needs to exhibit the same bravery that the Chinese People's Volunteers force showed to foil those countries' designs and safeguard national security and interests, and make efforts to bring the issue to a peaceful end. In fact, to fight and convert war into peace is the strategic principle Chairman Mao Zedong employed in relation to the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea.

The most important reason for commemorating the victory of the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea is to pass down the spirit of fearlessness even when faced with powerful enemies and to always defend the motherland. The Chinese People's Volunteers force set an example of how an ill-equipped force can defeat a superior, well-armed military power.

This indomitable spirit should be passed down from generation to generation, because it will give the younger generations the courage to ignore personal danger to protect the motherland. The spirit is not only about valor; it also includes maintaining high morale despite hardships, upholding internationalism, and fighting for peace and justice.

By reflecting on the past, we can help build a brighter future. We commemorate the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea to remind people to avoid war and let the revolutionary spirit of bravery and promoting peace guide us in these turbulent times.

The author is a professor at the School of Law, Hainan University, and a former military scholar. The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.

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