It is the first time in 20 years since Jiang Zemin in 2000 that a Chinese leader has delivered a direct speech
Emphasizing the justification for participation in the Korean War, targeting the US and claiming victory over the US
[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] The Chinese government held a grand event on the 23rd to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the 'Hangmi Wonjo (抗美援朝)', which signifies participation in the Korean War.
China has designated October 25, 1950, the date of its first victory against U.S. and South Korean forces during the Korean War, as a commemorative day and holds events annually.
President Xi Jinping delivered a speech at the 70th anniversary event. It is the first time in 20 years since former President Jiang Zemin in 2000 that a Chinese leader has spoken directly at a Hangmi Wonjo commemorative event.
Contrary to predictions that the 70th anniversary event would not be held on a large scale due to U.S.-China tensions, President Xi’s direct speech is interpreted as a sign that China will no longer "pay heed to the United States."
At 10 a.m. local time, President Xi attended the event held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing and stated, "The great victory of the Hangmi Wonjo War will be forever engraved in the history books of the Chinese nation," adding, "It will also be eternally inscribed in the history of human peace, development, and progress."
He continued, "On behalf of the Central Committee of the Communist Party, the State Council, and the Military Commission, I extend my gratitude to the veterans, bereaved families, and comrades who participated in the Hangmi Wonjo War."
President Xi emphasized, "Hangmi Wonjo was a historic decision," and said, "On October 19, 1950, under the leadership of Commander and Political Commissar Peng Dehuai, we entered the Korean battlefield," stressing that this was a just action by China. This statement underscores the legitimacy of China’s participation in the Korean War and is interpreted as a remark aimed at the United States.
He self-praised by saying, "China’s Hangmi Wonjo was a war that demonstrated the status of the new great power China not only in Asia but worldwide," and "It was a war that showed the firm determination of the Chinese people to safeguard world peace."
He reiterated, "The great spirit of Hangmi Wonjo must transcend time and space, be eternally inherited, and passed down through generations."
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