China’s ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has called for deeper cooperation between the two countries to safeguard peace, justice, and the principles of the United Nations Charter.

Mr Yu made the call on Friday in Abuja at a film screening organised by the China Cultural Centre to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

He said the event was to honour history, pay tribute to the fallen, and remind the world of the importance of preserving peace and building a fairer international order.

“In 1931, driven by militarism, Japan launched a brutal war of aggression against China.

“On December 13, 1937, after capturing Nanjing, Japanese invaders carried out a horrific massacre that lasted six weeks, killing more than 300,000 civilians and soldiers.

“This remains one of the darkest chapters in modern world history,” Mr Yu said.

According to him, China bore immense sacrifices during World War II, suffering more than 35 million military and civilian casualties and economic losses exceeding $600 billion.

He said China’s resistance in the Eastern theatre of the war dealt a decisive blow to fascism and made historic contributions to global peace and stability.

“Let history be our guide. Let us preserve, with unwavering resolve, the hard-won outcomes of World War II.

“At this critical juncture, it falls upon us to reaffirm our commitment to the international system with the United Nations at its core and to promote a global order based on fairness, justice, and equality,” he added.

Highlighting the relevance of China-Nigeria ties, Mr Yu reaffirmed both countries as major developing nations and leading voices in the Global South.

“China and Nigeria are vital forces in safeguarding the outcomes of World War II and upholding the UN Charter.

“It is therefore essential that we fully implement the consensus reached by our heads of state and elevate the China-Nigeria Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to new heights,” the ambassador said.

The film screened at the event, with the title “Dead to Rights”, is inspired by the Nanjing Massacre and aims to provide a platform for reflection on the tragedies of war and the shared responsibility to prevent future conflicts. 

(NAN)