BEIJING, Saturday, December 13, 2025 (WNP): China on Saturday observed its National Memorial Day to honor the victims of the 1937 Nanjing Massacre, reaffirming its commitment to remembrance, peace, and the pursuit of a better future.

Speaking on the occasion, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson and Director-General of the Department of Press, Communication and Public Diplomacy, Mao Ning, said December 13 stands as a solemn reminder of one of the darkest chapters in modern history, when hundreds of thousands of civilians were killed during the Nanjing Massacre.

“Remembering history is a solemn vow that underpins efforts to build a better future,” Mao said, emphasizing that commemoration is not only about mourning the past but also about reinforcing collective resolve to prevent such tragedies from recurring.

Across China, memorial activities were held to pay tribute to the victims, reflect on the suffering endured, and promote the values of peace, reconciliation, and respect for human dignity. The National Memorial Day, officially established in 2014, serves as an annual moment of reflection and education, particularly for younger generations.

Chinese officials and scholars have consistently stressed that historical remembrance plays a vital role in fostering mutual understanding, resisting historical revisionism, and strengthening international commitment to peace and stability.

The observance underscores China’s position that acknowledging historical truth is essential for reconciliation and for building a future grounded in justice, cooperation, and lasting peace.