China honored veterans of World War II at a ceremony in Beijing on Wednesday. During the event, President Xi Jinping presented 30 medals to veterans, including some from India and Canada, who helped China during the War.
The veterans who received the medals include those who served in the Eighth Route Army, New Fourth Army, Northeast China Counter-Japanese United Forces, and South China Guerrillas.
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Medals were also given to the personnel who worked in underground organizations led by the CPC during the war against Japanese invasion, those who contributed to the victory of the war, and commanders of resistance forces or their surviving dependents.
Additionally, foreigners acclaimed in China for their contribution during the war also received medals.
“No matter if you fought on the frontline or in the rear, no matter if you were a soldier or if you provided assistance, those who participated in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression are all war heroes and the heroes of the nation,” Xi said during a speech.
Honoring veterans is an important part of this year’s commemorations to mark the 70th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the victory in the Anti-Fascist War.