A meeting marking the 70th anniversary of the Chinese People's Volunteers' entering the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to fight in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea was held in Beijing on October 23. President Xi Jinping, also General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, attended the meeting and delivered a speech. Xi called for promoting the great spirit demonstrated in the war. Edited excerpts of Xi’s speeches on the war as well as national defense follow: 

The Chinese nation will never cower before threats, or be subdued by suppression. 

Excerpts from Xi’s speech at a meeting marking the 70th anniversary of the Chinese People's Volunteers' entering the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to fight in the war on October 23, 2020 

It is necessary to speak to invaders in the language they know: that is, a war must be fought to deter invasion, and force must be met by force. A victory is needed to win peace and respect. 

Excerpts from Xi’s speech at a meeting marking the 70th anniversary of the Chinese People's Volunteers' entering the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to fight in the war on October 23, 2020 

The great War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea defied the invasion and expansion of imperialism and safeguarded the security of New China. 

Excerpts from Xi’s speech at a meeting marking the 70th anniversary of the Chinese People's Volunteers' entering the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to fight in the war on October 23, 2020 

The victory of the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea is a declaration that the Chinese people have stood firm in the East, and an important milestone in the Chinese nation's march toward rejuvenation. 

Excerpts from Xi’s speech at a meeting marking the 70th anniversary of the Chinese People's Volunteers' entering the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to fight in the war on October 23, 2020 

We should enhance war and combat capabilities to ensure rapid and effective response in case of war. 

Excerpts from the main points of Xi’s speech at a meeting of the Central Military Commission on military work on January 4, 2019 

VOICE 

Associate fellow of Chinese People's Liberation Army Ground Force Institute for Party and Military History 

The Chinese participation in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea halted the United States’ aggressive ambition, protected China’s national security and supported the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. In retrospect, we can learn a lesson from history on strengthening China’s armed forces and advancing military modernization. 

Sources: Xi Jinping: The Governance of China (III), Xinhua News Agency, and Beijing Review