On July 29, Ambassador Li Fan met with Mr. Sejo Dulić, President of the State Anti-fascist Council for the National Liberation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, along with Vice President Ms. Jasmina Pašalić and Secretary General Mr. Šaćir Hrustanović.

Ambassador Li noted that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The Chinese People's War of Resistance and the global anti-fascist war represented a great battle between justice and evil, light and darkness, progress and reaction. China was the first to resist fascist aggression and fought the longest among the major battlefields, playing a decisive role in defeating Japanese militarism. With tremendous national sacrifice, the Chinese people upheld the Eastern Front of the global anti-fascist war and made significant contributions to the ultimate victory.

Ambassador Li recalled that the peoples of China and Bosnia and Herzegovina stood side by side in resisting fascist aggression. The iconic line from the film Valter Defends Sarajevo — “The air is trembling, as if the sky is burning — the storm is coming” — brings back vivid memories of those tumultuous times. She stressed that the 80th anniversary is an opportunity to remember history, honor the fallen, cherish peace, and open up the future. China and Bosnia and Herzegovina should work together to uphold an accurate understanding of World War II history, jointly safeguard the outcomes of the anti-fascist victory, and uphold the authority and status of the United Nations.

President Dulić spoke highly of the Chinese people’s important contributions to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War, stating that the people of the former Yugoslavia bravely resisted fascist aggression and shared precious historical memories with the Chinese people. He observed that some historians today offer differing interpretations of World War II, and emphasized that our task is to uncover historical truths, honor the contributions of our predecessors, promote accurate historical narratives, cherish peace, and prevent the resurgence of war. He expressed the hope of jointly carrying out a series of commemorative activities with the Chinese side so that younger generations may draw strength from history.

President Dulić also presented Ambassador Li with valuable historical documents, including the declaration adopted at the Second Session of the State Anti-fascist Council for the National Liberation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (ZAVNDBiH).

Founded in 2006, the State Anti-fascist Council for the National Liberation of Bosnia and Herzegovina has over 10,000 members and local branches throughout the country. As a veterans’ organization, its work focuses on preserving historical memory, protecting veterans’ rights, and educating younger generations.