What began as a movie screening at Silverbird Cinema turned into a reflection on history, peace, and international cooperation, as the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, marked the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
The event featured the screening of Dead to Rights, a historical drama that revisits the 1937 Nanjing Massacre, where invading Japanese forces killed more than 300,000 civilians and soldiers.
Ambassador Yu described the massacre as “one of the darkest chapters in modern world history,” warning that the lessons of that period must never be forgotten.
“During the 14 years of resistance, over 35 million Chinese people lost their lives or sustained injuries. China made a historic contribution to the victory of the world anti-fascist war and to the restoration of peace and order,” he said.
While acknowledging the pain of that era, Yu stressed that commemorations should go beyond mourning the dead. “The best way to honor their sacrifice is to cherish peace, safeguard peace, and enhance international cooperation,” he declared.
He cautioned against the dangers of historical revisionism and rising instability across the globe, urging nations to uphold the ideals of the United Nations, reject unilateralism, and ensure that fascism’s atrocities are never repeated.
Highlighting Nigeria’s importance, Yu said the partnership between both countries reflects the aspirations of the Global South. “China and Nigeria share the same values of fairness, justice, and development. Our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership must be deepened through stronger political dialogue, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people ties,” he noted.
The envoy also emphasized the role of cinema as a tool for diplomacy. “Films can bring history alive in ways textbooks cannot. Watching, reflecting, and remembering together reaffirms our shared humanity and our responsibility to build a peaceful world,” he said.
The evening concluded with an emotional screening of Dead to Rights, which left the audience reflecting on both the brutality of war and the resilience of the human spirit.
