Abu Dhabi, August 21, 2025 – The UAE capital Abu Dhabi on Thursday hosted the “Echoes of Peace” event, jointly organized by China Media Group (CMG) and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Abu Dhabi. The gathering brought together more than 60 prominent figures, including officials, diplomats, academics, intellectuals, and media representatives from China and the UAE, with the aim of deepening cultural and humanitarian exchanges. The event was held to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, underlining that peace remains the only path to sustainable human development.
China and the UAE share a common vision and approach in addressing global peace issues. Beijing has launched multiple initiatives to resolve conflicts through peaceful means, drawing lessons from the tragedies of past wars to prevent their recurrence. Meanwhile, the UAE continues to advance initiatives that promote tolerance, coexistence, and dialogue as key pillars for securing a brighter future for all peoples. Both nations believe that the echoes of peace are stronger and more enduring than conflict, working hand in hand to safeguard global stability.
In a video address, Shen Haixiong – Vice Minister of Publicity Department of CPC Central Committee and President and Editor-in-Chief of China Media Group, emphasized that the 80th anniversary of China’s victory in the War of Resistance during World War II is a vital moment to draw lessons from history. “History is the best book we can learn from. Remembering the past helps us preserve peace, confront shared challenges, and build a better future for humanity,” he said. He added that CMG is committed to strengthening media and cultural cooperation with international partners, providing fair and objective voices that oppose hegemony and call for shared peace and development.
Chinese Ambassador to the UAE, H.E. Zhang Yiming, underscored that China had made enormous sacrifices in resisting hegemony, noting that preserving the United Nations-centered international order is the real guarantee for global peace and stability. He stressed that China and the UAE are key partners in safeguarding peace and development, highlighting the strong alignment between the “Shanghai Spirit” of mutual trust, cooperation, and respect, and the UAE’s values of tolerance and dialogue.
Professor Mohammed Firas Al-Naib, President of Strategia Research Centre, emphasized that China has been a consistent force for peace and stability since the end of World War II. He pointed to President Xi Jinping’s initiatives—including the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, and the Global Security Initiative—as practical solutions to reform global governance and foster international cooperation.
Arab writer and media figure Khaled Omar bin Qeqa argued that certain Western narratives, such as the “clash of civilizations,” undermine peace by fuelling division. He stressed that the world needs dialogue among civilizations instead of confrontation, and openness and cooperation instead of barriers and separation.
Dr. Zhang Tie Jun, Vice Dean of the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences at Khalifa University, noted that China-UAE cooperation serves as a model for the Global South, combining China’s industrial strength with the UAE’s position as a major trade and investment hub. This partnership, he said, enhances shared development and promotes a framework of positive competition and win-win cooperation.
The event also featured screenings of Chinese-produced documentaries focusing on World War II, including The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru, the series Letters from a Great Power – Memory of the Flying Tigers, and CGTN’s exclusive documentary Hidden Betrayal.
Participants affirmed that the event provided a vital platform for strengthening cultural and humanitarian dialogue between China and the UAE, reflecting the two nations’ shared commitment to promoting world peace and building a brighter future for humanity.