“It has long been known that the real experts on military affairs do not want to employ military means to solve issues,“ he quoted a Chinese aphorism when meeting with then United States Secretary of Defense James Mattis in Beijing in 2018.

　　A clear manifestation of Xi's reflection is to cherish history and honor heroes. “A nation of hope cannot be without heroes,“ Xi once said. Every year since 2014, Xi has paid tribute to China's fallen heroes on Martyrs' Day, which falls on Sept 30, a day ahead of the country's National Day.

　　In 2015, when China celebrated the 70th anniversary of its victory in World War II, Xi presented medals to Chinese veterans and representatives from Russia and other countries who assisted Chinese soldiers on the battlefields.

　　Nikolai Chuikov, the grandson of Soviet General Marshal Vasily Chuikov, was among those who received a peace medal from Xi. “Of all the honors I have won, I hold the highest regard for the peace medal,“ he said.

　　Xi's unwavering commitment to peace, development and cooperationChina is sharing its experience with other countries to assist them in achieving mutual prosperityChina Daily | Updated: 2025-05-08 08:08

　　President Xi Jinping watches the military parade to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War in Beijing on Sept 3, 2015. LAN HONGGUANG/XINHUA

　　Torch of multilateralism