It must have been a great relief for the people of China on September 2, 1945, when Japan surrendered. They felt relieved that the second world war was at an end. This made the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of that surrender, in Beijing, on September 3, so important.
It helped to remind us of the damage done by war and the fact that we face threats of war throughout the world, including in this region. For example, relations between China and Japan, and North and South Korea are strained. Therefore the announcement on September 3, by President Xi Jinping , of a cut in troop numbers by 300,000 sounded a positive note.
There is so much distrust among countries, especially when there is a military build-up, and you seldom see them agreeing to cut back their military strength.
Instead of focusing on war, I wish countries would spend more time looking at other issues, such as, raising the status of women in developing nations like Iraq and Pakistan. Also, there is a need to ensure children in such countries get an education.
We are more likely to find paths to lasting peace if countries can seek a common ground.
Nations must be willing to make compromises.