China on Thursday held a grand reception to welcome the WWII veterans worldwide in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of China's victory against Japanese invasion.

Chinese leaders, including State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan, vice chairmen Li Guixian and Luo Haocai of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference as well officials from the Foreign Ministry, joined the reception.

While delivering a speech at the reception, Tang said China's victory against Japanese invasion cannot be separated from the support of all the peace-loving countries and people in the world.

He said China will never forget the friends who came from afar to join the Chinese people to fight against fascist invasion. "They used their blood and lives to demonstrate their determination to resist aggression and just pursue for peace...."

Under the invitation of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, nearly 210 people from countries including the US, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, Russia and Ukraine, have arrived in Beijing.

The guests, who or whose families had offered help and support to China during its War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, are scheduled to attend a series of commemorative activities.

(Xinhua News Agency September 2, 2005)