China Remembers Victims Of Nanjing Massacre

A national commemoration was held in Nanjing on Monday to mark the 84th anniversary of the massacre in the city by Japanese troops.

Those who attended the ceremony observed a minute's silence while sirens blared in the city. This was followed by the laying of wreaths by PLA soldiers.

Addressing the ceremony, Vice Premier Sun Chunlan said China would take history as a mirror and continue on a path of peaceful development.

She said the Japanese troops committed crimes against humanity, saying there is "ironclad evidence" and history can't be distorted.

Sun said the Communist Party has achieved a lot since its establishment 100 years ago and "it is the biggest comfort for the victims of the massacre as well as those who sacrificed their lives during the fight."

The ceremony ended with dozens of teenagers reading out a declaration of peace, while doves symbolising peace were released.