The victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the Anti-Fascist War marked a major turning point in world development, said Chinese President Hu Jintao here Saturday.

"The victory expanded the world's progressive forces, hit hard the old era's international system characterized by scramble of big powers for supremacy," said Hu in a speech marking the 60th anniversary of the victory of the wars.

The victory, he said, undermined the foundation of world colonialism, promoted the struggle in colonies and dependencies for independence and national liberation and opened a broad vista for the surging national liberation movements in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

"This victory saved human civilization and prevented a retrogression of history," said Hu.

"It helped spread far and wide the basic values of freedom, democracy, equality, justice and peace, and promoted in a big way the awakening of the people of all countries, especially those of colonial and semi-colonial countries, thus exerting a sustaining influence on the development of human civilization."

In short, the victory is a victory for justice and peace, a victory of the people, he said.

Source: Xinhua