September

3

A gathering is held in Beijing to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and in the World Anti-Fascist War. In his keynote speech, President Hu Jintao, also General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, said, "By solemnly commemorating that victory, we will keep history firmly in mind, never forget the past, cherish peace and create a better future. To refresh the memory should spur us forward to build a moderately prosperous society in all respects and achieve the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, so as to further promote the noble cause of peace and development of the human race."

5

The 22nd Congress on the Law of the World opens in Beijing, with the theme "the Rule of Law and Harmony of International Society." More than 1,000 delegates from more than 60 countries attended the congress. It was the second time China hosts the event, after the 14th congress in Beijing.

13-19

The second phase of the fourth round of six-party talks on the Korean nuclear issue is held in Beijing, with the participation of delegates from China, North Korea, the United States, South Korea, Japan and Russia. According to a unanimously adopted joint statement, North Korea is "committed to" abandoning "all nuclear weapons" and "existing nuclear programs" and returning, at an early date, to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and to the International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards. The United States affirms in the document that it has no nuclear weapons on the Korean Peninsula and has no intention to attack or invade North Korea with nuclear or conventional weapons. North Korea and the United States undertake to take steps to normalize their relations. North Korea and Japan also undertake to take steps to normalize their relations on the basis of the settlement of unfortunate past and outstanding issues of concern.