China News Service broadcast “East-West Questions” posted an interview on Aug. 4 with Schiller Institute Founder Helga Zepp-LaRouche: “Helga Zepp-LaRouche: Learning from History, How Can China and Germany Build a Peaceful Future Together?” (translated from Chinese original):
—Interview with Helga Zepp-LaRouche, founder and president of the Schiller Institute, a German think tank, with China News Service reporter Ma Xiuxiu
The Chinese Embassy in Germany recently held a seminar in Berlin commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Experts and scholars discussed the 80th anniversary of the Potsdam Declaration and maintaining a correct historical perspective on World War II and the post-war international order. Helga Zepp-LaRouche, founder and president of the German think tank Schiller Institute, told China News Service’s “East-West Questions,” after the seminar, that the current international situation is turbulent and the ideal of peace is facing challenges. Against this backdrop, remembering history and learning from it are particularly important. She called on China and Germany to strengthen cultural dialogue and jointly contribute wisdom and strength to world peace.
China News Service: How is the history of World War II taught and remembered in Germany and Europe?
LaRouche: In Germany, people often praise the country for having seriously reflected on its war crimes. However, this statement is only half true. Germany has indeed undertaken considerable historical reflection, but its scope has gradually become narrow, focusing primarily on crimes related to the Holocaust. In contrast, the immense harm and war crimes inflicted by Germany on the Soviet people during the war have been overlooked or even forgotten. According to estimates, approximately 27 million Soviet citizens died on the front lines and in German prisoner-of-war camps. In contrast, the Great Patriotic War holds a crucial place in Russian national memory.
On the other hand, China made significant contributions to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War through the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. However, this fact is rarely mentioned in European historical narratives. European historical writing tends to be centered on Europe, and although it is nominally called a “world war,” the Pacific theater is often overlooked in the narrative.
China News Service: Germany is holding various events this year to commemorate the victory of World War II. China will also solemnly commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. You have been committed to promoting dialogue between civilizations in China and Europe for many years. How do you view the common ground and differences between Chinese and Western philosophies of peace?
LaRouche: I must regretfully point out that Europe’s understanding of “peace” today is inadequate. In March of this year, the European Union launched a plan called “ReArm Europe,” which aims to rearm Europe through financing of up to €800 billion. At the same time, Germany has removed its debt brake, providing funding for a massive defense buildup. This approach, in my opinion, is highly reminiscent of the “Mefo-Wechsel” policy implemented by Hjalmar Schacht, then-President of the Reichsbank, before World War II. This policy, divorced from the real economy and unrelated to real production, served the purpose of militarization. From a real economic perspective, this is effectively destroying real “real assets.”
In contrast, China has always adhered to the concept of peaceful development, believing that without a peaceful environment, no development can be achieved. War destroys everything. China is making concrete efforts to maintain global peace. Through the Belt and Road Initiative, China is implementing a core concept: “The new name for peace is development.” Only by achieving inclusive development can a solid foundation for peace be truly established. As long as all parties benefit from cooperation and achieve win-win results, even if conflicts arise, a higher level of rationality can always be found to resolve them.
Therefore, I believe that Europe today, and even the entire Western world, urgently needs to relearn and understand what “peacemaking” truly means.
