Zhang Qiyue, Chinese consul general in New York, addressed the concert. Photos by Hong Xiao / For China Daily

Music is a common language of humanity; peace is the common aspiration of the people, said China's consul general in New York at a symphony concert titled Always Remember, Never Again.

To commemorate the 70th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, the large-scale symphony concert was held jointly by the US Asian Culture Media Group and Shanghai Media Group on Sept 11 at Colden Auditorium in Flushing, Queens, New York.

Zhang Qiyue, China's consul general in New York, addressed the concertgoers. "Even 70 years have gone by since World War II has ended, it's hard to forget the pain of the war. We should not allow the history fade, and we should not weaken our pursuit of peace," Zhang said.

"For a more beautiful future, we bear that hard time in mind by music today, cherishing the memory of revolutionary martyrs, cherishing the hard-won peace."

Zhang said that China and the United States fought side by side against fascism 70 years ago and forged a profound friendship. Today, the two powers are working to build new relations and share broad common interests.

Zhang said the New York state Assembly and Senate recently passed a resolution to welcome President Xi Jinping's on his upcoming state visit to the US while stressing the importance of Sino-US friendship.

"Because today's Sino-US friendship has been deeply rooted, and in the interests of two countries' people," said Zhang.

Wang Jianjun, president of Shanghai Media & Entertainment Group, addressed the concert via video link.