China's Next Leader Hails Korean War as 'Great and Just'

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping, widely tipped as his country's next leader, on Monday called the Korean War "a great and just war for safeguarding peace and resisting aggression." Xi was speaking in a meeting with veterans of the Chinese People's Volunteers to commemorate the 60th anniversary of China's entry into the war.

Xi said the war was imposed on the people of China by "imperialist invaders," and the Communist Party of China and Mao Zedong decided to enter the war at the request of North Korea while the security of the new China was at risk. "It was also a great victory gained by the united combat forces of China's and [North Korean] civilians and soldiers, and a great victory in the pursuit of world peace and human progress," Xi said.

He added the Chinese people have not forgotten their great friendship with North Korea.