Top state leaders Xi Jinping (2nd L) and Li Keqiang (R) visit an exhibition commemorating the 70th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, at a museum near Lugou Bridge, also known as Marco Polo Bridge, where the war broke out in 1937, in Beijing, July 7, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday stressed that history should always be remembered, and world peace safeguarded, during a visit to an exhibition commemorating the 70th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression.

The whole Party and the whole nation should keep in mind this period of history, which was the result of life and blood, and bear in mind the great achievements of the Chinese people made in safeguarding national independence and freedom, the sovereignty and dignity of the motherland, Xi said. "The great contributions made by the Chinese people to the world anti-Facist war should be remembered."

"We must cherish peace while being cautious of the future," said Xi, adding that China was committed to the road of peaceful development, and would defend world peace while advancing the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

Other members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Li Keqiang, Zhang Dejiang, Yu Zhengsheng, Liu Yunshan, Wang Qishan and Zhang Gaoli, also visited the exhibition.

A total of 1,170 pictures and 2,834 artifacts are on show at the Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance against Japanese Aggression near Lugou Bridge, also known as Marco Polo Bridge, where Japan's full-scale invasion of China began 78 years ago.

The exhibition, "Great Victory, Historic Contribution", is part of events scheduled in the run up to the 70th anniversary of the victory of the anti-Japanese aggression war and the victory of World War II, which will culminate in a parade on Sept 3 in Beijing.

During the visit in the afternoon, the top leaders also laid flowers at the exhibition venue and learnt the details about some items on display.

At the opening ceremony of the exhibition Tuesday morning, Liu Yunshan said the exhibition showcased brave resistance in the face of invasion and the CPC's role as a corner stone in that endeavor.

Tremendous sacrifices were made by the Chinese people and the exhibition serves as a reminder that China was the major oriental battlefield in WWII, Liu added.