SHENYANG -- Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong on Sunday struck a bell to commemorate the 85th anniversary of the "September 18 Incident" in Shenyang, Liaoning province, Northeast China.

In the presence of the gathered officials and public representatives, Liu struck the bell 14 times, representing the 14 years of Chinese people's fighting against Japanese aggressors. Air raid sirens rang across the city of Shenyang, and trains, ships and cars whistled.

After the bell ceremony, Liu said in a speech that the Chinese nation is a nation who loves peace and has the courage to safeguard peace.

The Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Chinese people understand the value of peace and development, and take it as their duty to promote world peace and development, said Liu.

Liu called on the Chinese people to uphold patriotism and to use the spirit of those that fought the Japanese aggressors to realize the "two centenary goals" and the Chinese dream of the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Liu joined other officials and public representatives to visit the "9.18 History Museum."

About 1,000 people, including senior CPC officials, World War II veterans, as well as officials from local Party, government and army units, attended the ceremony.

On Sept 18, 1931, Japanese aggressor troops blew up a section of railway under its control near Shenyang, then accused Chinese troops of sabotage as a pretext for attack. They bombarded barracks near Shenyang the same evening, triggering the 14-year bloody invasion of China.