Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng has called on both China and the United States to maintain the spirit of the alliance they forged eight decades ago, which helped defeat fascist during World War II.
Xie made the statement while addressing a cultural exchange event marking the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday.
"Greatness is forged in the ordinary and heroes come from the people. Ensuring that the tragedies of history will never repeat themselves is the best way to honor the heroes who gave their lives," said Xie.
Xie further emphasized China's great contribution in fighting against fascism during the War of Resistance.
"With 14 years of tenacious resistance, over 200 important battles and the loss of more than 35 million soldiers and civilians, China made indelible, historical contributions to victory of the world anti-fascist war," he said.
While the Second World War timeframe is typically associated with Germany's attack on Poland in 1939, China's war with Japan began in September 1931.
These holographic installations and historic documents bear testament to China's endurance repelling Japanese forces while fighting alongside Western allies.
China and the United States served together in the Flying Tigers, officially known as the American Volunteer Group of the Chinese Air Force, which was formed in 1941 by U.S. General Claire Lee Chennault to help China in its fight against invading Japanese troops.
"The fourth great allied power is too often overlooked in the West. Amid these dark years a remarkable bond of friendship emerged between the Chinese people and the American people," said Jeff Greene, chairman of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation.
Greene said that as conflict continues around the world today, that historic bond resonates.
"Never is it more needed, never is it more important to be understood. Our military, our economics, our science, our technology, our medicine depend on each other," said Greene.
"It is a constant reminder that China and the U.S. should see each other as partners and friends, contribute to one another's success and benefit the whole world. We should never forget what our two peoples went through together in the era of war," said Xie.
The event, "Echoes of Peace," was co-hosted by the Chinese embassy in the United States and China Media Group. Over 200 guests, including representatives from the U.S. economic, artistic and media sectors, as well as students, participated in the event.
Chinese ambassador to US calls for sustaining historical alliance at cultural exchange event
Chinese ambassador to US calls for sustaining historical alliance at cultural exchange event
Chinese ambassador to US calls for sustaining historical alliance at cultural exchange event
