American and Chinese participants at a cultural exchange event in Washington, DC. commemorating the victory over fascism called for strengthening cooperation between China and the United States, while reflecting on the two countries' collaboration during World War II.
The event, "Echoes of Peace," was co-hosted by the Chinese embassy in the United States and China Media Group (CMG) on Wednesday to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
Over 200 guests, including representatives from the U.S. economic, artistic, and media sectors, as well as students, attended the event.
Participants highlighted China's pivotal role in building the main Eastern battlefield in the global fight against fascism at a huge cost, saying that China not only battered the Japanese army but also halted its strategic expansion into Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
Among the guests at the event was Jeffrey Greene, CEO of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation. Greene founded the non-profit organization in 1998 and it has since worked to explore, promote and commemorate the shared history of U.S.-China wartime cooperation. The foundation also helps keep memory of the Flying Tigers, officially known as the American Volunteer Group of the Chinese Air Force, alive.
"Tigers in the sky," a CMG documentary focusing on the Flying Tigers, was screened at the event.
Attendees recalled how Chinese civilians risked brutal reprisals from Japanese forces to rescue hundreds of American Volunteer Group pilots during the war. They said this cross-border friendship shone with the light of humanity. It is not only an important bridge for China-U.S. cooperation but also an enduring epitome of solidarity and peace.
The attendees expressed hope that the two countries would achieve peaceful coexistence and work together to build a prosperous future.
"In a world that oftentimes feels like it's on the edge of strife, looking back at moments of collaboration is very important, and so having that look back to remember places where these two nations have had the opportunity to collaborate. We need more examples of that today than ever. And I think that's pivotal for the event that was being held tonight here," said Nicholas, an attendee.
A highlight of the event was a visual arts exhibition, where CMG utilized holographic imaging technology to vividly recreate historical moments from the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War in three-dimensional form.
The exhibition also featured paintings by 20 artists from China and the United States revolving around the theme "Peace Forever, Beautiful China."
Students and musicians from several U.S. universities performed live, expressing the younger generation's hope to cherish and carry forward the China-U.S. friendship.
Participants call for closer China-US cooperation at Washington gathering marking victory against fascism
