A cultural exchange event titled "Echoes of Peace" was held in the British city of Liverpool on Tuesday, emphasizing China's role in the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and the enduring lessons that can be drawn from it.
The event was hosted by the China Media Group (CMG) to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War, and was one in a series of similar activities which have been held at various locations worldwide to draw attention to this important historical milestone.
At Liverpool's Bluecoat Gallery, diplomats, historians, and the relatives of veterans gathered to reflect on history and look towards peace, vowing not to forget the stories of the past.
"Today, eight decades later we look back on those years of fire and sacrifice, not only to honor historical truth but also to draw wisdom and strength from them," said Yang Zhiyu, the Deputy Consul-General of the Chinese Consulate in the nearby city of Manchester.
The event brought attention to the huge efforts made in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and China's immense contribution in the Eastern Theater of World War II, highlighting stories of resistance, sacrifice, and international cooperation.
"I think it's very accurate that China has been forgotten. There are many stories that need to be told and I think as a historian I have a job to do to inspire more research," said Zheng Yangwen, a professor of Chinese history at the University of Manchester.
The gathering also reviewed the story of how local Chinese fishermen risked their lives to rescue hundreds of people aboard the Lisbon Maru, a Japanese transport ship that was struck by a torpedo when it had been carrying more than 1,800 British prisoners of war in 1942.
"I think the biggest story about the Lisbon Maru is that it encompasses both the worst of war and also the best of war. The worst being what our poor prisoners of war went through, but then also this humanity of the Chinese who came and saved them at risk of their own lives," said Anthony Jones, the Chairman of Lisbon Maru Memorial Association.
Participants also reflected on post-war injustices, such as the forced repatriation of thousands of Chinese sailors who had served in Liverpool.
"Those sailors risked their lives to bring food into the bay of Liverpool to feed us while we were fighting the Germans and how were they repaid? They were repaid by being repatriated. [For] what? They had families here. It is an injustice," said Joe Phillips, the son of a Chinese sailor who never got to know his father.
"I was shocked by what has happened with respect to the seamen from Liverpool. I just didn't know anything about that. I think it must be devastating to think you've been abandoned by your father. I personally will do whatever I can to help them resolve some of that in whatever ways we can," said Barbara Murray, the Lord Mayor of Liverpool.
The event also saw panel discussions centering around the challenges facing the international order in the present day, with former Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Medgyessy and other participants discussing the importance of global cooperation and responsibility amid the current geopolitical tensions.
"This dialogue, these meetings, the diplomacy can help to better understand and to take the responsibility together for the future," said Medgyessy.
Organizers said that the series of "Echoes of Peace" evens seek not only to remember the important history, but also to enhance mutual understanding between China and other countries during turbulent times, with the message that reflecting on the past can help people move forward together.
"Echoes of Peace" event in Liverpool emphasizes China's role in WWII victory
