As China celebrated V-Day with a grand military parade in Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of its triumph in World War II, U.S. residents reflected on the wartime alliance between the two countries and voiced hopes for renewed cooperation in today’s divided world.
The commemorations, part of a nationwide tribute to China’s victory in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, culminated in Wednesday’s high-profile gathering in Beijing's Tian’anmen Square.
In interviews with China Central Television (CCTV), U.S. residents shared their understanding of the Chinese People's War of Resistance, highlighting the historic cooperation between China and the U.S. and expressing hopes for closer ties in the future.
"I remember General Stilwell helped with China at one point. But that was a long time ago, so whatever I could say, I think it (cooperation between China and U.S.) should work again," said Bill, a local resident.
"What they (the Chinese people) went through, you know, in the 1930s was horrible and the United States saw that and saw the Japanese alliance with Germany and with Italy, and with other fascist or imperial nations as a really negative thing. I think diplomacy is a wonderful thing. And when nations can get together on a common ground and agree on diplomacy and on things for the betterment of the world and for the world's people, I think that's a really admirable thing. I get nervous about allegiances that split the world apart and don't bring the world together," said Nick, another local resident.
China was the first country to rise against fascist aggression with the longest-lasting resistance that began in 1931. The country tied down and struck over half of Japan's overseas forces, at the cost of 35 million military and civilian casualties -- accounting for around one-third of all WWII casualties worldwide.
Japan officially surrendered on Sept. 2, 1945, by signing the Instrument of Surrender. China designated Sept. 3 as Victory Day.
US residents reflect on WWII cooperation with China amid V-Day commemorations
A former television host from Taiwan, Zhai Xuan, has made a pivotal decision to leave mainstream broadcasting in order to create content that provides a better understanding of the Chinese mainland and cross-strait relations.
Zhai, a seasoned television host with over a decade of experience in Taiwan's media landscape, recently addressed an audience at an event in Beijing, where she revealed her complete transition into independent online media.
In her remarks, she articulated her aspiration to bridge what she perceives as a significant information gap between audiences on both sides of the Strait, highlighting her commitment to fostering a deeper understanding and connection through her new endeavors.
"I was really surprised by all the fake news. There were stories saying people on the mainland can't afford tea eggs or that they live in mud houses and in Taiwan, this was the main information many people received," said Zhai.
Zhai said she initially began producing online videos to challenge such perceptions while continuing her work as a television host.
In April 2025, she travelled to the mainland with her father to fulfill her late grandfather's wish to return to his hometown. The trip, which reunited family members separated since 1949, was recorded in a video series titled "Journey to Find Our Roots", drawing attention from viewers in both Taiwan and the mainland.
"Many people in Taiwan told me that after watching, they wanted to apply for a mainland travel permit immediately and go looking for their relatives. Some had long forgotten these things, but after seeing my story, they began thinking about their hometowns and family members they had never met and decided to search for their roots," Zhai shared her story at the event.
By mid-2025, Zhai said she began to feel increasing pressure amid rising political tensions and a tightening atmosphere around cross-Strait exchanges in Taiwan.
After more than 12 years in the industry, Zhai resigned from her position, believing it was the right thing to do.
"At that moment, I felt this was a major issue，not just for me, but for Chinese people on both sides of the Strait. If I backed down then, I wouldn’t be standing on the right side," said Zhai.
Since leaving television, Zhai has broadened her online programming to encompass a range of daily-life topics, including practical guidance on applying for a mainland travel permit and using commonly employed mobile applications, in addition to content that delves into historical memory and cultural connections across the Strait.
As the debate over cross-Strait relations continues in Taiwan, Zhai said she remains committed to her current path.
Former Taiwan TV host bridges cross-Strait divide via online media
