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
