US and China Enhance People-to-People Exchanges
In Quzhou, Zhejiang province, the "See You in Quzhou" China-US people-to-people exchange activities took place between April 17 and 18, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The theme was "Let History Illuminate the Future." During these events, friendship advocates from both nations visited the Doolittle Raid Rescue Site and collaboratively planted a "Friendship Forest", symbolizing peace and hope.
The exchange featured screenings of documentaries, including "Saving Pilot Doolittle" and "Midway", highlighting the joint efforts of Chinese and American peoples against fascism. Eight representatives from both countries sealed their visions for the future into a "time capsule." Attendees, including witnesses to the Doolittle Raid rescue and descendants of rescuers, unveiled a Yudong folk scroll depicting the historic mission.
Zhou Liwen, formerly of Guangming Daily, presented his documentary writing, "Heroes of the Land--The 1942 Quzhou Promise." Further solidifying ties, the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation designated Quzhou Senior High School as a "Flying Tigers Friendship School," integrating it into the "Flying Tigers Friendship School and Youth Leaders Program." A replication of Liberation Daily featuring the Doolittle Raid was presented to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, and a sister museum partnership was established between Quzhou Memorial Hall to the Doolittle Raid and WWII Pacific War Memorial Hall. The Quzhou Doolittle Raid Historical Research Association and the USS Hornet Museum also exchanged collections.
A dialogue session, "Let History Illuminate the Future," facilitated in-depth discussions on honoring history and fostering friendship. Delegates also explored Quzhou's ancient streets, experiencing the cultural richness of the Southern Sanctuary of Confucianism. Jeff Greene, Chairman of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation, emphasized Quzhou's embodiment of Chinese culture's inclusiveness and vitality. The event was co-hosted by the Quzhou Museum and Quzhou Doolittle Raid Historical Research Association, under the guidance of China Public Diplomacy Association.
In related news from San Francisco, descendants of the Flying Tigers, along with U.S. and Chinese officials, inaugurated a photo exhibition titled "Sino-American Friendship -- Flying Tigers in Guangxi" at the WWII Pacific War Memorial Hall in San Francisco Chinatown. The exhibition, organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, showcases 29 panels of historical photographs that honor the contributions of the Flying Tigers during China's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. The exhibition runs through May 4.
The Guangxi region served as a crucial strategic location for the Flying Tigers, who conducted bombing raids on Japanese targets from bases in cities such as Guilin and Liuzhou. Charlene Fontaine, a descendant of a Flying Tigers veteran, highlighted the bravery of the Chinese people, recalling her father's emphasis on their courage and resilience. Wei Jiang, deputy director of Guangxi's Department of Culture and Tourism, shared stories of American pilots rescued by Chinese villagers. He also announced a larger exhibition on the Flying Tigers to open in Liuzhou City in September, inviting contributions of historical materials and visits from Flying Tigers descendants.
Local officials, including Danville Vice Mayor Newell Arnerich and San Francisco Supervisor Chyanne Chen, attended the opening ceremony, emphasizing the importance of learning from history and honoring the sacrifices made for peace. Chen praised the exhibit as a valuable educational tool, highlighting the importance of the U.S.-China relationship.