The Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Los Angeles hosted a special film reception to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The event, themed “Remembering History and Promoting Peace Together,” drew over 100 guests, including Consul General Guo Shaochun, his wife, and a diverse group of dignitaries, elected officials, consuls general, and community members.
Among the honored attendees was 101-year-old Flying Tigers veteran Mr. McMullen and his wife. The evening’s program featured a screening of the documentary The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru, a powerful film that brings to light a forgotten chapter of World War II history. The documentary, directed by Fang Li, was praised for its meticulous research, including the use of state-of-the-art technology to locate the sunken ship, which serves as a tomb for more than 800 British soldiers.
Consul General Guo Shaochun delivered a speech that reviewed the history of China’s resistance, noting the 14-year struggle against foreign invasion. He highlighted China’s significant contributions to the Allied victory, citing that China was the main battlefield in the East, with over 35 million military and civilian casualties—accounting for about one-third of the total global casualties in the war.
The Consul General also spoke of the invaluable support China received from global peace forces, including the United States. He emphasized the shared history of the two nations fighting side-by-side against fascism and paid tribute to the Flying Tigers, a group of American pilots who aided China under the command of General Chennault. He specifically honored Mr. McMullen, acknowledging the deep bonds forged during the war, which continue to inspire efforts to safeguard peace.
Consul General Guo Shaochun stressed that remembering history is essential for moving forward. He called for dialogue and cooperation, urging China and the United States to adhere to principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation. He articulated a vision of unity, stating, “Unity overcomes division, cooperation dissolves confrontation, and win-win replaces zero-sum.” He encouraged strengthening exchanges in trade, education, culture, science, and technology to build bridges of understanding and trust between the two nations.
Following the speeches, attendees watched The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru, which recounts how, in 1942, local fishermen near Zhoushan, Zhejiang, risked their lives to rescue British prisoners of war from the sinking Japanese transport ship. The film, told through the recollections of survivors and archival footage, captivated the audience.
The reception was described as solemn, warm, and friendly. A photo exhibition on display paid tribute to the spirit of cooperation and victory during the war. Attendees enjoyed Chinese cuisine and had the opportunity to take photos with Consul General Guo Shaochun and his wife.
The evening was a testament to the shared history and enduring friendship between the Chinese and American people, with a clear message that honoring the past is key to building a peaceful future.
