Zhijiang County of Hunan Province witnessed a grand opening ceremony of the Fifth Zhijiang (China) International Peace Culture Festival. Vice Chairman Qi Xuchun of CPPCC, Vice President Xie Yuan of CPAFFC, Zhang Wenxiong, Member of the Standing Committee of CPC Hunan Committee and Director of the Department of Publicity of CPC Hunan Provincial Committee, and Pawl Crawford, a U.S. Flying Tiger veteran, delivered speeches at the ceremony. Vice President Xie Yuan said, this year marks the 70th anniversary of the victory of Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. It is of great significance to hold the the Fifth Zhijiang (China) International Peace Culture Festival in Zhijiang, the City of Peace, and the City of Victory. Chinese people will never forget the victory has come at the material and moral support of friends from foreign countries. He also hoped by commemorating the 70th anniversary of the victory of Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, we may work together to further strengthen friendship between the Chinese people and people of foreign countries, promoting international cooperation and making new contribution to world peace and common prosperity.   In his speech, Paul Crawford touched people’s hearts by remembering the friendship forged between him and soldiers of the Eighth Route Arm in China. He said, when his fighter jet crash landed in Shaanxi, China, it was the Eighth Route Army under the leadership of CPC that saved his life and escorted him to the nearest U.S. military base. He said he would never forget the friendship, and hoped the friendship be carried on from generation to generation between the people of the two countries. Anna Chennault, widow of General Claire Chennault, Commander of Flying Tigers, Flying Tiger veterans and their families also attended the ceremony.

On September 5th, Vice President Hu Sishe attended the opening ceremony of International Exchange Program of Museum Construction and Development, a forum jointly hosted in Chengdu by the Sichuan Provincial People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, Chengdu Municipal People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, and Jianchuan Museum Cluster. In his remarks, Vice President Hu expressed his appreciation for Chengdu’s achievement in cultural exchanges, and the development of the “Museum Town of China”, or Anren Town, where the forum was held. He hoped that the forum could deepen the friendship and expand the cooperation between the participating museums from home and abroad. Invited by CPAFFC and Chengdu Foreign Affairs Office, over 50 museum directors and historians from Russia, US, UK, France, Poland, Czech, Germany, Australia and China joined the program, and signed an MOU at the end of the forum.      

Correspondent asked:“Why do you think we should celebrate the 70th anniversary of the victory against Japanese aggression?” J Vinyard responded:“Why do you celebrate your birthday?” From September 1st-5th 2015, International City-Cooperation Center hosted US “Flying Tigers” veteran delegation who came to China at the invitation of Embassy of China in the US to attend “9·3” commemoration. The delegation consisted of 38 people, including 14 US Flying Tigers and the Hump Pilots, 2 family members of deceased veterans, 2 retired US senior generals, and 20 accompanying persons. During their visit, all delegates attended “9·3” commemoration, reception and gala performance; in addition, they paid a courtesy call to Max Sieben Baucus, American Ambassador to China. It’s worth mentioning that on September 2nd, President Xi Jinping presented a medal to one of our delegates J Vinyard at the medal ceremony. Ministry of Defense of China sent a representative to pay a special visit to and express regard and respect to the veterans on behalf of PLA Chief of General Staff Fang Fenghui. Besides, during their stay in Beijing, some veterans accepted interviews from CCTV, Xinhua News, etc. On September 2nd, when J Vinyard, a 92-year-old former US hump pilot accepted his medal from President Xi Jinping, he said excitedly: “Great thanks to Chinese government and Chinese people for not forgetting us. Thank you for inviting and reuniting us in Beijing on V-J day. China and US helped each other in history, and we should be united even more today to help realize a peaceful and stable world. I will be dedicated to Sino-US friendship for the rest of my life.” That afternoon, President Li Xiaolin of CPAFFC specially visited the delegation, and delivered the 70th anniversary medals from China State Council to every veteran. In the meantime, Madam Li also adorned every delegate with rainbow peace dove scarf. With tears filled in their eyes, the veterans said emotionally: “for all those years, China didn’t forget us, and we will never forget China. It’s like our second home, and our future generations will help make Sino-US friendship last forever.”   Although it was hot on military parade day, veterans were in extremely good mood. While watching the parade, they praised every now and then, and some of them gave the thumbs up, saying in Chinese: Good! Very good! After the parade, veterans said with emotion:“70 years ago, we came to the badly battered China to help fight against Japanese aggression; 70 years later, when we were on Tian’anmen square, heard the powerful anti-Fascist songs and witnessed the valiant Chinese army, we felt so happy for China’s development. Incredible, just incredible! ” When President Xi Jinping announced that China will cut the number of its troops by 300,000, veterans unfeignedly said: “this shows China’s confidence, power, and its firm belief and will of pursuing the path of peaceful development.” At the night of September 3rd, when veterans saw the words of “America Air Force Volunteer Group” showing on the big screen in the “Victory and Peace” gala performance, all delegates were thrilled and some of them even burst into tears: “we were gratified to help China when it was going through hard times.” It was raining in Beijing on September 4th. Comparing the bright sky on September 3rd with heavy rain after the parade day, veterans said: “Chinese government and Chinese people didn’t forget us. What they did yesterday has moved the world. Good, very good！” On the same day, Max Sieben Baucus, American Ambassador to China, met with the delegation. All staffs in the embassy lined up to welcome the veterans. “We feel thankful to Chinese government for the invitation and warm reception. We are very moved.” said by veterans to the ambassador. Since most staffs and volunteers receiving the delegation were young people who were unfamiliar with the history of Sino-US united front against Japanese aggression, we especially arranged the interview “Oral History”. In the conversation, young people witnessed the heroes who sacrificed for saving China, and heard all those distant but real touching stories. For them, it was a spiritual baptism. On September 4th, the night before the delegation’s departure from Beijing, we held a special reception for them. At the time they were seated, every moment of them in Beijing showed up on the projection screen. Some people smiled, some slightly clapped, some wiped tears from their eyes...Afterwards, each one of them was given a photo album recording their visit in Beijing as a gift and memory.   In the morning of September 5th, it was raining again. Jack Bond, brother of Flying Tigers Fighter Ace Charles Bond, gave every staff a Flying Tigers pin as a thank you gift. “This visit will become my most cherished memory, and I will never ever forget!” US WWII veterans have great affection to China. As time passes by, they are getting old, but their love for China will continue in the heart of their future generations and become the seed of Sino-US friendship. That is what the veterans think of the meaning of attending “9·3” commemoration--it’s as important as celebrating their own birthdays.   

On Sep.3,2015, at the invitation of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, Mark Bethune(relative of Dr.Norman Bethune’s family), Gabriel Keresztesi(great grandson of James Endicott), Nie Guangtao(Rewi Alley’s Chinese adopted son), Philip Hall(great nephew of Kathleen Hall), Simon Deng Li(Honorary President of New Zealand China Friendship Society) and Gu Shian(Vice President of Bethune Baiqiuen Canadian Alliance) attended the Commemorative Activities for the 70th Anniversary of Victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Mme.Li Xiaolin meeting with Mark Bethune,relative of Dr.Norman Bethune’s family   Vice President Xie Yuan meeting with Gabriel,great grandson of James Endicott During their visit in China, the representatives attended the solemn commemorations at the Tian’anmen Square, Commemorative Reception and enjoyed the performance at the Great Hall of the People and received interviews from CCTV, Xinhua News Agency and CPAFFC. In the morning of Sep.2, Mak Bethune attended the Awarding Ceremony and received the commemorative medal conferred by President Xi Jinping. The international friends all spoke highly of the commemorative activities and expressed this was a extraordinary military parade that fully showed China’s comprehensive national strength, international impact and established China’s positive image for peace. President Xi announced China’s troop-cut by 300,000 demonstrated China’s determination for safeguarding world peace. The representatives expressed that as the young generation , they would keep in mind to follow and carry forward the internationalist spirit of Dr.Norman Bethune, Rewi Alley and James Endicott, and make their own efforts to enhance the friendship between China and other countries around the world.

  On September 2-nd, President Xi Jinping awarded medals to Chinese and foreign veterans and civilians who fought for China in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. As the representatives of the foreign Veteran, Mr.M·A·Gareev, the president of the Russian Academy of Military Sciences attended the ceremony with 2 Russian veterans and delivered a speech.

At the invitation of the CPAFFC, nine descendants of former international medical relief team attended the commemoration activities in Guizhou Province from Aug. 28 to Sep. 1 featuring the 70th Anniversary of Victory against Japanese Aggression, including Krystyna FLATO, daughter of Dr. Flato from Poland, Tania IANCU, daughter of Dr. Iancu from Romania, Emanuel DRUCKMAN, nephew of Dr. Clejan from Romania, and Jose Kaneti, son of Dr. Kaneti from Bulgaria, Bernhard Becker, son of Dr.Becker from Germany. The commemoration activities, hosted by Guizhou People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, Guiyang People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and China Radio International, included a forum among all descendants, a reception, a memorial meeting at Tuyunguan (attended by Mr. Meng Qiliang, Vice Governor of Guizhou Province), and a visit to Guizhou Province Archives. During their stay in Beijing, the delegation met with Vice President of CPAFFC Mr. Song Jingwu, and attended the National Commemoration of 70th Anniversary of Victory of Chinese People’s Resistance against Japanese Aggression and World Anti-Fascism War.    

On August 28th , Mrs. Hu Chunmei, Associated Counsel of the Department of European and Asian Affairs met with the delegation headed by Mrs. Morozova, General Director of Russian Timchenko Foundation. The two sides also exchanged views on Eurasian Women’s Forum in St. Petersburg and expressed the willingness to enhance the exchanges between the two parts in the fields of culture, sports and art.

On August 27th, Mr. Song Jingwu, Vice-President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries(CPAFFC) met with Mr. Robert Brovdi Co-chairman of the Ukrainian-Chinese Business Council Head of Ukrainian Part. Vice President Song extended his welcome to Mr. Brovdi for his visiting to CPAFFC, spoke highly of the contributions that the Ukrainian-Chinese Business Council has made in cooperation between two countries. He also briefed the work on activities in commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-fascist War.   Mrs. Hu Chunmei, Associated Counsel of the Department of European and Asian Affairs, Mr Lytvyn, former ambassador of Ukraine to China attended the meeting

  On August 26th, 2015, International Exhibition of Coins and Medallions for the 70th Anniversary of Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, initiated and hosted by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), was held in Beijing. More than 100 representatives including Mr. Xie Yuan, Vice President of the CPAFFC; Mr. Zhang Hanqiao, General Manager of China Gold Coin Incorporation; Mr. Chen Yuqiang, Vice President of Singapore Mint Co., Ltd., and other representatives from China Banknote Printing and Minting Corporation, Museum, Shanghai Mint Co., Ltd. Eighth Route Army Research Association, New Fourth Army Research Association, etc. attended the Opening Ceremony of the Exhibition. Mr. Xie Yuan and Mr. Zhang Hanqiao respectively delivered welcoming speeches. Additionally, in the Opening Ceremony, the “Peace 70 Gold & Silver Commemorative Coins” and “Commemorative Medallions of the Main Theater in the East” were unveiled and Mr. Xie Yuan and other representatives respectively presented the “Peace 70 Gold & Silver Commemorative Coins” as a gift to the Ambassador of the Embassy of the Republic of the Congo in China and  “Commemorative Medallions of the Main Theater in the East” as gifts to two veterans of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and representatives from National Museum of China, Military Museum of Chinese People's Revolution, Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, China Numismatic Museum, Eighth Route Army Research Association and New Fourth Army Research Association, etc. The Exhibition highlighted refreshing memory of history, commemorating predecessors and cherishing peace, in addition to cooperation and development. It was divided into “Cherish Peach”, “Remember History” and “Promoting Cooperation and Development” and showcased over 300 coins and medallions selected from nearly one thousand coins and medallions issued by 48 countries and regions to mark WWII in recent 70 years, with historical photos and text interpretation. The Exhibition was the first time around the world to commemorate the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War by gathering and exhibiting sovereign currency of numerous and relevant countries. The Exhibition will last for 15 days. We sincerely invite people to take a visit of the Exhibition. Please find attached the time and requirements in the end.   In his speech, Mr. Xie Yuan said, as a sovereign symbol and cultural medium, coins have a widespread influence and can be passed from one generation to another. These selected coins and medallions, as a combination of politics, history and art, have a unique advantage in delivering the concept of justice, peace and cooperation. By hosting the Exhibition, CPAFFC wishes to all-roundly show the Chinese people’s 14 years of extremely hard and bitter resistance against Japanese aggression and the major contribution and great sacrifice they made to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War, and meanwhile to deliver the concept of peace, cooperation and development widely to the world. The past can serve as a good guide for the future. Looking at these small coins and medallions, you will feel like in that era which is full of clouds of war. You will feel the human suffering in the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, the Nanjing massacre, the bombing of London and Chongqing, the epic Normandy Landings, the defense of Moscow, the air fight over Jianqiao, the victory of Tai’erzhuang, the battle of Midway and the conquer of Berlin, as well as WWII figures and ordinary people from these coins and medallions which freeze-framed the brutalities of wars and engraved the commitment of people to resist fascist aggression. These coins and medallions are inheritance of heroic and unyielding spirit of our predecessors and eternal freeze-frame of many historical moments, which keeps reminding people of the cruelty of war and the sacrifice of nation, and the need to cherish and safeguard the hard-won peace.   The World Anti-Fascist War was the most important historical event in the 20th century. China is a main theater of the World Anti-Fascist War in the east and made a major contribution and great sacrifice to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. The Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression broke out the earliest and lasted for the longest and the Chinese people made the most national sacrifice for victory. From the September 18 Incident in 1931 to Japan’s unconditional surrender in September 1945, the Chinese nation experienced 14 years of hard struggles in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.   CPAFFC, founded in 1954, is the earliest and largest national people’s organization aimed at enhancing people’s friendship, furthering international cooperation, safeguarding world peace and promoting common development. On October 25th, supported by China Gold Coin Incorporation and Monnaie de Paris, CPAFFC launched the initiative to issue coins themed on peace to mark the 70th anniversary of the WWII victory, and got a positive response from over 10 countries including France, Australia, UK, etc. The 35 versions of coins on the theme of victory or peace jointly issued by China and the above-mentioned countries also became one of the highlights in the Exhibition. Through the Exhibition, we could fully and rationally understand the great contribution of the Chinese nation to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and the world peace, and then cherish and appreciate more about the peaceful life now, and hereby to remember history, and commemorate our predecessors. Notes:    Visiting Time: Monday to Friday, 9:30am-11:30am          Please call or email to us in advance, and the contact information is as follows:          Telephone: 010-85115029 85118906          E-mail: cpaffc_cec@126.com

On Aug. 26th, Mr. Eduardo Frei, former president of Chile and honorable president of Chile-China Culture Association held a lecture in the Peace Palace of CPAFFC. Mr. Xie Yuan, Vice President of CPAFFC and H.E. Jorge Heine, Chile Ambassador to China, attended the event. Mr. Xie Yuan had a short meeting with Mr. Eduardo Frei and Mr. Heine before the lecture. Mr. Xie hoped that the two countries could further promote the bilateral cooperation on economic and cultural areas taking the opportunity of the 45th Anniversary of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the two countries.