The great victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression was not only a triumph of the Chinese people, but also a shared victory achieved through fighting side by side with the anti-fascist Allies and peoples around the world. To commemorate the valuable assistance and support rendered by peace- and justice-loving nations and peoples, international organizations, and other anti-fascist forces to China's War of Resistance, the National Museum of China has carefully curated and launched "International Friends and China's War of Resistance: the Commemorative Exhibition Marking the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War" as part of its "National Exhibitions" program.
The exhibition has been included in the official list of recommended themed exhibitions commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, released by the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, the Cyberspace Administration of China, and the National Cultural Heritage Administration. It is jointly organized by the National Cultural Heritage Administration, the National Archives Administration, and the National Museum of China, with strong support from the Bank of China, China Image Group, the Second Historical Archives of China, the China Academy of Art, and the Embassy of the Russian Federation in China.
Through four sections, "Reporting: Voicing the Truth," "Military: Combat," "Rescue: Medical Aid" and "Support: Donations," the exhibition presents over 300 items (sets) of artifacts alongside more than 400 photographs, offering a systematic portrayal of the boundless compassion and solidarity that transcended race and nation during the War of Resistance. They also commemorate the enduring legacy forged through the united combat of the world's just forces.
The Chinese people will never forget the international friends who, 80 years ago during the Nanjing Massacre, defended the last line of human conscience and risked their lives to shelter Chinese refugees; will never forget the Soviet Red Army martyrs who fought fiercely in the skies and cemented the foundations of China–Russia friendship with their blood; nor the American Flying Tigers who braved peril and carved out the Hump air route with wings of steel. They will never forget the international medical workers who saved lives and kept the spark of resistance alive with their scalpels; the foreign war correspondents who, unafraid of bombardment, wielded their pens like swords to spread the voice of justice; and the civic organizations that tirelessly organized fundraising campaigns and delivered vital strategic supplies to the frontlines of the resistance. Their heroic deeds and noble spirit will forever be remembered in the hearts of the Chinese people.
Edgar Snow
Helen Foster Snow
The Soviet Union's "Z" Plan
The American "Flying Tigers"
George Hatem, known in China as Ma Haide
Henry Norman Bethune
Michael Lindsay, known in China as Lin Maike
Rewi Alley
By reflecting on the past, we gain wisdom for the future. Let us revisit those extraordinary years forged in blood and fire, in the gallery. Let us honor the deeply moving spirit of international friendship—written in the shared sacrifices of peoples from all nations—and allow the timeless light of justice to shine forth. May it become a powerful force that inspires us to protect peace and chart a course for the future, and guides the path of human progress.
The exhibition is scheduled to open on September 9 in Galleries S 8 and S 9 of the National Museum of China.