(Bandar Seri Begawan, 30th) Chinese Ambassador to Brunei Xiao Jianguo, speaking today at a film reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, stated that the heroic deeds are worth remembering, and new stories will continue to be written.
He emphasized that Brunei is a nation of peace, and both China and Brunei suffered under fascist aggression during World War II. This shared historical memory brings the people of both countries closer together.
Ambassador Xiao pointed out that in February this year, the Sultan of Brunei successfully made a state visit to China, marking the entry of China-Brunei relations into a new era of jointly building a community with a shared future. Looking ahead, China is willing to work with Brunei and other peace-loving countries to cherish the fruits of victory attained in World War II, uphold a correct view of history, practice true multilateralism, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.
At the event, the documentary "The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru" was screened. The film tells the story of October 1942, when the Japanese army requisitioned the Lisbon Maru passenger and cargo ship to transport over 1,800 British prisoners of war, and the vessel sank off the coast of Zhoushan, Zhejiang. Chinese fishermen risked their lives to rescue 384 British prisoners. The film took eight years to make, collecting interviews with survivors and their descendants and uncovering precious historical material, showcasing the humanitarian spirit and international friendship of Chinese fishermen.
Ambassador Xiao mentioned that in 2022, a descendant of the last survivor of the Lisbon Maru wrote to President Xi Jinping to express their gratitude, and President Xi personally replied. In May of this year, the "Monument to the Rescue of British Prisoners by Dongji Fishermen" was unveiled in Zhoushan, further commemorating this shining moment of humanity that crossed national boundaries.
He noted that World War II was the most brutal war in human history. China's resistance began earliest, lasted the longest, and entailed a tremendous sacrifice of over 35 million casualties, supporting the main Eastern theater of the World Anti-Fascist War and making an indelible contribution to human civilization and justice.
Ambassador Xiao also stressed that this year marks the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's recovery. The victory of the Chinese people’s resistance brought Taiwan back to the embrace of the motherland, which is an important result of the victory in World War II. Taiwan was never a country in the past, and will be absolutely impossible to be one in the future.
He stated that commemorating the victory of the War of Resistance is aimed at remembering history, cherishing peace, and promoting nations to jointly safeguard the fruits of World War II and international fairness and justice. Amid the unprecedented changes not seen in a century, China is willing to work with all countries to implement the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative, to jointly build high-quality Belt and Road, tackle challenges together, and create a better future for human society.
The event was also held at the Pro Chancellor Arts Centre of the University of Brunei and featured a photo exhibition, recreating with precious historical images the heroic years of the Chinese nation's War of Resistance and promoting the great spirit of resistance.
Ambassador Xiao pointed out that in February this year, the Sultan of Brunei successfully made a state visit to China, marking the entry of China-Brunei relations into a new era of jointly building a community with a shared future. Looking ahead, China is willing to work with Brunei and other peace-loving countries to cherish the fruits of victory attained in World War II, uphold a correct view of history, practice true multilateralism, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.
At the event, the documentary "The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru" was screened. The film tells the story of October 1942, when the Japanese army requisitioned the Lisbon Maru passenger and cargo ship to transport over 1,800 British prisoners of war, and the vessel sank off the coast of Zhoushan, Zhejiang. Chinese fishermen risked their lives to rescue 384 British prisoners. The film took eight years to make, collecting interviews with survivors and their descendants and uncovering precious historical material, showcasing the humanitarian spirit and international friendship of Chinese fishermen.
Ambassador Xiao mentioned that in 2022, a descendant of the last survivor of the Lisbon Maru wrote to President Xi Jinping to express their gratitude, and President Xi personally replied. In May of this year, the "Monument to the Rescue of British Prisoners by Dongji Fishermen" was unveiled in Zhoushan, further commemorating this shining moment of humanity that crossed national boundaries.
He noted that World War II was the most brutal war in human history. China's resistance began earliest, lasted the longest, and entailed a tremendous sacrifice of over 35 million casualties, supporting the main Eastern theater of the World Anti-Fascist War and making an indelible contribution to human civilization and justice.
Ambassador Xiao also stressed that this year marks the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's recovery. The victory of the Chinese people’s resistance brought Taiwan back to the embrace of the motherland, which is an important result of the victory in World War II. Taiwan was never a country in the past, and will be absolutely impossible to be one in the future.
He stated that commemorating the victory of the War of Resistance is aimed at remembering history, cherishing peace, and promoting nations to jointly safeguard the fruits of World War II and international fairness and justice. Amid the unprecedented changes not seen in a century, China is willing to work with all countries to implement the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative, to jointly build high-quality Belt and Road, tackle challenges together, and create a better future for human society.
The event was also held at the Pro Chancellor Arts Centre of the University of Brunei and featured a photo exhibition, recreating with precious historical images the heroic years of the Chinese nation's War of Resistance and promoting the great spirit of resistance.