On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, a delegation from China’s Ministry of Veterans Affairs visited Rabaul, Papua New Guinea, on August 17 to lay wreaths in honor of the Chinese martyrs who rest in a foreign land, deeply commemorating those who heroically sacrificed their lives for national independence and world peace.
In a solemn and reverent atmosphere, the delegation held a memorial ceremony, during which all members bowed their heads in silence, expressing their profound remembrance and highest respect for the martyrs. The tribute not only serves as a remembrance of history but also as a continuation of the spirit of the martyrs.
During the visit, the delegation held a discussion with the Rabaul Branch of the China–Papua New Guinea Friendship Association. Tong Shengdong, a representative of the Rabaul branch, warmly welcomed the delegation. He noted that as a major local organization serving the Chinese community in Papua New Guinea, the Friendship Association has always been committed to serving overseas Chinese, improving livelihoods, promoting development, and acting as a bridge to foster understanding and cooperation between the peoples of China and Papua New Guinea. He emphasized that protecting and safeguarding the Rabaul Chinese Martyrs’ Cemetery is not only a tribute to the martyrs but also an unshirkable responsibility of the local Chinese community.
Led by Ni Guanghui, the delegation expressed gratitude for the strong support of the Friendship Association during the memorial activities and highly praised the contributions made by the association, Chinese-funded institutions, and the local Chinese community over the years in preserving and maintaining the Rabaul Chinese Martyrs’ Cemetery.
Delegation members spoke about how visiting the cemetery in person fulfilled a long-cherished wish, allowed them to witness the well-preserved condition of the memorial, and hear firsthand from the families of the cemetery about the heroic deeds of the martyrs, leaving them deeply moved. They stressed that the spirit of the martyrs remains timeless and will continue to inspire future generations.
The delegation also conducted in-depth interviews with the local Chinese community and the families managing the cemetery, inspected underground tunnels built by Chinese martyrs during the war, and collected a wealth of first-hand information. They expressed the desire to let more people know about the glorious deeds of Chinese martyrs who rest in Rabaul, in the remote South Pacific nation of Papua New Guinea.
This memorial and exchange activity not only conveys deep condolences to the martyrs but also further demonstrates China’s firm stance on remembering history and valuing peace.
History illuminates the future, and the spirit of the martyrs will never fade.
