To commemorate this great history, promote the spirit of resistance, and cherish world peace, a symposium jointly organized by major Chinese associations in Papua New Guinea, titled “Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War”, was solemnly held in Port Moresby on August 16 local time.
Ambassador Yang Xiaoguang of the Chinese Embassy in Papua New Guinea was invited to attend and delivered an important speech.
As one of the main Chinese community organizations, the China–Papua New Guinea Friendship Association actively participated throughout the event. Around 50 representatives from the Friendship Association, Chinese enterprise chambers, the Chinese General Association, the China Council for the Promotion of Peaceful National Reunification, the Papua New Guinea Fujian Chamber of Commerce, the Chinese Medical Aid Team in PNG, as well as representatives of Taiwanese compatriots, Malaysian Chinese, and veteran overseas Chinese, gathered together to honor history and look to the future.
Echoes of History: Remembering Sacrifice, Cherishing Peace
The symposium began in a solemn and respectful atmosphere. Guests first viewed a curated exhibition of precious historical photographs. Each image, recording the years of the War of Resistance and displaying the unyielding spirit of the Chinese nation, silently narrated that arduous history, taking attendees back 80 years to the life-and-death struggle that shaped humanity’s destiny. The photographs vividly illustrated the immense national sacrifices made by the Chinese people on the Eastern front of the World Anti-Fascist War and their indelible contributions to global peace.
Before the discussion, attendees watched a short documentary on the war and sang the national anthem. During the symposium, representatives from the overseas Chinese community spoke enthusiastically.
A representative of Taiwanese compatriots expressed heartfelt appreciation for the shared historical memory between compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. A representative of the Malaysian Chinese community shared a deeply moving story: during the national crisis, many patriotic youths residing in Malaysia not only actively donated money and supplies to support China’s resistance but also courageously gave up their relatively stable lives abroad to return thousands of miles to China and join the anti-Japanese battlefield, shedding their blood for the homeland. This story resonated strongly with all present, eliciting warm applause and highlighting the deep patriotism of overseas Chinese communities worldwide.
Representatives of the China–Papua New Guinea Friendship Association reflected on the core values of the resistance spirit, emphasizing that Papua New Guinea, as part of the Pacific theater in World War II, also bears heavy war memories. This shared history serves as a bond connecting China and PNG. The association expressed its commitment to continue passing on patriotic values, promoting China–PNG friendship, and resolutely safeguarding the hard-won peace.
Responsibility in the New Era: Carrying Forward and Protecting Reputation
In his concluding remarks, Ambassador Yang Xiaoguang delivered a heartfelt speech. He first presented detailed historical data, reviewing the tremendous sacrifices and decisive contributions of Chinese military and civilians over the 14-year-long War of Resistance, giving attendees a deeper understanding of this tragic and heroic period. He then highlighted China’s remarkable achievements in recent years along its path of peaceful development, emphasizing that today’s China is a steadfast force in maintaining world peace and promoting common development.
Ambassador Yang also addressed the overseas Chinese community in PNG with earnest expectations. While praising the community’s long-standing contributions to promoting China–PNG friendship and serving local society, he solemnly reminded all overseas Chinese to always abide by laws and regulations, uphold business ethics, and maintain the good reputation of Chinese people. He specifically warned against recent illegal activities such as unauthorized sand mining and suspected gold smuggling, which severely undermine the image of hardworking, law-abiding, and honest Chinese. He stressed, “The social reputation accumulated by generations of Chinese is hard-earned,” urging the community to steer clear of all illegal activities and jointly safeguard this precious collective reputation, establishing a positive image for overseas Chinese in the new era.
Building Consensus: Moving Forward Together
The symposium was not only a profound lesson in history but also an opportunity to unify the overseas Chinese community, inspire patriotism, and clarify contemporary responsibilities. All attendees agreed that the great spirit of victory in the War of Resistance is a precious legacy of the Chinese nation that must be passed down through generations.
In the new historical period, the Chinese community in PNG will continue to uphold their patriotic and hometown-loving traditions, actively integrate into local society, operate lawfully and with integrity, and take concrete actions to protect national image and ethnic dignity. They aim to serve as a steadfast bridge for China–PNG friendship, contributing to the development of bilateral relations and the maintenance of world peace and stability.
The China–Papua New Guinea Friendship Association expressed its determination to actively respond to Ambassador Yang’s call, guiding its members and the broader Chinese community to abide by laws, conduct business honestly, and firmly resist all actions that could harm China’s reputation. At the same time, the association will continue leveraging its strengths to deepen grassroots China–PNG friendship, contributing to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. Remembering history, cherishing peace, protecting reputation, and working together to create a better future.
