On July 25-26, the State Council Information Office organized a group interview activity. Journalists from media outlets in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, and other countries came to Zhijiang, Hunan Province, to visit memorial facilities and historical sites related to the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, gaining insights into the great significance and major contributions of the Chinese people’s resistance effort, the CPC’s role in the united front against Japanese aggression, and the nationwide battlefield operations behind enemy lines. Through this experience, they witnessed the great spirit of resistance displayed by the Chinese people
Their first stop was the Flying Tigers Memorial Museum, established to honor the heroic contributions of the American Volunteer Group (AVG) – known as the “Flying Tigers” – during China’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. At a time when China’s military capabilities lagged significantly, retired U.S. Army Air Corps Captain Claire Lee Chennault formed this volunteer aviation unit. His efforts made outstanding contributions to the development of China’s air force and the nation’s war effort. Wang Xingguang, a reporter from the State Council Information Office, was deeply moved by General Chennault’s transnational solidarity: “When China was in such dire straits, it was truly commendable that international friends still stepped forward to support us.”
In the evening, the journalists arrived at the Drum Tower Square. Dong ethnic girls dressed in splendid costumes greeted them warmly with the “barrier-gate wine” ceremony. Journalists from home and abroad truly experienced the hospitality of the Dong people. Afterwards, the press group enjoyed the original Dong song and dance performance. The melodious Dong songs, cheerful Lusheng dances, and gorgeous national costumes vividly demonstrate the unique charm of Dong culture.
On July 26, at the Memorial Hall of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (Surrender Acceptance Site), journalists gained visceral insight into the hardships of the war and the triumph of victory through the meticulously preserved historical materials and lifelike scene after restoration in the museum. According to museum docent Deng Yu, the return journey of the color footage documenting the “Zhijiang Surrender” was long and arduous. Only after the complete archival footage was first made public in 2014, did overseas peace advocates gradually donate these rare color photographs back to China. These precious images vividly resurrected that period of extraordinary perseverance. The journalists unanimously expressed their commitment to using their lenses and pens to help the world better understand this chapter of China’s wartime history.
（Translated by Yang Sigui）