China News Service:

Looking back at the history of the war of resistance, overseas Chinese campaigned vigorously to support the war of resistance, or fought side by side with local people in their host countries, or traveled vast distances back home to fight against Japanese aggression. All of them have made unique contributions to the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. I would like to ask all of you: How do you understand this unity across geographies? What inspiration does it offer us today? Thank you.

Xu Songhua:

As the reporter from China News Service just mentioned, there is indeed this unity across geographies among our overseas Chinese. It is a precious cultural asset inherited from the older generations of overseas Chinese. They called on the world to support the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. They donated money and materials. They returned to China to join the war of resistance. And as two speakers mentioned earlier, overseas Chinese leader Tan Kah Kee not only took the lead in donating funds and supplies himself, but also organized more than 3,000 people from Southeast Asia to work on the Yunnan-Myanmar Road, ensuring a steady flow of goods from around the world to support the war of resistance. This period of history should be remembered. Of course, the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was an important part of the World Anti-Fascist War. I'll talk about the story of Spain.

In July 1936, the dictator Francisco Franco launched a coup to suppress the republican revolution. At this time, more than 40,000 volunteers from 53 countries formed seven international brigades. There were more than 100 Chinese volunteers, including a man named Xie Weijin, who had been a student leader. He led many volunteers in some truly vicious battles. Many members of the international brigades were imprisoned in concentration camps. But their spirit could not be quelled. They continued in their vocal support for the war of resistance against Japanese aggression, which was extremely difficult at the time. In 1940, through various forms of struggle, they eventually left the concentration camps. There were 14 martyrs.There are detailed records regarding seven of the volunteers, including Xie Weijin and Yang Chunrong, who returned to the motherland to fight against the Japanese invaders. Think about it, doesn't this mean unity across geographies? Isn't this the convergence of the war of resistance against Japanese aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War? Isn't this a case of courageously fighting against common foes? Therefore, at a time like this—especially on the 80th anniversary—we need to unite as one more than ever to safeguard the fruits of World War II victory. We must uphold justice and defend peace. Only in this way can we ensure lasting world peace. Thank you.

Yang Boyao:

I would like to add a few words. In Malaysia, we are thousands of miles apart yet when the overseas Chinese drivers and mechanics heard of the invasion, they got organized and travelled thousands of miles back to the motherland. Their contribution against the Japanese invaders embodied the unity across geographies. Among them were several modern-day Mulans, Chinese women who disguised themselves as men to support the war of resistance, such as Li Yuemei and Bai Xuejiao. Their devotion is truly worthy of remembering and promoting. I agree with what Mr. Xu just said; We must let the younger generations know these stories. Otherwise, the stories will be lost. We must pass down the stories to future generations. Thank you.

Yu Junwu:

Looking back at the history of the War of Resistance, overseas Chinese made an indelible contribution to the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Their spirit and patriotic feelings transcended thousands of miles and across national borders. Although overseas Chinese live in foreign countries, their hearts remained tied to their homeland, closely linking their personal fate with that of their ancestral country. This spirit embodies a shared destiny. Many overseas Chinese fought side by side with local people in their host countries against invaders. The force that transcends ethnicity and nationality is an important part of the world anti-fascist war. This spirit builds bridges of friendship. Overseas Chinese played a special role in integrating China and the world. They all actively took part in theoretical publicity, diplomatic mediation, and providing material channels. 

Especially now, I think the spirit of "united despite across vast distances" is also very meaningful. Firstly it promotes a sense of patriotism;Secondly it deepens international cooperation and thirdly it helps tell the story of China. Thank you.