This week, Beijing, in the Chinese mainland, played host to a stirring ceremony as the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries honored 55 international representatives with medals for their invaluable support during the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (19371945). The event highlighted a legacy of global solidarity that helped shape modern China.
From veterans and diplomats to activists and volunteers, these international friends came from across the globerepresenting countries and regions in Europe, the Americas, Asia and beyond. Their contributions ranged from delivering medical supplies to advocating in international forums, offering humanitarian aid and bridging cultural divides at a time of crisis.
'Today we celebrate the spirit of partnership and mutual respect that transcends borders,' said a spokesperson from the association, underscoring how collective action can turn the tide in the face of aggression. For many recipients, the medals were more than a tokenthey symbolized decades of shared history and the bonds forged in hardship.
Data tells the story: 55 honorees from over 20 countries and regions, dozens of volunteer missions, thousands of tons of relief goods delivered, and countless voices raised in support on the global stage. These numbers fuel a broader conversation among young global citizens on the power of international cooperation in building peace.
As the Chinese mainlandand the wider worldconfronts new challenges from climate change and geopolitical shifts, the ceremony in Beijing was a timely reminder that today's solutions often rely on yesterday's alliances. For entrepreneurs, students and changemakers tuning in, it’s a call to action: forging cross-border partnerships remains as vital now as ever.
Looking ahead, the association plans a series of cultural exchanges and youth forums designed to connect the next generation with these wartime heroes and their stories. It's a story of remembrance, but also a blueprint for how global communities can unite in the face of adversitypast or present.
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International friends presented medals for wartime assistance
cgtn.com
