Symposium Commemorating the 140th Birth Anniversary of General Stilwell Carrying Forward the Spirit of General Stilwell and Promoting People-to-People Exchanges and Cooperation Between China and the US

Carrying Forward the Spirit of General Stilwell and

Promoting People-to-People Exchanges and Cooperation Between China and the US

传承“史迪威精神” 促进中美民间交流合作

By Liu Dingrui and Tang Anbing/The World and Chongqing

On August 8, the Symposium Commemorating the 140th Birth Anniversary of General Stilwell kicked off at Chongqing Foreign Affairs Office Building. Representatives from the governments, experts, scholars, businesses, and media of both China and the United States engaged in extensive exchanges on the life story of General Stilwell, China-US people-to-people exchanges and cooperation, and the development of China-US relations. They unanimously agreed that China-US relations are one of the most important bilateral relationships in today’s world. General Stilwell serves as a bridge of friendship between the Chinese and American peoples. Both sides should cherish long-standing friendships, enhance mutual learning and communication, and deepen understanding and mutual trust through diverse channels. These efforts provide a significant foundation for the development of bilateral relations.

Cherishing Long-Standing Friendship and Consolidating the Foundation of People-to-People Exchanges Between China and the United States

Jointly Creating a New Chapter of China-US People-to-People Friendship in the New Era

General Stilwell fought with the Chinese people in Chongqing, which became an inspiring story that has been celebrated in the history of China-US relations. We are willing to actively collaborate with individuals from all walks of life who have cared about and paid attention to China-US friendship. Together, we will promote cultural exchanges between China and the United States, support the interactions among youth, tell the story of China-US friendship, and jointly write a new chapter of China-US people-to-people friendship in the new era. 

General Stilwell Establishing a Profound Friendship with the Chinese People

General Stilwell believed that Chinese soldiers embody the greatness of the Chinese people, with an indomitable spirit and unwavering loyalty. The Chinese people value friendships and will not forget their old friends. General Stilwell had a profound friendship with the Chinese people, and we will carry forward this legacy, building upon past achievements and continuing to nurture this friendship.

Commemoration Aiming to Pass on the China-US Friendship

Both China and the United States can develop with mutual accomplishments and common prosperity. Our commemoration of General Stilwell is to remember his profound friendship towards the Chinese people, to recall his fervent support for China’s development endeavors, and to carry forward the China-US friendship that he dedicated to. We hope that the “spirit of Stilwell” will endure.

Understanding and Mutual Trust Breaking Through Cultural Barriers

General Stilwell had a deep appreciation for the Chinese people and Chinese culture, and he wholeheartedly acknowledged the significant contributions made by Chinese soldiers to the war. This trust and understanding forged a powerful bond between the two peoples, continuously breaking down cultural barriers. I believe that this connection should be a shared value guiding our cultural exchanges, bilateral relations, and communication in various fields.

Looking Forward to Strengthening the Foundation of China-US Friendship

The baton of China-US relations has been passed to our generation. We have the responsibility and obligation to ensure that we don’t drop the baton or veer off course in this relay. The Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs is ready to continue working with all sectors in China and the United States to jointly make efforts in strengthening the foundation of China-US friendship.

Enhancing People-to-People Exchanges and Carrying Forward the “Spirit of Stilwell”

During World War II, General Stilwell was not only a problem solver but also an explorer who established a bond between the people of the United States and China. This commemorating event can enhance people-to-people exchanges and carry forward the “spirit of Stilwell”.

Telling Stories of Our Friendship to Promote the Sound Development of China-US Relations

In the past 40 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States, fruitful achievements have been made in the exchanges and cooperation of various fields. It was facilitated by American friends like General Stilwell, who paved the way for these achievements. We are willing to collaborate with friendly organizations and individuals from the United States to tell the story of friendship between the Chinese and American people. By doing so, we can enhance mutual understanding and friendship between our two nations and promote the development of China-US relations.

Passing down the Legacy of Our Great-Grandfather Through Generations

People-to-people exchanges are pivotal in cultural interactions. Bringing our children to China on this occasion is a way to show them a different world. Despite our differences, it’s still crucial to stand united, show friendship, and embrace inclusiveness. This is also the legacy that our great-grandfather left for us. We will make every effort to carry forward this legacy.

The Friendship Between Comrade Zhu De and General Stilwell Truly Touching People’s Hearts

The friendship between Comrade Zhu De and General Stilwell was incredibly precious. Both shared a common anti-fascist goal and development ideals. They both came from military backgrounds and displayed a devoted and down-to-earth demeanor, which created mutual respect between them. This profound friendship transcended the differences in systems, cultures, and languages between China and the United States, truly touching people’s hearts.

—Liu Ning, Great-Grandson of Comrade Zhu De

Exploring Diverse and Multi-Level Channels and Pathways for People-to-People Exchanges and Cooperation

Zhao Baige, Vice Chairperson of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the 12th National People’s Congress and Chairperson of the Advisory Committee of Research and Development International (RDI):
The establishment of the Chongqing Stilwell Museum is of significance to the American people, and will also have a major impact on the Chinese people, especially the younger generation. It is expected that China and the United States could establish a reasonable, fair, and equitable sharing mechanism in various fields such as multiculturalism, governance models, knowledge systems, and information systems, and make active efforts to promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

Zhang Baijia, Former Deputy Director of the Party History Research Center of the CPC Central Committee: 
Today, China-US relations are at quite a tough time. As we navigate through this period, we must learn lessons from the past. As two big countries that hold the key to world peace and prosperity, and shoulder great responsibilities for the world, it is difficult for them to get along. However, China-US relations will eventually improve.

Robert Alexander Kapp, Former President of the U.S.-China Business Council:
General Stilwell fought side by side with the Chinese people, which is very uplifting. At present, we need to tell the stories of Stilwell, carry on the noble spirit of Stilwell, enhance understanding, and deepen mutual trust to tackle the challenges that we face.

Liu Xinsheng, Executive President of China Society for People’s Friendship Studies:

We commemorate General Stilwell by carrying forward his legacy, enhancing mutual trust between China and the US, and treating each other with sincerity. In the new era, our people-to-people friendship will continue to flourish and yield new achievements.

Chas W. Freeman Jr., Former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense:
General Stilwell personifies the Americans who did their best to help China when it most needed help. He and the museum symbolize a shared China-American history of cooperation under difficult circumstances and inspire hope for renewed cooperation in the face of challenges and striving for the common interests.

Jan Berris, Vice President of the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations: 

China-US relations require more efforts, mutual respect, and mutual understanding. This commemorating event will enable our two countries to learn from history again and encourage the younger generation to pass on the legacy of our friendship.

Huang Kaimeng, Member of the Expert Committee of Stilwell Research Center:
Four generations of General Stilwell’s family have been committed to carrying on the legacy of friendship with Chinese people left by him. In 1982, General Stilwell’s daughter established the Stilwell Scholarship, mainly to fund Chinese students. So far, the project has funded nearly 60 Chinese students and has become a bridge for friendship between China and the US.

Michael Crook, Chairman of the International Committee for the Promotion of Chinese Industrial Cooperatives:
General Stilwell sponsored a school in Florida, USA. Many of Stilwell’s stories are told there. My family established the bond with China a hundred years ago. My grandparents and parents worked in the education field in China, and so am I. School is the best place to tell stories. We should inherit China-US friendship and international friendship.

Vicki Hui-Wen Young, Daughter of General Stilwell’s Aide-de-Camp Richard M?T? Young:
My father has dedicated his whole life to fostering mutual understanding and exchanges between the people of the United States and China, intending to help US personnel understand Chinese culture better and build positive relationships. My father is our role model for lifelong learning.

Wang Dong, Executive Director of the Institute for Global Cooperation and Understanding at Peking University (iGCU):
This event is an important move to enhance the friendship between the Chinese and American people, promote mutual understanding and amity between the two countries, and cement the foundation for our friendship. Our American friends from across the ocean have sowed the seed of friendship between China and the US. Together, we have written an incredible chapter on cooperation and overcoming challenges. Every Chinese needs to remember the heroic deeds of General Stilwell and the Flying Tigers in assisting China selflessly. And the spirit of China-US cooperation and friendship should be carried forward for generations by both peoples.

Huang Jing, Professor of Shanghai International Studies University:
To develop a closer China-US tie, and pursue prosperity in both China and the US is our common wish as well as the goal of General Stilwell 80 years ago. I believe that through exchanges and dialogues, we will overcome divergence and differences to achieve mutual benefits and win-win cooperation.

Tao Yan, Director of Stilwell Research Center and the Curator of Chongqing Stilwell Museum:
Only through exchanges and communication can we strengthen mutual understanding and friendship between Chinese people and American people. It is hoped that this event will cultivate the foundation for long-term people-to-people exchanges between China and the US. Chongqing Stilwell Museum has been committed to research on General Stilwell and China-US relations. We will continue to leverage the unique role of the museum in facilitating China-US people-to-people exchanges, carry forward the deep friendship between our two peoples, and make more contributions to promoting China-US win-win cooperation.

文/本刊记者 刘丁睿  图/本刊记者 唐安冰

8月8日，纪念史迪威将军诞辰140周年研讨会在重庆市外事大楼举行。来自中美两国政府、专家学者、企业和媒体代表，围绕史迪威将军生平事迹、中美民间交流合作、促进中美关系等方面进行广泛交流研讨。大家一致认为，中美关系是当今世界最重要的双边关系之一，史迪威将军是中美人民友谊桥梁，双方应珍视历史友谊，加强文明互鉴和沟通交流，通过多元渠道增进了解和互信，为两国关系发展提供重要基础。

珍视历史友谊，厚植中美关系的民间交流根基

——重庆市人大常委会副主任、重庆市对外友协会长赵世庆

——史迪威将军外孙约翰·伊斯特布鲁克

——外交部美大司副司长邱文星

——美国驻华大使馆代表陆杰新

——中国人民外交学会副会长张吉明

——美军太平洋司令部前副司令丹尼尔·立夫

——中国人民对外友好协会副会长姜江

——史迪威将军外曾孙女苏珊和南希

——朱德同志曾外孙刘宁

探索多形式、多层次的民间交流渠道和合作路径

重庆建立史迪威博物馆，对美国人民意义非凡，对中国人民特别是年轻一代也将产生重大影响。希望中美两国能在多元文化、治理模式、知识体系、信息体系等各个领域，建立合理公正公平的共享机制，为推动构建人类命运共同体积极努力。

如今，中美关系确实处在比较困难的时候，但越是在这种时候，越需要我们从历史中汲取经验教训。中美两个大国关系着世界的和平和繁荣，两国对世界都有巨大的责任。这样两个不一样的国家磨合不易，但中美关系终究要好起来。

美中贸易全国委员会前会长罗伯特·柯白：

史迪威将军和中国人民并肩奋战，让人倍感震撼。当下，我们需要讲好史迪威的故事，传播“史迪威精神”，增进理解、深化互信，以应对当前的挑战。

我们一起纪念史迪威将军，就是要发扬他的精神，推动中美两个大国之间不断增加信任，以诚相待，让两国民间友好不断发展，在新时期结出新的果实。

美国国防部前助理部长傅立民：

史迪威代表着一批美国人，他们会在中国最需要帮助的时候竭尽全力给予支援。史迪威将军以及重庆史迪威博物馆，让我们铭记美中勠力同心的历史，激励双方携手应对挑战，实现互利共赢。

美中关系全国委员会副会长白莉娟：

美中关系需要我们作出更多努力，需要相互尊重和相互理解。此次纪念活动能助推两国再次以史为鉴，促使年轻一代将两国友谊成果不断传承下去。

史迪威研究中心专家委员会委员黄开蒙：

史迪威将军留下的中美友好的精神遗产代代相传，家族四代人都致力于祖辈遗志延续。1982年，史迪威将军的女儿成立了史迪威奖学金，主要用于资助中国学生。该项目至今共资助了近60名中国学生，成为中美友谊的一道桥梁。

史迪威将军副官杨孟东女儿杨慧文：
我的父亲一生都在努力推动和促进美中两国人民之间的相互了解和交流，不断地让美方人员了解中国文化和相处之道。父亲是我们的楷模，也是我们终生学习的榜样。

北京大学中外人文交流研究基地执行主任王栋：
此次活动是增进中美人民友谊、促进中美相知相亲、筑牢两国友好根基的重要举措。来自大洋彼岸的美国友人播撒了中美友好的种子，谱写了中美合作、共克时艰的伟大篇章，像史迪威、飞虎队这样无私援华的英雄事迹，值得每一位中国人铭记，中美合作、友爱互助的精神，值得两国人民代代传承。

上海外国语大学教授黄靖：
发展中美紧密关系，建设繁荣发展的中国和美国，这是我们共同的愿望，也是史迪威将军80年前奋斗的目标。相信通过沟通对话，终将跨越分歧和差异，实现互利共赢。

史迪威研究中心主任、重庆史迪威博物馆馆长陶燕：
中美人民只有多走动、多交流才能增进了解和情谊。希望以此次纪念活动为契机，厚植中美关系的长远民间交流根基。重庆史迪威博物馆长期致力于开展史迪威和中美关系研究工作，我们将继续发挥好博物馆在中美民间交流中的独特作用，积极传承和弘扬中美人民之间的深厚友谊，为推动中美合作共赢作出更大贡献。