A Chinese orphan receives gifts from a U.S. soldier Santa.[Photo/China Today]

On January 1, 1942, a total of 26 Allied nations, led by China, the U.S., the U.K. and the Soviet Union, signed the United Nations Declaration in Washington, D.C. pledging to fight against Fascist Germany, Italy, and Japan, using all available military and economic resources, so establishing a united international anti-fascist alliance. From that time onwards, Chinese and American soldiers and civilians fought side by side for peace in the Pacific Region. Photos and films have preserved and passed on images of their heroic deeds and daily lives.

Looking back on the war against Japanese aggression in which China and the U.S. jointly participated 70 years ago, we are deeply touched not only by the strenuous efforts of Chinese and American statesmen and commanders, but also the contributions of those who fought and laid down their lives on the battlefield. There were constant people-to-people exchanges between the two countries during the war which left warm memories. China and the U.S. faced the traumas of war in the spirit of true friendship, expressing their mutual eagerness for peace and prosperity.

The joint efforts of China and the U.S. towards safeguarding peace and justice engendered a special, precious aspect of the China-U.S. relationship and left shared meaningful memories to enlighten the two countries’ following generations. These memories underline the importance of maintaining hard-earned peace by virtue of the victory over Fascism through valiant efforts by all countries across the globe. They also remind us that a bias in mutual understanding between different countries can yield to common interests – justice, peace, democracy, and progress.

The year 2015 marks the 70th anniversary of the victories of both the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and WWII. On such an important occasion, let us look back on the days of gunsmoke and flames of that war 70 years ago, and remember the people who contributed to world peace and development and the progress of humankind. A myriad of heroes, including ordinary people, soldiers, generals and state leaders, who gave their lives for the peace of all are still remembered and honored. The Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and World War II are seared into the memories of the Chinese people and peoples of the world. They will go down in the history of the Chinese nation as well as of humankind’s struggle for peace.

Shared memories are precious experiences and spiritual wealth for China and the U.S. through which to build a new model of major country relations.