The United States and China ought to “strive to continually look for the good in the relations that we have and build upon those good aspects,” stated John Easterbrook, grandson of General Joseph Stilwell, who served as commander-in-chief of the U.S. forces within the China-Burma-India Theater.
by Xinhua writers Zhao Bochao, Wu Xiaoling
SAN FRANCISCO/CHONGQING, China, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) — Perched on a hillside alongside the Jialing River in a district in China’s southwestern metropolis of Chongqing stands the Stilwell Museum — the one museum in China named after a overseas navy officer. It preserves the shared reminiscence of China and the United States of their struggle in opposition to Japanese fascism throughout World War II.
During the battle, General Joseph Stilwell served as commander-in-chief of the U.S. armed forces within the China-Burma-India Theater and supplied nice help to the Chinese individuals’s resistance in opposition to Japanese aggression.
The Stilwell Museum stands as a concrete manifestation of the friendship between the Chinese and American individuals, which as Stilwell’s grandson John Easterbrook has stated “we need to remember and emulate as we go forward.”
FIGHTING ALONGSIDE CHINESE SOLDIERS
In his California dwelling embellished with Chinese antiques, Easterbrook has proudly displayed images of his grandfather in wartime uniform. “Stilwell (is) somewhere here,” he remarked when pointing to a picture of the Japanese give up aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay on Sept. 2, 1945.
Known as a “China hand,” Stilwell had traveled and labored in China earlier than the battle. After the outbreak of the Pacific War in December 1941, then U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt despatched him again as certainly one of America’s prime commanders in Asia.
To thwart Japan’s blockade of China, Stilwell led the Chinese and American troops via the jungles of northern Myanmar, preventing ferocious battles in opposition to Japanese forces. Victories such because the seize of Myitkyina metropolis in 1944 dealt heavy blows to the enemy and helped open important provide routes to China.
Stilwell held deep admiration for Chinese troopers, believing that with correct coaching and tools, they may match any military on this planet. “To me, the Chinese soldier best exemplifies the greatness of the Chinese people — their indomitable spirit, their uncomplaining loyalty, their honesty of purpose, their steadfast perseverance,” Easterbrook stated, quoting a 1942 speech by Stilwell.
“Stilwell personally led these divisions, and he would trek down to the front lines almost daily to encourage the Chinese units … By the time they got to the strategic town of Myitkyina in August 1944, they had proven to the world that the Chinese soldiers could indeed be the equal of any Allied soldier,” he stated.
Through Stilwell’s coordination and relentless effort, the important Hump airlift was sustained, and the Stilwell Road, an overland connection between India and China, was constructed, holding China related to Allied provide chains regardless of Japan’s blockade.
Ao Yichang, an skilled on the Stilwell Research Center, famous that General Stilwell had all the time sympathized with and supported the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. “He fought side by side with the Chinese military and people, forging a profound historical friendship with them,” he stated.
VISIONARY DECISION
Recognizing the agency resolve of the Communist Party of China (CPC) to struggle Japanese aggressors, Stilwell urged the Kuomintang to mount a joint marketing campaign with the CPC, and argued that a part of U.S. support ought to go to Communist troops.
“For quite some time, Jack Service and John Davies — John Davies in particular — who were Foreign Service State Department men on General Stilwell’s staff, advocated very strongly that an observer mission should go to Yan’an to interface with the CPC and gather intelligence and provide information on just what the Red Armies were doing,” stated Easterbrook, noting that Stilwell supported the thought.
In July 1944, with Stilwell’s backing, the primary U.S. Army Observation Group arrived in Yan’an, in northwest China’s Shaanxi Province. There, American officers have been struck by the contrasts with the Kuomintang-controlled areas. According to their statement, the CPC loved broad standard help and will turn into efficient allies.
“In Chungking (Chongqing), we were accustomed to seeing police and sentries everywhere. In Yenan (Yan’an), there was not even a sentry, as far as I could see, posted at Headquarters 18th Group Army,” recalled David Barrett, commander of the U.S. Army Observation Group, in his memoir.
The U.S. Army Observation Group labored carefully with the Chinese Communists in Yan’an, with cooperation together with intelligence sharing on Japanese forces and the rescue of downed American pilots.
“The Observation Group stayed in Yan’an for two years and eight months, during which they developed close ties with CPC leaders and local residents,” stated Zhao Hong, professor on the School of History and Culture at Yan’an University.
Reports from the mission described the CPC-led resistance as each extremely efficient and deeply rooted in standard help. Herbert Hitch, a bunch member, concluded that regardless of how a lot U.S. navy help was given to the Kuomintang, the CPC would prevail.
“The unfortunate thing is that the reports did not go very far in the U.S. government,” stated Easterbrook. History would later verify the mission’s foresight, because the CPC, buoyed by standard help, went on to discovered the People’s Republic of China.
FRIENDSHIP LASTING FIVE GENERATIONS
For a long time, the Chinese individuals have remembered and honored General Stilwell. On Sept. 2, 2015, Stilwell was awarded the memorial medal for the seventieth Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.
In a 2023 letter replying to Easterbrook, Chinese President Xi Jinping stated General Stilwell was an outdated pal of the Chinese individuals, who gave energetic help to China’s reason for liberation and progress and made constructive contributions to the friendship between the 2 peoples, which the Chinese individuals will always remember.
The Stilwell household has additionally carried that legacy ahead by selling people-to-people exchanges between the 2 nations. Stilwell’s daughters established a scholarship fund in 1982 to help Chinese college students at U.S. universities. Over the previous 4 a long time, this fund has benefited dozens of Chinese college students.
Xu Chongning, a retired professor at Chongqing Technology and Business University, was one of many scholarship recipients. “During my studies and life in the United States, I met many ordinary Americans. … I often felt their friendship toward the Chinese people,” she stated.
The legacy of Stilwell’s bond with China has been carried ahead by 5 generations of his household, a number of of whom have visited China many occasions. “It’s just so nice to be able to go back to China and see how that period of time is still recognized and still appreciated,” stated Easterbrook.
This 12 months marks the eightieth anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Easterbrook stated his two daughters and their households will journey to China to participate within the commemorative occasions.
Looking again, Xi careworn in his letter, China and the United States fought facet by facet in opposition to Japanese fascists and for world peace; trying into the long run, the 2 nations have each purpose to assist one another obtain success and customary prosperity.
The similar message resonates with Easterbrook. The United States and China ought to “strive to continually look for the good in the relations that we have and build upon those good aspects,” he stated, hoping that the 2 nations may focus on these and make life higher for his or her peoples.
(Xinhua reporters Liu Bowei, Xie Weiren, Zhang Qin, Zhou Siyu and Yang Shiyan additionally contributed to the story.)