Chongqing - This year marks the 40^th Anniversary of the Establishment of China-US Diplomatic relations.

On Nov.22, under the theme of “Retrospect for Renewed Friendship, Prospect for Win-win Cooperation,” the 40^th Anniversary of the Establishment of China-US Diplomatic Relations & General Stilwell and China Forum was launched by the Chongqing People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries in the Foreign Affairs Building of Chongqing Municipal People’s Government. One hundred officials, entrepreneurs, scholars, and experts from China and the US presented at the forum.

The 40th Anniversary of the Establishment of China-US Diplomatic Relations & General Stilwell and China Forum in Chongqing.

Prominent scholars specializing in China and US relations and representatives from organizations promoting China-US exchanges delivered brilliant speeches to review General Stilwell’s contribution to China and US relations. The speakers shed the spotlight on the cooperation between the US and China as well as Chongqing in areas such as trade and business, education, technology, culture over the years. They also provided insight into the future of China and US relations. 

When one looks deep into the relationship between Chongqing and the US, it is storied and encouraging. During WWII, Chongqing was home to the US Embassy and the Far East Command Center of the World Anti-Fascist War. It is also where Chinese civilians and officials and their American counterparts used to work side by side to defend the nation. The former residence of the United States Army General, Joseph W. Stilwell, who served in China Burma India Theater during WWII, is well preserved here. Along with Flying Tigers Museum, the two museums open to the public and have become the memorial place for people to look upon that eventful years. 

General Stilwell, as a stand out figure during the wartime, who contributed significantly to China’s Resistance War and the World Anti-Fascist War, continues to remind people about that valuable friendship and respect between the US and China with his spiritual legacy.

“I think it is good for all of us to remember the respect and admiration and indeed friendship that developed between our two peoples during the war,” said Mr. John Easterbrook, Grandson of General Stilwell, during the forum. “As we have seen, once people get to know each other, they find that they have more in common than not.”