Ambassador Xie Feng’s Address: Flying Tigers Legacy, Chinese Culture, and U.S.-China Cooperation

Sino-US Flying tigers Friendship Cooperation Forum Highlights Enduring Legacy and Future Ties

Urumqi, China – A bridge of enduring friendship was reinforced as the Sino-US Flying Tigers Friendship Cooperation Forum convened in Urumqi on July 21, 2025. the event, a joint endeavor by the US-China Aviation Heritage Foundation and the Xinjiang Council for the Promotion of International trade, featured a keynote video address from Chinese Ambassador to the United States, Xie Feng.Ambassador Xie emphasized the profound importance of the Flying Tigers spirit, characterizing it as a testament to the shared courage and perseverance of China and the United States in safeguarding peace. He highlighted this ancient bond as a foundation for deep friendship and a hopeful outlook for continued Sino-American relations. Xie Feng articulated that this legacy serves as a vital asset for both nations and their people, underscoring that the future of China-US relations rests with its youth.He expressed a strong desire for a new generation of “Flying Tigers” to emerge, dedicated to fostering friendship and contributing to the stable, healthy, and sustainable growth of bilateral ties.The Ambassador also took the possibility to paint a positive picture of Xinjiang, describing it as a region blessed with vast landscapes, abundant resources, national unity, economic vitality, and improving living standards. He confidently projected a brighter future for the autonomous region.

This year’s forum coincided with the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Ambassador Xie recalled the historical flight of chinese and American pilots over the tianshan Mountains, opening the vital Hump route – a pivotal moment etched in Sino-American history. He extended a warm invitation to American youth to visit Xinjiang, encouraging them to experience firsthand the peaceful lives of its diverse ethnic groups and its rich cultural tapestry.The aspiration is for these young visitors to collaborate with their Xinjiang counterparts, forging a new “hump route” of understanding and cooperation for the new era of Sino-US relations. He wished the American youth a journey of revelation into the multifaceted nature of China, a path to uphold the Flying Tigers spirit, and a voyage of friendship between the youth of both nations.

The forum was attended by descendants of American Flying Tigers veterans, alongside nearly 100 young students who traveled to China to participate in the commemorative event.

How does Ambassador Xie Feng frame the historical relationship between the Flying Tigers adn China in terms of its relevance to modern U.S.-China cooperation?

Honoring the Flying Tigers: A Historical Bridge

Ambassador Xie Feng’s recent address at the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Flying Tigers’ support for China during World War II resonated deeply, highlighting a crucial, often underappreciated chapter in U.S.-China relations. The Flying Tigers, officially known as the first American volunteer Group (AVG), were a squadron of American pilots who aided the Chinese in their fight against Japanese aggression before the official U.S.entry into the war.

Key Historical Context: Formed in 1941, the AVG operated under a unique arrangement, recruited with the tacit approval of the U.S. government but technically employed by the Chinese Nationalist government.

Impact on the War: Their bravery and effectiveness in the skies over China substantially hampered Japanese advances and boosted Chinese morale. The iconic shark-tooth markings on their P-40 Warhawk fighters became symbols of resistance.

Ambassador Xie’s Emphasis: Ambassador Xie Feng underscored the importance of remembering this history, framing it not just as a military alliance, but as a testament to shared values and a foundation for future cooperation. He specifically noted the sacrifices made by the pilots and their families.

The Cultural Exchange: Beyond Military Aid

The Flying Tigers’ story extends beyond battlefield victories.It fostered a significant cultural exchange between the U.S. and China.Many pilots and their families remained in China after the war, forging lasting personal connections. This period saw a burgeoning interest in Chinese culture within the U.S., and vice versa.

Cultural Immersion: Pilots learned about Chinese customs, language, and traditions, frequently enough living amongst the local population.

Mutual Respect: The relationship was built on mutual respect and a shared struggle against a common enemy. This fostered a genuine gratitude for each other’s cultures.

Post-War Influence: The experiences of the Flying Tigers influenced American perceptions of China for decades, challenging prevailing stereotypes.this early cultural diplomacy laid groundwork for future exchanges.

U.S.-China Cooperation: Lessons from the Past

Ambassador Xie Feng skillfully linked the legacy of the flying Tigers to the present-day need for strengthened U.S.-China cooperation. He argued that the spirit of mutual assistance and shared responsibility demonstrated during WWII is vital for addressing contemporary global challenges.

Shared Global Challenges: Issues like climate change, pandemics (like COVID-19), and global economic stability require collaborative solutions.

Areas for Cooperation: potential areas for renewed cooperation include:

Climate Action: Joint initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable growth.

Global Health Security: Collaboration on pandemic preparedness and response.

Economic Stability: Working together to maintain a stable global financial system.

Addressing Current Tensions: The Ambassador acknowledged existing tensions between the U.S. and China, but emphasized the importance of managing differences constructively and avoiding conflict. He called for a return to dialogue and mutual understanding.

The Significance of Commemoration Events

The 80th-anniversary commemoration events, including ambassador Xie Feng’s address, serve a crucial purpose. They are not merely historical exercises, but opportunities to:

Reinforce Positive Narratives: Counteract negative stereotypes and promote a more nuanced understanding of the U.S.-China relationship.

Strengthen People-to-People Ties: Encourage cultural exchanges and foster personal connections between citizens of both countries.

Build Trust: Create a foundation of trust and mutual respect, essential for effective cooperation.

Honoring Veterans & Families: Provide a platform to honor the sacrifices of the Flying Tigers and their families, ensuring their story is not forgotten.

The Role of Cultural Diplomacy in Modern Relations

The success of the early interactions between the Flying Tigers and the Chinese people underscores the power of cultural diplomacy. in today’s complex geopolitical landscape, cultural exchange programs, educational initiatives, and people-to-people diplomacy are more vital than ever.

Breaking down Barriers: cultural exchange can definitely help break down barriers of misunderstanding and prejudice.

Promoting Empathy: Exposure to different cultures fosters empathy and a greater appreciation for diversity.

Building Long-Term Relationships: Personal connections built through cultural exchange can endure even during periods of political tension.

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