Flower-laying ceremony in Liverpool to commemorate war heroes of China and UK

A flower-laying event ceremony was held on Saturday in the city of Liverpool, England, at a plaque commemorating the Chinese seamen who fought side by side with the British navy and people against fascism.

The plaque was installed in 2006 to remember the Chinese seamen who were forcibly and secretly deported by the British government, leaving behind families and children in Liverpool.

Chinese Consul General in Manchester, Tang Rui, delivered a speech at the event, saying that "To carry forward the friendship transcending time and space is the best way to honor history."

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. China suffered 35 million casualties during World War II, contributing greatly to the world fight against fascism.

"What is also deeply touching is that around 20,000 Chinese seamen traveled across the oceans to work together with the British military and people to ensure material supply and support combat at the front," the Consul General continued. "They built an iron-clad maritime transport route with their lives. This combat-tested friendship forged in blood has become a shining page in the annals of China-UK relations, which we should all remember."

Relatives and descendants of the heroes attended the event. 

"I think it's really important to commemorate what they did because not only did they help through the war effort, but they were all settled with families and kids and after the war they went missing," said Kellie-Anne Flower, granddaughter of one of the Chinese seamen.

"I think the role of people-to-people understanding is incredibly important," said Sinologist and author Jenny Clegg. "We need to, Chinese and British people, young people need to talk to each other about the history of the war and why it's important and their concerns about the possibility of war in the future. And the British government needs to come clean. Pressure needs to be brought to bear."

CGTN Europe produced a documentary The Secret Betrayal, based on the true story of forced repatriation of the Chinese seamen and the tragic separation of families.

More on The Secret Betrayal

"It is our obligation at CGTN Europe to make this story known to the world, to reveal the old scars, not to incite hatred, but to let the truth speak for itself, to tell our children of the proud history of comradery between their ancestors, to fend off discrimination, and to foster understanding and friendship between our great nations and our great peoples," said Mei Yan, managing director of CGTN Europe.

She also announced that the copyright of the documentary was offered for public and classroom viewing to the families of Chinese seamen and Liverpool Chinese community, as well as two universities for education at the event. 

CGTN Europe is organizing an event "Echoes of Peace" in Liverpool on Tuesday, to commemorate the end of WWII and to remember the stories and friendship between the Chinese and British people during the hard times.