2025 marks the 80^th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. On the evening of August 20, an opening ceremony and reception for the photo exhibition titled “China Unconquerable—Soong Ching Ling in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War,” hosted by the China Welfare Institute (CWI), was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event aimed to commemorate the significant contributions of Madame Soong during the War of Resistance and the World Anti-Fascist War, promote exchanges on the CWI’s “establishment amid the torrent of the War of Resistance” and its “development and advancement in the new era,” and carry forward the great spirit of the War of Resistance.

Li Bin, Vice Chairperson of the 13^th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and President of the CWI, and Cheuk Wing-hing, Acting Secretary for Administration of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, unveiled the exhibition. Guests attending the opening ceremony included Yin Zonghua, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR; Stanley NG Chau-pei, a Hong Kong Deputy to the National People’s Congress, Hong Kong Executive Council member and Legislative Council member; Roxanne Law Shuk-pui, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the HKSAR Government; Clement Woo Kin-man, Acting Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs of the HKSAR Government;Professor Herman Hu Shao-ming, a Hong Kong Deputy to the National People’s Congress and Founding President of the Hong Kong Rosamond Foundation; Regina Leung Tong Ching-yee, President of the Hong Kong Girl Guides Association and Chairperson of the Fringe Club; Leng Weiqing, a member of the National Committee of the CPPCC and Chairperson of Shanghai Industrial Investment (Holdings) Co., Ltd.; and Zhang Xiaomin, a member of the National Committee of the CPPCC and Vice Chairman of the CWI.

Mr. Zhang Xiaomin stated in his address that on the occasion of the 80^th anniversary of the victory of the War of Resistance, the CWI came to Hong Kong for holding the photo exhibition with a view to remembering history, honoring fallen heroes, cherishing peace, and creating a better future. In 1938, Ms. Soong Ching Ling founded the China Defence League (CDL) in Hong Kong, leveraging the city’s unique location and advantages to connect with international friends, overseas compatriots, and relief organizations. The league raised funds, medicines, and medical equipment for shipment to the base areas, established international peace hospitals, and united over 120 doctors, nurses, and technicians to join the front lines of the War of Resistance, making unique contributions to supporting China’s efforts in the resistance against Japanese aggression and safeguarding world peace. In Hong Kong, the CDL organized fundraising campaigns such as the “Bowl of Rice Movement” and the “20,000 Blankets Campaign,” sparking a wave of patriotic sentiment and resistance against the Japanese occupation across all sectors of the city. After the victory of the War of Resistance, the CDL moved to Shanghai and was officially renamed the China Welfare Institute, carrying out pioneering and exemplary work in areas such as maternal and child healthcare, on-campus and off-campus education, children’s culture, and social welfare. The CWI will thoroughly implement the guiding principles of the important congratulatory letter from the General Secretary Xi Jinping on the 80^th anniversary of its founding, further deepen exchanges and mutual learning with all sectors of Hong Kong, collaborate on more livelihood projects, and work together to enhance the well-being of people in the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong, contributing to the stable and sustainable progress of the “One Country, Two Systems” policy.

Professor Herman Hu Shao-ming stated in his address that the exhibition carries important significance on the occasion of the 80^th anniversary of the victory of the War of Resistance. Madame Soong Ching Ling was a world-renowned great champion of patriotism, democracy, internationalism, and communism, a “national treasure,” and Hong Kong played a vital role in her revolutionary career. Established to promote the great spirit of Dr. Sun Yat-sen and Madame Soong, the Hong Kong Rosamond Foundation has, since its inception, maintained friendly cooperation with the mainland in areas such as youth education and public charity, helping young people from Hong Kong and the mainland broaden their horizons and grow into talent. The CWI has always adhered to the principle of “giving children the most valuable things.” Professor Hu looked forward to deepening exchanges with the CWI in the future, strengthening education on patriotism and love for Hong Kong as ideals and convictions among the city’s youth, and working together to share the story of China in the new era.

Mr. Cheuk Wing-hing stated in his address that the life of Madame Soong Ching Ling was closely intertwined with the nation’s historical development over the past century. The exhibition vividly and touchingly presents her patriotism and outstanding contributions during the War of Resistance, serving as a profound lesson in patriotism and history for the citizens of Hong Kong, especially the youth. To solemnly commemorate this significant occasion, the HKSAR Government has also planned a series of events to promote the spirit of patriotism and further enhance the public’s understanding and sense of identity with the country and the nation. He sincerely invited all citizens to visit the “China Unconquerable--Soong Ching Ling in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War” photo exhibition and participate in the commemorative activities, to jointly honor the history of the War of Resistance, draw inspiration for progress, and continue contributing to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Following the speeches, a familiar figure appeared on the large screen as if transcending time and space. Through AI technology, Madame Soong’s iconic voice was restored to recite her “A Letter To Friends Around the World,” published on May 1, 1939, which exposed fascist aggression atrocities to the world and called for international justice and assistance. Her unwavering conviction and profound patriotism struck directly at the hearts of the audience, deeply moving those present.

Mr. Tse Wing Kwon, son-in-law of Chan Kwan Po, a member of the CDL during the Hong Kong period and chief editor of Chan’s collected works, delivered a thematic presentation. From the unique perspective of a descendant with access to firsthand accounts, he shared profound insights into Madame Soong’s leadership of the CDL.

The exhibition, featuring 117 precious historical photographs, focuses on Soong Ching Ling’s contributions across Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Chongqing. It highlights her efforts to unite forces from all sectors in the struggle for national survival, uphold an international perspective to jointly resist foreign aggression, safeguard the united front, and advance progressive causes. Through these efforts, she made unique contributions to the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. After the “September 18^th Incident” in 1931, Madame Soong firmly supported the Chinese Communist Party’s political stance of “ending the civil war and uniting against Japanese aggression” in Shanghai. She actively promoted the national salvation movement and played a crucial role in facilitating the Second Kuomintang-Communist Cooperation, establishing the Chinese United Front Against Japanese Aggression, and fostering a nationwide resistance against Japanese occupation. In 1938, Madame Soong established the China Defence League (CDL) in Hong Kong to raise global awareness of China’s enduring struggle during the war. She mobilized both domestic and international peace forces, urging and guiding international friends, compatriots in Hong Kong and Macao, and patriotic overseas Chinese to support China’s resistance efforts, securing substantial international assistance. After Hong Kong fell to the enemy, Madame Soong reorganized the CDL Central Committee in Chongqing, continuing to provide critical support to the nationwide war effort until the final victory in the War of Resistance. The exhibition was held at the Hong Kong Fringe Club from August 21 to 24.

At the opening ceremony, young performers from the China Welfare Institute Children’s Art Theatre and the China Welfare Institute Children’s Palace Little Companions Art Troupe staged a series of captivating performances, wholeheartedly showcasing the developmental achievements of the CWI in carrying forward the legacy of Madame Soong’s pioneering endeavors.

Nearly 300 guests attended the event and viewed the exhibition, including Hong Kong deputies to the National People’s Congress, members of the National Committee of the CPPCC, officials of the HKSAR Government, Legislative Council members, as well as representatives from various sectors such as education, culture, healthcare, social welfare, economy, and youth groups in Hong Kong. Also present were heads of some Shanghai-based institutions in Hong Kong and media representatives.

During her stay in Hong Kong, Ms. Li Bin also held separate meetings with Ms. Regina Leung Tong Ching-yee, President of the Hong Kong Girl Guides Association and Chairperson of the Fringe Club; Mr. Lester Garson Huang, Chairman of the Institute of Philanthropy and Trustee of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust; and Ms. Lee Jai Ying, Chairperson of the HK & Macau Taiwanese Charity Fund Limited and Honorary President of the Hong Kong Federation of Women. She also visited the Hong Kong Museum of the War of Resistance and Coastal Defence.