CGTN reports on China’s upcoming Victory Day celebrations in Beijing. The article recounts the story of the American Flying Tigers’ aid to China during its war against Japanese invaders. It emphasizes the contributions of those who supported China’s victory, highlighting the enduring spirit of cooperation in times of adversity.

BEIJING, Aug. 28, 2025 – The upcoming military parade in Beijing, marking the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-1945) and the World Anti-Fascist War, will feature international guests to honor contributions to China’s victory and highlight the enduring spirit of mutual support during difficult times.

China will hold a grand military parade next month in Beijing to commemorate the 80th anniversary of its victory in the war against Japan and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Besides showcasing advanced weaponry, the parade will feature international guests, recognizing their contributions to China’s victory and emphasizing the lasting spirit of mutual assistance during times of hardship.

Among the foreign guests of honor are members of the American Flying Tigers and their families. The Flying Tigers, officially known as the American Volunteer Group of the Chinese Air Force, were formed in 1941 by U.S. General Claire Lee Chennault to help China fight against Japanese invaders.

Their legacy

Shortly after arriving in China in December 1941, the Flying Tigers achieved their first major victory by shooting down nine Japanese aircraft, marking the first significant defeat for Japanese forces since the start of air raids on Kunming.

In 1942, after Japanese forces occupied Myanmar and cut off China’s last international supply route, the Chinese and American air forces created the Hump airlift. This extremely dangerous route over the Himalayas connected India to Kunming, delivering crucial international aid and supplies.

From 1941 to 1945, the Flying Tigers, working with Chinese military and civilians, shot down or destroyed about 2,600 Japanese aircraft. According to the Memorial Hall of Nanjing Anti-Japanese Aviation Martyrs, over 2,000 Flying Tigers members died in combat.

Chinese President Xi Jinping remarked at a 2023 welcome dinner in the U.S. that the Chinese people will always remember the Flying Tigers, noting the Flying Tigers museum built in Chongqing and the invitation extended to over 1,000 veterans and their families to visit China.

The Flying Tigers also remembered the kindness of the Chinese people. Jeffrey Greene, chairman of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation, noted that many Flying Tigers pilots still remember the taste of the eggs offered by the Chinese people to give them strength.

Founded in 1998 by Greene and several Flying Tigers veterans, the foundation works to preserve and promote the shared history of U.S.-China wartime cooperation. It has sponsored visits to China for around 500 veterans and hundreds of their family members.

Nourishing a lasting bond

In a 2023 letter to Greene and Flying Tigers veterans Moyer and Mel McMullen, Xi Jinping commended the foundation and veterans for promoting the Flying Tigers’ story. He hoped that the spirit of the Flying Tigers would be passed on to future generations, strengthening ties between the two nations.

Greene, who led a youth delegation to central China in late July, encouraged the young visitors to share their experiences, particularly their visit to Beneda’s tombstone. He called the youth “part of the Flying Tigers story” and emphasized that their actions contribute to the ongoing relationship between China and the U.S.

Acknowledging the dwindling number of Flying Tigers veterans, Greene reaffirmed the foundation’s dedication to promoting mutual understanding between the youth of both countries, ensuring the Flying Tigers’ spirit endures.

At the opening of the China-U.S. Flying Tigers Friendship and Cooperation Forum in July, Chinese Ambassador to the U.S. Xie Feng expressed his hope for more “Flying Tigers of the new generation” in both countries, who will dedicate themselves to promoting friendship and advancing stable and sustainable China-U.S. relations.

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