Objective evaluation

陈小将

"In the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45), General Stilwell advocated an objective evaluation of the role of the CPC. His courage still offers important enlightenment for today's Sino-US relations," he said.

Chas W. Freeman Jr, former US assistant secretary of defense, visited Chongqing in 1994, when he accompanied then-US secretary of defense William Perry to inaugurate the Stilwell museum.

"To me, Vinegar Joe (General Stilwell's nickname) personifies all the Americans who did their best to help China, when it most needed help.

"He and the museum dedicated to him symbolize a shared Sino-American history of cooperation under difficult circumstances, and inspire hope for renewed cooperation in the face of challenges and the common interests," he said.

Jan Berris, vice-president of the National Committee on US-China Relations in New York, recalled her interactions with the two daughters of General Stilwell, Nancy and Allison, who shared the desire to carry on their father's devotion to China and to promote positive and friendly relations between the Chinese and US peoples.

The two countries can overcome the current challenges through "hard work, commitment and mutual respect", Berris said.

"We are at a very difficult time in Sino-American relations. Events such as today's celebration remind us of the depth and breadth of the relations between our two countries and how much they need to be nurtured.

"The Stilwell family's devotion provides a wonderful example to us all of how deep and abiding and important such friendship can be."