Las Vegas conference highlights Sino-American WWII friendship, "Flying Tiger" history

The 4th Sino-American Second World War Friendship and Flying Tiger History Conference opened in Las Vegas on Friday to commemorate the American and Chinese heroes and the U.S.-China cooperation during World War II (WWII).

Chinese Consul General in San Francisco Wang Donghua (2nd L), Jeffrey Greene (1st R), Chairman of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation, and other guests present a T-shirt with the forum theme of "Honoring Our Father's Flags" at the 4th Sino-American Second World War Friendship and Flying Tiger History Conference in Las Vegas, the United States, May 10, 2019. [Photo: Xinhua/Han Fang]

By commemorating the Flying Tigers, a U.S. air squadron that helped the Chinese fight Japanese invaders in WWII, the two-day event features an extensive reflection on the shared American and Chinese experiences and friendship during the war.

Flying Tigers, with U.S. General Claire Lee Chennault as its commander, is a household name in China due to its heroic deed to help China drive out invading Japanese troops.

Throughout WWII, China was a major battlefield in the fight against Japanese fascist invasion and a major Asian battlefield in the war against fascists worldwide. China fought shoulder by shoulder with other allied forces against fascism.

Eight of the last members of the legendary Flying Tigers attended the conference.

Cynthia Chennault, daughter of late U.S. General Claire Lee Chennault, addresses the opening ceremony of the 4th Sino-American Second World War Friendship and Flying Tiger History Conference in Las Vegas, the United States, May 10, 2019. [Photo: Xinhua/Han Fang]

Themed "Honoring Our Father's Flags," the activity also saw the participation of the sons, daughters and grandchildren of the Flying Tigers members to share memories and stories about the war heroes.

Cynthia Chennault, daughter of late General Chennault, said the Flying Tiger history was a great success story of mutual friendship, respect and collaboration.

Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak said in a congratulatory letter to the event that his state welcomed hosting the memorable event, which remembered the courageous WWII veterans and U.S.-China cooperation in history.

"It is of great significance for us to remember the Chinese and American warriors who cooperatively fought against fascist aggression, to listen to the touching stories of the friendly exchanges between the two peoples and to review the development of our bilateral relations," Chinese Consul General in San Francisco Wang Donghua said in a keynote speech at the opening ceremony.

A calligraphy work is presented at the opening ceremony of the 4th Sino-American Second World War Friendship and Flying Tiger History Conference in Las Vegas, the United States, May 10, 2019. [Photo: Xinhua/Han Fang]

He also called on people from both countries to ponder how to carry forward their friendly ties into the future and how to jointly create a better future for bilateral relations.

The event was co-organized by the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation and the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.