Peking University, August 30, 2025: Peking University(PKU) held an international symposium on August 30 commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

In the palatial grandeur of the Yingjie Overseas Exchange Center, distinguished guests from China and abroad are gathered in a solemn communion, reliving this period of history where Chinese people eventually prevailed over Japanese aggression through tremendous sacrifice and determination.

He Guangcai, Chair of the PKU Council, highlighted the contribution made by Edger Snow and other international friends in China’s struggle for freedom, before reaffirming PKU’s commitment of following Edger Snow’s footsteps in deepening the institution’s international communication. 

Wang Gang, Vice Minister of Publicity Department of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party, recounted China’s arduous journey toward victory over fascism, paying tribute to the martyrs and international friends who made the victory possible. He emphasized on breaking stereotypes and drawing closer to the people in order to present to the world an authentic China story.

Present at the symposium were also Fu Ying, former Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Fan Yun, Managing Editor of China Media Group, as well as a cohort of international friends with deep history in China. They included Eric Foster (nephew of American journalist Helen Foster Snow), Michael Crook (son of British educator David Crook), Thomas Rabe (grandson of John Rabe, the "Oskar Schindler of China"), and Zhou Youma (son of George Hatem, the first foreigner to obtain citizenship of the People's Republic of China). They shared powerful stories of their families’ multi-generational bonds with China, and their ongoing efforts to build bridges between China and the world were met with profound appreciation.

The symposium also saw the launching of new initiatives, including academic, archival, and media programs, aimed at carrying forward the spirit embodied by Edgar Snow.



Following the keynote speeches were two seminars, with guests exploring the themes of promoting China’s story to the world and digital development.

Written by: Chen Shizhuo, Aden Tan
Edited by: Zhang Jiang
Photo by: Huang Jingwen