Bathed in the bright spring sunlight of Xi’an, a culturally far-reaching event unfolded on the afternoon of April 8 at Xi’an Peihua University—the grand launch of the new bookA True Friend to China. Jointly organized by the Shaanxi Industrial Cooperation Association and Xi’an Peihua University, with guidance from the Shaanxi NGO Network for International Exchanges, the event served as a tribute to the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. It also aligned with the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and its Third Plenary Session, aiming to foster cultural exchange and collaboration between China and the United Kingdom.
The ceremony, hosted by Luo Xinyuan,vice president of Xi’an Peihua University, was held in a grave yet vibrant atmosphere. Leaders and scholars from institutions from institutions including the Shaanxi NGO Network for International Exchanges, Xi’an Publishing House, and the Shaanxi Industrial Cooperation Association gathered to witness this significant moment.
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In his welcome address, Jiang Bo,boardchairman of Xi’an Peihua University, emphasized the institution’s commitment to open-minded education and cross-cultural collaboration. “The publication of A True Friend to Chinais not only a reflection on history but also a continuation of the spirit of our times. We will further deepen international cooperation to contribute to building a global community of shared destiny,” he stated.
Zhang Zhengyuan,editorialdirector of Xi’an Publishing House, highlighted the book’s significance in filling a gap in historical literature on China’s wartime resistance. “The book vividly chronicles the heroic efforts of the Friends Ambulance Unit (FAU) during WWII, offering readers a window into international solidarity during times of crisis,” he said. The publisher pledged to promote the book through multiple channels to amplify its cultural and historical significance.
Li Jingxi, vice president of the Shaanxi NGO Network for International Exchanges, praised the publication as a milestone in China intercultural communication with the world. “This work will deepen mutual understanding and friendship between our peoples.” He extended gratitude to the organizers for their meticulous planning.
Lei Tao, former secretary of the Shaanxi Writers Association, added: “History may be silent, yet it carries immense weight. This launch is both a tribute to the past and a convergence of contemporary strength and power.”
During the keynote speech,Professor Andrew Hicks, executive director of Society for Anglo-Chinese Understanding, recounted the FAU’s extraordinary contributions to China’s war efforts. “The book revives the memory of this transnational bond forged in adversity,” he shared.
Niu Baohua, professor of Northwest University of Political Science and Law and the book’s translator,shared herinsightsduringthe translation process.She emphasized that translation transcends mere linguistic conversion—it is the construction of a bridge between cultures. Qin Quan’an, secretary-general of the Shaanxi Industrial Cooperation Association, furtherdiscussedthe historical and academic significance of the FAU’s legacy in a thematic discussion.
The event concluded with a book donation and signing session. Professor Hicks, Qin Quan’an, and Professor Niu signed copies for attendees. Professor Qin also donated a Chinese edition ofA True Friend to Chinato the university library, expressing his hope that more readers would engage with this pivotal chapter of Sino-foreign cooperation during WWII.
Guests later visited the China Industrial Cooperatives Movement History Exhibition, gaining deeper insights into the international solidarity during wartime.
The successful launch of the new book A True Friend to China not only established an important platform for Sino-British cultural exchange but also ensured that the friendship and courage demonstrated by the The Friends Ambulance Unit during their aid to China are carried forward and celebrated in the new era. Xi’an Peihua University will continue to uphold its red revolutionary heritage, creating cultural symbols with international value and contributing Peihua’s strength to the arenas of international exchange, industrial cooperation, and cultural inheritance.
As a founding member of the Chinese Industrial Cooperatives Association, Xi’an Peihua University remains dedicated to preserving the “Gonghe Movement” ethos.With an open and inclusive attitude, the universitywillactively promote cultural exchange and collaboration, and is committed to integrating the history and spirit of the movement into its education and academic research.
Attendees List
External Guests
Lei Tao, Former Secretary of the Party Committee, Shaanxi Writers Association
Li Jingxi, Vice President of Shaanxi NGO Network for International Exchanges
Ma Ke, Former Honorary Chair, Shaanxi Edgar Snow Research Center; Gung Ho Expert
Sun Yi’an, Former Deputy General Manager & National First-Grade Screenwriter of Xiying Group
Lv Ruishan, Director of the Office, Shaanxi International Cultural and Economic Exchange Center
Guo Juquan, Supervisor of Shaanxi Industrial Cooperation Association; Gung Ho Research Expert
Zhang Zhengyuan, Editorial Director of Xi’an Publishing House
Li Gang, Son of Li Xingpei (Translator of the 19th Medical Team of the Friends Ambulance Unit)
Shi Zhensheng, Student of Principal Wang Anmin (Former Member of the Friends Ambulance Unit)
Wang Xiaohui, Member of the International Committee for the Promotion of Chinese Industrial Cooperatives
Shang Yaning, Member of the International Committee for the Promotion of Chinese Industrial Cooperatives; Professor of Shaanxi Normal University
Hui Shucheng, Advisor of Shaanxi Snow Research Center; Former Senior Journalist of Xi’an Daily
Wang Luping, Researcher of Xi’an Eighth Route Army Office Museum Research Department
Huo Yuanxin, Researcher of Xi’an Eighth Route Army Office Museum Research Department
Gong Tian, Researcher of the ICOMOS International Conservation Center-Xi’an
Zhang Jingqiu, Doctor of Northwest University Collaborative Research Centre for Archaeology of the Silk Roads
Zhang Zhen, Council Member of Shaanxi Industrial Cooperation Association; General Manager of Shaanxi Kangmeinuo Medical Technology Company
Andrew Hicks, Executive Director of Society for Anglo-Chinese Understanding; Expert in Friends Ambulance Unit History
Ruth, Member of Society for Anglo-Chinese Understanding
Niu Baohua, Associate Professor at the School of Foreign Languages, Northwest University of Political Science and Law
Internal Guests
Jiang Bo, Board Chairman, Xi’an Peihua University; Vice President of China Industrial Cooperation Association; President of Shaanxi Industrial Cooperation Association
Luo Xinyuan, Vice President of Xi’an Peihua University; Party Branch Secretary of Shaanxi Industrial Cooperation Association
Qin Quan’an, Vice President of Shaanxi Industrial Cooperation Association; English Faculty of Xi’an Peihua University
Chen Ling, Secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission; Chair of the Board of Supervisors, Xi’an Peihua University
Liu Yu, Director of Cooperation & Development Center, Xi’an Peihua University; Deputy Secretary-General of Shaanxi Industrial Cooperation Association
Wang Xiya, Chair, Xi’an Peihua University Branch of the Zhi Gong Party
Cao Changchun, Chair, Xi’an Peihua University Branch of the China Democratic League
