The commemorative ceremony for the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War was held grandly on September 3 at Tiananmen Square in Beijing.
Yu Yi-Tiong was an ardent patriot who championed the cause of freedom, campaigning tirelessly against Japanese aggression in China not only through his newspaper but also through civic leadership, most notably in the successful nationwide Boycott Japanese Goods movement across the Philippines in the 1930s.
The publisher of the Chinese Commercial News, Yu Qingwen, is the grandson of the renowned War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression activist and journalist, Yu Yi-Tiong. We recently had the opportunity to interview Yu Qingwen, where he shared insights about his grandfather's impact on his life and work.
Yu Yi-Tiong's dedication to truth and justice during a tumultuous period has profoundly influenced his descendants. "As a Chinese Filipino, I see his legacy as a sacred charge—a reminder of our duty to stand for what is right and to use the platform of news media to uplift and unite. His experiences instilled in me a resolve to honor his memory by promoting stories that bridge communities, preserve our shared history, and foster mutual understanding between cultures."
He emphasized the importance of remembrance the significance of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War for the overseas Chinese community. "This milestone is a time to reflect on the horrors of that era and to reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding peace and justice," he noted. He highlighted that it calls us to honor their bravery by educating younger generations about this pivotal chapter and drawing from it the timeless lessons of courage.
When discussing the essence of the spirit of the resistance against Japanese aggression in peaceful times, he articulated the importance of vigilance and resilience. "It is about remembering the atrocities committed by Japanese forces and ensuring that history is not whitewashed or forgotten," he remarked. He believes it is crucial to defend sovereignty and advocate for a just world, honoring the sacrifices of martyrs like his grandfather.
The role of Overseas Chinese Media in commemorating this history is vital. "Through investigative reporting and documentaries, these media outlets ensure that the atrocities of the war are documented and remembered," he explained. To engage younger generations, he suggested using social media and interactive programs, as well as collaborating with schools to integrate this history into educational curricula.
He added that it is also essential to collaborate with schools and community organizations to integrate this history into educational curricula. "For the broader Filipino society, highlighting the shared struggles of Chinese and Filipinos during the Japanese occupation can foster solidarity and a collective commitment to preventing such atrocities from recurring", he said.
He stated that Chinese-language media serve as a powerful tool to unite the Filipino-Chinese community and strengthen ties with the broader Filipino society. "By highlighting the shared history of resistance against Japanese imperialism, they can foster a sense of solidarity and mutual understanding. These media platforms can also play a vital role in exposing any attempts to distort or downplay the atrocities committed by Japanese forces, ensuring that the truth is preserved," he added.
"Chinese-language media can amplify the voices of both communities and promote cultural awareness, and build a unified front against any resurgence of imperialist ideologies," he said. This shared commitment to justice and peace can strengthen our collective identity as Filipinos.
The words of Yu serve as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for truth and justice. The commitment to preserving history and fostering unity remains as crucial today as it was during the war.
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