As the leaders of China and the United States prepare to meet in Washington, the focus is on seeking common ground and opportunities for cooperation. However, the relationship between the two countries has also been shaped by numerous encounters between ordinary people. These individuals have met in various circumstances, including in communities, during times of hardship, and on playing fields. Their shared humanity has brought them together, transcending their cultural and national differences.
The bond between China and the US can be traced back to over a century ago, when a young woman from Iowa, Lydia Trimble, arrived in Fuzhou, China, as a missionary in 1889. She was determined to provide Chinese girls and women with access to education, which was scarce at the time. Lydia's efforts led to the establishment of schools for girls and women of different ages and backgrounds, opening doors to opportunities that allowed them to discover their potential. Her dedication and perseverance inspired a generation of Chinese women, including He Zhenni, who later became the first Chinese woman to serve as president of a middle school in Fujian Province.
Lydia's legacy continued to inspire her family, including her great-nephew, Gordon Trimble. In 2005, Gordon traveled to Fuzhou and taught at the college his great-aunt had helped establish. He was struck by the impact of Lydia's work and the spirit of helping others that had been passed down through his family. Gordon's experience in China was a testament to the enduring bond between the two countries, forged through the actions of ordinary people like Lydia.
During World War II, the US and China collaborated to defend against Japan. In 1941, the US and China reached an agreement that allowed American military veterans and volunteers to join the American Volunteer Group, later known as the Flying Tigers. Harry Moyer, one of the volunteers, recalled that he chose to go to China because he wanted to fight for the Chinese people. The Flying Tigers played a crucial role in defending China's skies, and their efforts were supported by ordinary Chinese people who risked their lives to help them.
The Hump airlift, which operated between India and southwest China over the Himalayas, was a vital lifeline for China during the war. Chinese and American aircrews worked together to keep the airlift open, flying supplies and equipment to China. The journey was perilous, with unpredictable weather, towering mountains, and Japanese attacks. Despite the risks, the aircrews persevered, and their efforts were supported by millions of Chinese people who took part in wartime efforts, including building and repairing runways.
The bond between the US and China was further strengthened by the kindness and generosity of ordinary Chinese people, who shared what little food they had with American airmen. Jeffrey Greene, chairman of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation, has spent decades collecting and preserving stories of the Flying Tigers and the Chinese people who stood beside them. According to Greene, the respect between the American and Chinese people was evident in the actions of the Chinese villagers, who gave American airmen eggs, a precious commodity during the war.
The legacy of the Flying Tigers and the bond between the US and China continues to inspire people today. The story of Lydia Trimble and the Flying Tigers serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, ordinary people can make a difference. As the leaders of China and the US meet in Washington, they are building on a foundation of cooperation and mutual respect that has been forged through the actions of countless individuals over the years.
Key points
- The bond between China and the US has been shaped by numerous encounters between ordinary people, including Lydia Trimble, who provided education to Chinese girls and women, and the Flying Tigers, who defended China during World War II.
- The Hump airlift, which operated between India and southwest China, was a vital lifeline for China during the war, with Chinese and American aircrews working together to keep it open.
- The kindness and generosity of ordinary Chinese people, who shared what little food they had with American airmen, further strengthened the bond between the two countries.
