chinadaily.com.cn
Lisbon Maru Commemoration Highlights UK-China Wartime Friendship
Around 100 family members of British prisoners of war (POWs) who survived the 1942 sinking of the Japanese transport ship Lisbon Maru, attended a commemorative event in London on Saturday; the event highlighted the heroic rescue of 384 survivors by Chinese fishermen, despite the Japanese army firing on escapees.
- What is the significance of the annual Lisbon Maru commemoration event held by the Chinese embassy in the UK?
- On Saturday, China's embassy in the UK held a commemorative event for the 83rd anniversary of the Lisbon Maru sinking, where around 100 family members of survivors gathered. The event highlighted the rescue of 384 British POWs by Chinese fishermen in 1942, contrasting with the machine gun fire from Japanese rescuers. This yearly event, started in 2023, also marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Second Sino-Japanese War.
- What are the long-term implications of these commemorative efforts for future Sino-British relations and historical memory?
- The ongoing commemorations, including the planned unveiling of a memorial in Zhoushan, China, signify a deepening of Sino-British relations built on shared historical experience. The active involvement of families and the creation of a dedicated website ensure that the story of the Lisbon Maru and the heroism of the Chinese fishermen will continue to be told and remembered for generations to come. This active remembrance fosters understanding and cooperation.
- How does the documentary "The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru" contribute to the preservation of this historical event and its impact on UK-China relations?
- The Lisbon Maru commemoration underscores the enduring friendship between China and Britain, forged during their wartime alliance against fascism. The event, coupled with the release of a documentary, "The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru," aims to preserve the memory of this shared history and strengthen people-to-people relations. The establishment of the Lisbon Maru Memorial Association further demonstrates this commitment to remembrance.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the narrative positively, focusing on the commemoration, the enduring friendship between the UK and China, and the heroism of the Chinese fishermen who rescued British POWs. This framing emphasizes the positive aspects of the relationship between the two countries and downplays the negative aspects of the war. While this is understandable given the context of a commemorative event, it's worth noting this potential bias.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and objective, focusing on factual reporting. The descriptions of the rescue are heroic but largely avoid overly emotional or subjective language. The quotes from individuals are presented accurately, without editorial spin.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the commemoration event and the personal stories of survivors' families, but it could benefit from including more details about the broader historical context of the Lisbon Maru incident, such as the circumstances surrounding Japan's requisition of the ship and the specifics of the attack by the US submarine. Additionally, while the bravery of the Chinese fishermen is highlighted, a more in-depth exploration of their motivations and the risks they faced would enrich the narrative.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the commemoration of the Lisbon Maru incident, fostering reconciliation and promoting peace between the UK and China. The event strengthens people-to-people relationships, contributing to peacebuilding efforts and international cooperation. The establishment of the Lisbon Maru Memorial Association and the creation of a dedicated website further solidify this commitment to remembering the past and building a more peaceful future. The memorial being built in Zhoushan also shows commitment to remembering this event and those involved.