Photo exhibition, film screening held in Laos to mark 80th anniversary of China's victory over Japanese aggression

A photo exhibition and a screening of the film "The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru" were held in Vientiane to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

At the event on Tuesday, Chinese Ambassador to Laos Fang Hong emphasized the importance of learning from history to unite the powerful forces safeguarding peace and promote the development of the international order in a more just and reasonable direction.

After watching the film, UNICEF Country Representative to Laos Bilal Durrani, praised the film's powerful message.

"I witnessed the heroic actions of the Chinese fishermen and their humanitarian spirit. Many people were moved to tears by the film. Everyone was deeply moved by it," he said.

"We must work together to move forward and strive for world peace and the future of coming generations," he added.

Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Malaysian Ambassador to Laos Edi Irwan Mahmud, said "as we witness the tragedy of countless families torn apart and separated from their loved ones, we hope that the world will become more peaceful in the future."

Russian Ambassador to Laos, Vladimir Kalinin, also stated that the film was deeply moving and that the world should learn from history and be committed to maintaining peace and defending the sovereignty and freedom of all countries.

The documentary "The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru" recounts the heroic humanitarian act of Chinese fishermen who bravely rescued British prisoners of war during World War II.

In October 1942, the Japanese military requisitioned the passenger and cargo ship "The Lisbon Maru" to transport over 1,800 British prisoners of war from Hong Kong to Japan. While passing through the waters near Zhoushan, it was sunk by U.S. forces. Despite the danger, local fishermen courageously saved 384 British soldiers from the sinking vessel.