Exhibition | Local resistance efforts against Japanese invasion remembered

Chui Sai On and other guests tour the exhibition

The MSAR government and the Chinese Liaison Office inaugurated a special exhibition yesterday to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in World War II.
The exhibition, taking place in the Handover Gifts Museum of Macau until October 4, features a collection of 210 historical photographs and about 80 cultural relics, including literary documents and calligraphy works. It recalls the decade-long history of Chinese people’s suffering and their indomitable resistance against the Japanese invasion, as well as Macau people’s efforts and vital support of their compatriots despite the city’s hardships during wartime.
The exhibition organizers stress that although Macau was declared neutral in the war by the Portuguese administration and was immune to the flames of war, the Chinese communities of Macau didn’t stay aloof.
Officiating the opening ceremony, the Chief Executive Chui Sai On stated that the exhibits reflected the tough days that Macau people went through in wartime as well as their concerted efforts in supporting the country.
He noted, “While the Chinese nation was fighting the battle in blood, Macau compatriots never stayed out of it; at the nation’s critical moment, many Macau people went to the battlefield without hesitation. Many patriotic anti-Japanese groups also emerged in Macau to join the national salvation. They took advantage of the city’s unique position and environment to unite patriotic forces from different social classes, while also lending a helping hand to the many refugees who fled the war to Macau.”
The CE said that the exhibition pays tribute to the Chinese nation’s unyielding spirit, its people’s solidarity, and their contribution to the world’s victory aginst fascist aggression. He expressed wishes that Macau’s youth will “remember history, cherish the memory of martyrs, cherish peace, and unswervingly keep to the path of peaceful development into the future.”
“As Macau is currently [in a period of] economic adjustment, we should carry forward the unity, self-confidence and the indomitable spirit demonstrated during the war of resistance; we should cope with it proactively and properly with a prudent, cautious attitude, and seize the opportunity to accelerate economic diversification,” said Chui.