Echoes of Peace: Kenya and China commemorate WWII anniversary with cultural exchange
The “Echoes of Peace” cultural exchange event, organized by China Media Group (CMG), was held on August 19th at the National Museum of Kenya in Nairobi. Over 200 attendees from the Kenyan government, media, think tanks, and universities gathered to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
CMG President Shen Haixiong addressed the event via video, quoting a saying from Chinese President Xi Jinping: “Historical memory and truth will not fade with the passage of time. They inspire the present and illuminate the future.”
The event featured screenings of Chinese productions, notably the documentary “The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru(2023),” which highlights acts of humanity during one of World War II’s lesser-known tragedies. To commemorate the anniversary, CMG will broadcast a series of multilingual programs, reinforcing the importance of accurate historical narratives.
Zhang Zhizhong, Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Kenya, emphasized, “The historical lessons of the World Anti-Fascist War should never be forgotten, and the principles of international fairness and justice must never be abandoned.”
Kenya’s Deputy Minister of Information, Communications and Digital Economy, Stephen Isaboke, noted the shared trauma of war, referencing both the Nanjing Massacre in China and the Mau Mau Uprising in Kenya as reminders of humanity’s resilience. He stressed the media’s role in shaping narratives of peace.
“The lessons of unity, peace, and development remain as relevant today as they were 80 years ago. They must guide us in shaping the future,” said Dr. Oscar Otele, Director of the Department of Political and Public Administration at the University of Nairobi.
Students at the University of Nairobi found the screenings insightful. “We’ve learned a lot from the conversations — the multipolarity of the world and the win-win partnerships that China offers are key takeaways,” said George Muhoya.
A photo exhibition was also held during the event, showcasing China’s significant role in defeating imperialist aggression and fascism while emphasizing the enduring post-World War II order characterized by peace, multilateralism, and development.
The event also highlighted deepening media cooperation, as CMG and the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation signed a memorandum to digitize historical archives, which Isaboke described as “a bridge connecting people and reshaping memories.”
The event received extensive coverage across over 20 African countries, reaching an estimated audience of nearly 600 million.
