(Hamburg, 15 August 2025)

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen, Friends,

Good morning!

On this historic occasion commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Victory of the World Anti-Fascist War, it is my distinct honor to attend the opening of the exhibition My Neighbor: John Rabe. Through this platform, we collectively pay tribute to those who sacrificed for justice and peace during that war, and reaffirm the enduring power of humanitarianism. On behalf of the Consulate General of China in Hamburg, I extend sincere appreciation to all friends across sectors whose steadfast dedication has strengthened Sino-German friendship and preserved our shared legacy of peace.

Mr. John Rabe, a German entrepreneur residing in China for over three decades, undertook extraordinary risks in 1937 as Chairman of the International Committee for the Nanjing Safety Zone. Amidst the ravages of war, he sheltered over 250,000 Chinese civilians while meticulously documenting Japanese military atrocities through written accounts and photographs. The rediscovery of The Rabe Diaries in New York (1996) provided pivotal evidence of the Nanjing Massacre. His actions epitomized humanitarian courage, etching an indelible chapter in history through moral conviction.

This exhibition masterfully integrates historical archives, visual materials, and interactive media to reconstruct Rabe’s humanitarian legacy in China, showcasing how conscience and valor transcend borders. We profoundly appreciate the Nanjing University "John Rabe Diary and Peace City" team for reviving Rabe’s story in his hometown of Hamburg—ensuring his deeds continue to illuminate our path forward.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Through 14 years of hard-won resistance against aggression—at the cost of over 35 million casualties—the Chinese people made pivotal contributions to this global triumph. As the main Eastern battlefield, China strategically contained and weakened Japanese militarism, playing a crucial role in enabling the decisive shift in the global war.

China’s victory was not achieved in isolation, but stood as an integral part of the collective triumph of the global anti-fascist alliance. During this decisive battle between justice and evil, countless international friends answered the call of conscience—among whom Mr. John Rabe remains an enduring symbol. As president Xi Jinping observed: "The Chinese people honor Rabe for his boundless compassion for human life and unwavering commitment to peace." This moral conviction continues to inspire our gathering today at Yu Garden, where this exhibition reaffirms history’s timeless lessons.

While honoring history, we must focus on the future. We revisit the past not to perpetuate grievances, but to ensure such tragedies never recur. Only by drawing wisdom from history can we safeguard our hard-won peace and chart a new course forward.

China remains committed to its path of peaceful development and to building a community with a shared future for mankind. We have proposed and advanced three major global initiatives—on development, security, and civilization—and stand ready to work with all nations, including Germany, to anchor our efforts in a correct understanding of WWII history. Together, we will uphold the postwar international order and the purposes of the UN Charter, contributing our strength to a world of lasting peace, universal security, and shared prosperity.

History remains our most profound teacher. The legacy of Mr. John Rabe reminds us that no just memory should fade, and no pledge for peace should waver. May our two peoples, through this shared commemoration:Safeguard historical remembrance,Unite the forces of justice,Deepen exchanges and cooperation, and pass onward the flame of peace.May Mr. Rabe’s humanitarian spirit endure through the ages, and may the light of peace and justice illuminate our common future.

Thank you.