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Museum of Coastal Defence exhibits war artefacts to commemorate 70th anniversary of victory in war of resistance against Japanese aggression (with photos)
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     China emerged victorious from an eight-year war of resistance when Japan surrendered in 1945. To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the victory in the war of resistance against Japan, a new exhibition entitled "Fighting as One: Reminders of the Eight Years' War of Resistance in Guangdong and Hong Kong" will be staged at the Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence from tomorrow (May 22) until November 4. The exhibition will showcase invaluable artefacts and historical photos relating to this war, allowing members of the public to learn more of how the war progressed and the roles played by Guangdong and Hong Kong in the fight against Japan.

     Speaking at the opening ceremony of the exhibition today (May 21), the Under Secretary for Home Affairs, Ms Florence Hui, said that Guangdong and Hong Kong people, as neighbours, were determined to defend and made significant contributions during the eight-year fight against the Japanese invasion, for instance supplying military goods to the front line as well as playing an important role in propaganda against Japan.

     She expressed the hope that visitors to this exhibition will leave with a better understanding of how Guangdong and Hong Kong people joined forces in fighting against the enemy. She also said she hopes that young people will be able to understand the noble sentiments of older generations in defending their homeland, as well as cherish the hard-won peace.

     Buoyed by its victory in the First Sino-Japanese War of 1894-95, Japan continued its drive to acquire more territory and influence in China. In 1931, the Japanese forces used the Mukden Incident as a pretext to occupy China's three northeastern provinces. When Japan later launched a full-scale invasion of China following the Marco Polo Bridge Incident on July 7, 1937, it triggered a nationwide resistance effort against the aggressors. The Japanese army later seized control of central China, including Shanghai and Wuhan, before expanding into southern China. Guangzhou and Hong Kong fell in succession.

     Realising the extent of the threat, people from all walks of life in Guangdong and Hong Kong came together to support the war effort. Residents of the two places not only raised funds and donated medical and food supplies for the resistance campaign against the Japanese invasion, but also actively helped guerrilla forces that attacked Japanese strongholds and rescued the Allied soldiers who had been left stranded by the Japanese advance. Together with the guerrillas, they also gathered important intelligence for the Allies by spying in areas under Japanese control, making a significant contribution to the war effort. By 1945, China had begun to counterattack and eventually turn the tide in the lead-up to victory.

     The exhibition is jointly presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the Administration of Culture, Press, Publication, Radio and Television of Guangzhou Municipality, and co-organised by the Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence and the Guangdong Museum of Revolutionary History. It will feature more than 60 sets of war artefacts and historical photos, including a map, a declaration, correspondences and propaganda materials, as well as military banknotes and an identity card issued during the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong.  

     In addition, the Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence will organise a series of educational activities during the exhibition period. These will include talks, family programmes, game booths, workshops and video screenings.

     Other officiating guests at the opening ceremony were the Deputy Director of the Administration of Culture, Press, Publication, Radio and Television of Guangzhou Municipality, Dr Zhao Jitao; the Curator of the Guangdong Museum of Revolutionary History, Dr Yang Qi; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Michelle Li; and the Museum Director of the Hong Kong Museum of History, Ms Belinda Wong.

     For details of the exhibition and education activities, please visit the Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence's website at hk.coastaldefence.museum/en_US/web/mcd/exhibition/special.html, or call 2569 1500.

Ends/Thursday, May 21, 2015
Issued at HKT 18:48

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