Chongqing – China and the United States share a long history of cooperation. On April 11, a delegation of Flying Tigers descendants and American youth visited the Chongqing Flying Tigers Museum and the Chongqing Stilwell Museum, tracing the history of Sino-U.S. cooperation against fascism.
85 years ago, U.S. Air Force General, Claire Chennault, led a group of American pilots to establish the American Volunteer Group in China. They fought alongside the Chinese people against aggression, contributing to the air war in China during World War II. This group is more commonly known as the “Flying Tigers.”
On April 11, the delegation visited the Chongqing Flying Tigers Museum to explore the history of the Flying Tigers. (Photo/Shared Journey for Youth Brighter Future in Chongqing event)
The Chongqing Flying Tigers Museum displays the uniforms worn by the members, as well as equipment they used, such as wrenches and a typewriter. The walls are covered with information boards introducing their history. The delegation observed these exhibits carefully.
Apart from the descendants, many in the delegation initially knew little about the history of the Flying Tigers, yet they showed great interest.
Aaron Kirk, a student from the University of Southern California, stated that he only learned about this history through documentaries prior to the visit.
He noted that their academic courses rarely mention this history. When studying World War II, the focus is often strictly on the attack on Pearl Harbor to the dropping of the atomic bombs. However, he believes the story of Americans traveling thousands of miles to aid a distant country deserves more attention.
The delegation visited the Chongqing Stilwell Museum to learn about General Stilwell’s history in China. (Photo/Shared Journey for Youth Brighter Future in Chongqing event)
The delegation also visited the Chongqing Stilwell Museum. They showed great interest in the history, carefully observing historical photos of General Stilwell in China and listening to the guide’s explanations.
General Joseph Stilwell was the Chief of Staff to Allied Forces in the China Theater and Commander of U.S. forces in the China-Burma-India Theater during WWII, providing support to China’s resistance against Japan.
After the tour, Kate Bothe, the great-granddaughter of a recruiter for the Flying Tigers, stated that an exhibit of a 2019 commemorative event honoring the Flying Tigers left a deep impression on her.
She said the spirit of the Flying Tigers is growing, evidenced by the increasing size of their delegation and many members have evolved from knowing little about the history to becoming passionate advocates for continuing this friendship.
Kaitlin Mullins, the great-great-granddaughter of Chennault, was deeply moved while viewing the artifacts and learning the stories. She initially declined an interview, saying she needed time to process her emotions, but later agreed and said the visit left her with complex, indescribable feelings, adding, “It’s very strange to have people know more about my family than I’ve known before.”
Mullins added that people would be inspired by this story. It shows that when people are brave and choose to do the right thing, they can achieve anything.
Beyond the museums, Bothe was impacted by Kukan, a documentary about wartime Chongqing filmed by American Rey Scott and restored in high definition by a Chinese team in 2025. She recalled her father mentioning the film long ago and found watching it now to be a powerful experience.
Finally, on the night of April 11, the delegation watched a drone light show in Chongqing, attended a symphony performance, and sang Auld Lang Syne, celebrating the friendships formed in Chongqing.
A relevant official from the Chongqing International Cultural Exchange Association, the organizer of the event, said that organizing this youth exchange activity of special significance aims to inspire the younger generation of both countries to draw wisdom and strength from their shared history, enhance understanding and build trust through sincere interactions, and strengthen the bonds of friendship through mutual learning and exchange. Together, they can contribute youthful energy to the healthy, stable, and long-term development of bilateral relations.