By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Sierra Leone on Thursday, 4th September 2025, commemorated the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War with a solemn and inspiring film screening at the Golden Beach Hotel on Lumley Beach Road in Freetown.
The event, which was attended by representatives of the Sierra Leone Government, students and friendly organisations, featured the documentary film “The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru”, produced and directed by Fang Li and co-directed by Ming Fan and Lily Gong. The film, which draws from the book of the same title by British historian Tony Banham, revisits one of the most tragic yet heroic episodes of World War II.
The Lisbon Maru was a freight vessel converted into an armed troop carrier by the Japanese Army. In October 1942, it transported more than 1,800 British prisoners of war from Hong Kong to Japan when it was torpedoed by the US Navy. The vessel sank off the Zhoushan Islands in East China’s Zhejiang Province, leading to the deaths of over 800 British soldiers. More than 300 others were rescued by local Chinese fishermen, whose bravery is a focal point of the film.
The documentary features firsthand accounts and contributions from Dennis Morley, William Beningfield, Lin Agen, Brian Finch, Tony Banham and family members of the victims. It sheds light not only on the sinking itself but also on the aftermath, the survivors’ experiences and the sacrifices of those who perished.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, His Excellency, Wang Qing, reflected on the profound historical significance of World War II and China’s sacrifices in the global fight against fascism. He noted that China, as one of the major battlegrounds on the eastern front, endured more than 35 million military and civilian casualties but remained steadfast in its resistance.
“China’s role in the anti-fascist war was not only about defending its territory but also about contributing to the global victory against tyranny,” Ambassador Wang Qing said. “The courage, solidarity and sacrifices of the past remind us of the hard-won nature of peace and the responsibility we all share in safeguarding it.”
The Ambassador further recalled China’s recent commemoration of Anti-Fascist Victory Day, which included a grand gathering and military parade to honor fallen heroes. He emphasized that such commemorations are not merely ceremonial but are intended to inspire future generations to value peace, stability and cooperation.
In a poignant moment, Ambassador Wang Qing expressed gratitude to Sierra Leone for its historic role during the war. He acknowledged that Sierra Leone sent soldiers to fight alongside the Chinese Expeditionary Force in Myanmar, an act of solidarity that continues to symbolize the enduring friendship between the two nations.
“The lessons of history remain relevant today,” the Ambassador added, noting that the current global landscape is threatened by Cold War mentalities, hegemonism and conflict. He stressed the need for strengthening multilateral cooperation, reforming global governance and building a community with a shared future for humanity.
The screening of The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru served not only as a commemoration of the past but also as a reminder of the enduring need for peace, solidarity and global cooperation in facing shared challenges.
The event ended with a renewed call for unity, as the Chinese Embassy reaffirmed its commitment to deepening China-Sierra Leone relations and promoting peace, development and mutual understanding.
