Flame over the Tropics – Legend of Wha Chi

Deep in the jungles of Luzon Island in 1942, a group of overseas Chinese youths banded together against Japanese invaders. Calling themselves the Philippine Chinese Anti-Japanese Guerilla Forces – "Wha Chi" – their stories now echo through emigrant hometowns in southeastern China and the bloodlines of descendants scattered across foreign lands.

These fighters, primarily from Fujian and Guangdong, sailed to Southeast Asia seeking livelihoods, only to be swept into history's currents. Wang Hanjie, a 16-year-old from Jinjiang (a famed hometown of overseas Chinese), ventured alone to the Philippines in 1933 as a shop apprentice. His daughter, Wang Qingqing, preserves their legacy: "During the anti-fascist struggle in the Philippines, Wha Chi played a significant role. Consequently, many of their artifacts have been preserved."

Originally dubbed the "48th Squadron" to honor China's New Fourth Army and Eighth Route Army, the guerrilla force began with just over 50 members. Wang Hanjie later became its commander.*

Bonds across oceans​​

The red-brick ancestral homes of Jinjiang still guard stories of departure. For youths like Wang Hanjie and his townsman Zhuang Guodun, these journeys led to an unexpected second home. Kendrick Chua, Zhuang's descendant, recounts: "So when he came to the Philippines, he just did what my grandfather asked him – help manage the business. But during World War II, when the Japanese attacked the Philippines ..."

Letters bridged the distance between battlefields and anxious families. Chen Ruobo, deputy director of Quanzhou's Qiaopi Museum, explains these "Overseas Chinese Letters & Remittances": "Qiaopi represent a category of folk documents. What they most vividly reveal is how overseas Chinese communities cared for their homeland and supported the resistance effort during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression."

Sacrifice on foreign soil​​

From 1942 to 1945, Wha Chi fought over 260 battles, inflicting more than 2,000 enemy casualties. Seventy-seven fighters, including 17-year-old Zhuang Guodun, fell defending their adopted land. Captured and tortured, Zhuang refused to betray his comrades. Chua honors his resolve: "He never divulged any sensitive information ... He wanted to be part of something great – a larger goal. That's what he did: he joined the Wha Chi movement."

Their courage reshaped identities. Wang Qingqing reflects: "You didn't have to step forward; this wasn't your homeland to defend. You came here just to make a living. Yet they stood up anyway. This earned immense respect from local people."

Legacy in stamps and stone​​

In 1992, the Philippine Postal Service issued stamps commemorating Wha Chi's 50th anniversary – one marked "48," cementing their place in history. Chen Yande, son of Wha Chi machine gunner Chen Zhenjia, received a citation on his father's behalf: "This certificate was issued in the name of the entire Philippine Veterans Federation. This alone proves how deeply the Philippine people recognized their contributions."

Historian Teresita Ang See underscores their shared fate with Filipinos: "History told us that through centuries, Filipinos and Chinese have a common destiny ... They suffered, endured and fought together for freedom."

Echoes for the future​​

As the world marks the 80th anniversary of the anti-fascist victory, Victor Lee, president of the Wha Chi Veterans Descendants Association, pledges: "This historic milestone stands as a profound celebration for both our nations. We vow to carry forward their mission: to strengthen China-Philippines friendship for generations."

Professor Augusto V. de Viana of the University of Santo Tomas insists their story transcends borders: "They should be part of not just Philippine history, but World War II history. Many owe our existence to them."

Chen Yande sees their struggle as a blueprint for today: "Their wartime conduct echoes the 'Community with a Shared Future' ideal: global peace demands collective guardianship by all peoples.

Dedicated to all fighters of the Philippine-Chinese Anti-Japanese Guerrilla Forces who sacrificed their lives resisting aggression and defending peace.