New books shed light on Soong Ching Ling's international friendships

The launch ceremony and symposium for the two new books "Soong Ching Ling and Edgar Snow" and "Soong Ching Ling and Agnes Smedley" were recently held in Shanghai. A delegation from the US-based Edgar Snow Memorial Foundation attended the event, while the acting mayor of Kansas City in Missouri – Snow's hometown – sent a congratulatory video message.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. To commemorate this occasion, the Shanghai Soong Ching Ling Research Association continued its Soong Ching Ling and Her International Friends book series by releasing the two new titles.

In his address, president of the association Xue Chao emphasized the historical and contemporary relevance of publishing the two new titles in promoting mutual understanding and friendship between China and the rest of the world.

Sidne Ward, president of the Edgar Snow Memorial Foundation, said Soong Ching Ling and Edgar Snow both helped to shape the world's understanding of China and its people in the 20th century. "Both were steadfast defenders and supporters of the Chinese people," she said. "These two pivotal figures remind us that bridges are built through encounters, dialogue, and listening. The institutions inspired by their spirit continue this work today, even as we face challenges that demand shared understanding across borders."

Throughout the Communist Party of China's historic journey in uniting and leading the Chinese people toward the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, Soong Ching Ling inspired and mobilized numerous international friends, including American journalists Edgar Snow and Agnes Smedley, to stand in solidarity with the Chinese people through hardship and struggle. Together, they supported the Communist Party of China and made significant contributions to the country's efforts in revolution, nation-building, and reform.

Nearly 100 guests attended the event, including representatives from social science institutions, university think tanks, cultural organizations, museums, and research institutes in Shanghai, Beijing, Xi'an, and Yan'an. The launch celebrated the enduring friendship between Soong Ching Ling and her international friends and reaffirmed the lasting value of cross-cultural understanding in the current era of global exchange.