War surgeon's legacy endures amid new chapter in China–Canada exchange

As China and Canada move to stabilize bilateral relations, the legacy of Norman Bethune has once again emerged as a shared point of reference in people-to-people exchange.

More than 80 years ago, the Canadian surgeon traveled to China during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, working on the front lines to treat wounded soldiers. He died in 1939 from septicemia after an injury sustained during surgery. Though his life was brief, his dedication left a lasting mark on the Chinese people and to a certain extent, became a moral foundation of China–Canada friendship.

Over the past 55 years of diplomatic relations, Bethune's spirit has continued to resonate in both countries. In Canada, his hometown of Gravenhurst features Bethune Drive, and York University hosts Bethune College. In China, his memorial site is rarely without flowers, a quiet reminder of the respect he still commands.

Today, that legacy is finding new forms of expression. A China–Canada co-produced documentary, "Eternal Memory: Bethune and His Friends," released in late 2025, draws on archival materials to revisit his humanitarian work and historical context. With bilingual subtitles, the film has been distributed across major streaming platforms in North America, bringing the story to a wider audience.

Programs such as "Retracing the Footsteps of Dr Bethune – Fujian Mission" and themed events hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Canada have linked historical memory with contemporary dialogue on medical cooperation and cultural exchange.

Norman Bethune's legacy continues to bridge the two countries, reminding both sides that shared values and human compassion matter.