Exhibition on "ever victorious" Chinese general opens in U.S.

An exhibition on famous Chinese General Sun Li-jen, known as Jungle Fox or Rommel of the East during World War II, opened here on Saturday, marking the final victory over Japan and complete ending of WWII against fascism 71 years ago.

The photo show, titled "Ever Victorious General of World War II," traces the life and times of the general who became internationally famous for his staunch leadership and daring battlefield strategy in Myanmar (then Burma) fighting against Japanese aggressor troops.

The exhibition is being held at Virginia Military Institute (VMI).

"This really is a remarkable, outstanding history," said VMI Superintendent Gen. Binford "Binnie" Peay III at the opening ceremony in Marshall Hall, named after Gen. George Marshall, VMI's most famous alumnus.

Peay told the audience that he was struck after taking a couple of hours walking all around this exhibition one day before.

The exhibition, with the timeline taking place in China during the turbulence of WWII, includes over 300 photos printed in UNESCO intangible cultural heritage Xuan paper with modern graphic art style. It is said many of the pictures go to the public for the first time.

"I think General Sun was an example of natural leaders who understood how to lead people," Col. Keith Gibson, director of the VMI Museum System, told Xinhua.

"We have many visitors to come here every year to honor General Sun," he said. Sun, a member of the VMI Class of 1927, died in Taiwan in 1990 at the age of 89.

Under the command of Sun and his subordinate Liu Fangwu, a regiment of the Chinese Expeditionary Army smashed through the Japanese line and rescued almost 7,000 British troops, as well as some 500 missionaries and journalists in Yenangyaung, Myanmar, in April 1942.

"A tide of overpowering joy flooded through me as I recognized the insignia of the Chinese Army and I stood up shouting 'Chung Kuo Wan Wan Sui' -- which means 'China for ten thousand years'," Jack Belden, a U.S. correspondent among those desperately encircled at the time, wrote in Life magazine issued in May 1942.

It is believed Sun was the first non-British general to command British troops during WWII. He was knighted Commander, O.B.E., by King George VI, and awarded Legion of Merit by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Also on the exhibition is a 12-meter-long Chinese brush-drawing mural, titled "Historical Monument" and painted by contemporary Chinese painter Hou Zhen in China, illustrating the Chinese Expedition Army's performance.

"With huge national sacrifice, the Chinese people held ground in the main theater in the East of the World Anti-Fascism War, thus making major contribution to its victory," said Wang Fawei, secretary-general with the China Association for Promotion of Culture, one of main sponsors of the exhibition.

"General Sun Li-jen was a quintessence of a hero in that war," said Wang, praising the war hero for combining traditional Chinese and modern American training to create the so-called Sun Doctrine which proved unique and effective in the battlefield.

"As we learn from history, we appreciate even more of our two nations' friendship. We are determined to collaborate with you and maintain the world peace together," Wang addressed the opening ceremony.

General Sun and his senior alumnus Gen. Marshall are "great leaders who inspire the future generation represented by the young men and women today here in the uniforms," said Peay. He later said the exhibition will be extended from originally one week to a whole month in the VMI.

Once the exhibition closes, its contents will be donated to the VMI Museum. The items also to be donated include a traditional Chinese thread-bound book illustrating Sun's military careers and a replica of the mural in the same size.

Sponsors of the exhibition also include the office of California legislator Kansen Chu, Anhui Hongtian Culture & Media Promotion Society of China, and the American Sun Li-jen Historical Association. Endi