On December 6, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Canada held an event themed “Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression — ‘The Contemporary Significance and Inheritance of the Spirit of Norman Bethune’”. More than 70 guests attended the event, including Member of Parliament the Honourable Terry Duguid, representatives from Health Portfolio Canada, Canadian Heritage, Canadian Red Cross, as well as descendants of Norman Bethune and members of the Bethune Medical Development Association of Canada, the Bethune Memorial House, and other institutions and academic organizations.

In his remarks, Ambassador Wang Di highlighted Norman Bethune as a lasting symbol of China–Canada friendship. He noted that this year marks several important milestones: the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Canada, and the 20th anniversary of their strategic partnership. Ambassador Wang emphasized that the recent successful meeting between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Mark Carney has ushered bilateral relations into a new phase. China, he said, stands ready to work with Canada to further promote the spirit of Norman Bethune, broaden exchanges and cooperation across various sectors, and jointly advance the development of China–Canada relations.

Scholars and representatives shared insights from their research on the spirit of Norman Bethune and briefed attendees on ongoing medical exchanges and cooperation with China. Participants emphasized that the spirit of Norman Bethune constitutes a shared moral heritage and an emotional bridge between the peoples of both countries. They expressed hope that China and Canada will continue to work together to inherit and carry forward this spirit, deepen cooperation in diverse fields, and further strengthen the friendship between the two nations for the benefit of their peoples.

The Embassy also held a themed photo exhibition on Norman Bethune and screened a commemorative video highlighting his contributions. The event concluded in a warm and friendly atmosphere.