Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the heroic contributions of the Nanyang Chinese workers, known as "Nanyang Jikong," who returned to China during the critical period of the Anti-Japanese War to support the war effort by driving trucks along the treacherous Burma Road, establishing a vital supply line for the Chinese military [5][9][16]. Group 1: Historical Context - The Burma Road, stretching 1,146 kilometers from Kunming, China, to Myanmar, was constructed by 200,000 laborers in nine months and became known as "the lifeline of China's resistance" after its completion in August 1938 [6]. - Following the outbreak of the Anti-Japanese War in 1937, the coastal ports of China fell, and the Burma Road became the crucial international transport route for military supplies [5][6]. Group 2: Recruitment and Contributions - In response to the urgent need for skilled drivers and mechanics, a call for volunteers was issued in February 1939, leading to over 3,200 Nanyang Chinese workers returning to China between 1939 and 1942 [7][8]. - These workers, who came from countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, underwent military training and were responsible for transporting over 500,000 tons of military supplies along the Burma Road [9][10]. Group 3: Challenges Faced - The journey along the Burma Road was fraught with danger, including enemy bombings, treacherous terrain, and diseases like malaria, resulting in significant casualties among the workers [11][12]. - The Nanyang workers displayed remarkable ingenuity, creating tools and methods to navigate the difficult conditions, such as makeshift bridges and navigation aids [11][12]. Group 4: Legacy and Remembrance - The contributions of the Nanyang Jikong have been memorialized in various monuments and commemorative events in both China and Southeast Asia, ensuring their sacrifices are not forgotten [15][16]. - The historical archives documenting their efforts have been recognized internationally, highlighting the importance of their role in the broader context of the Anti-Japanese War and the fight against fascism [15][16].
“国家危难时尽力做贡献,是每一名中国人的责任”(铭记历史 开创未来)
Ren Min Ri Bao·2025-07-06 22:52