Historical Context & Cultural Exchange - The speech emphasizes the power of the written word to connect people across time, cultures, and continents, referencing historical figures like Schwenzang and Alawaban who brought scriptures to China [1] - It highlights the 80th anniversary of China's victory over Japan in World War II, framing it as a shared history between China and America [1] - The speech discusses Minor Sorl Bates, an American professor who documented Japanese war crimes in Nanjing, and Reverend JC McKim, who initially spread the Japanese version of events [1] - Dr Takamitu Muroka, a Japanese linguist, offers free courses to Chinese students as a gesture of peace, reflecting on the Sino-Japanese war and expressing remorse [4][5][6] The Power & Responsibility of Writing - The written word can move through time, pierce hearts and minds, traverse oceans, transcend lives, and connect people [9][10] - The speech encourages the audience to understand what is at stake when they read and write, recognizing the potential impact of their words [9] - Bates' writings wove a thread through collective consciousness and historical narratives, contributing to a shared history between countries [3]