Zhong Ruiming(fifth from left), deputy consul general at the Chinese consulate in New York, Congresswoman Grace Meng(second from left ), City Councilman Peter Koo(fourth from left), New York state senator Toby Ann Stavisky(third from left) and Gu Xinying(second row, second from right), president of New York Northeastern Chinese Association pose for group photos with renowned Chinese representatives on Aug 15 in New York.​ Hong Xiao / For China Daily

A large-scale commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of the Victory of World Anti-Fascist War was held jointly by 17 Chinese communities in Flushing, New York, on Aug 15.

The event titled Taking History as a Mirror and Cherishing Peace - Overseas Chinese in New York Memorialize the 70th Anniversary of the Victory of World Anti-Fascist War and the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression consists of three parts: photo exhibition, conference and art performance, co-held by 17 Chinese communities in the US, including the New York Northeastern Chinese Association, Beijing Association of New York City and Chinese American Culture and Art Association.

"Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression is an important component of the World Anti-Fascist War, which was the first to break out and lasted the longest," said Zhong Ruiming, deputy consul general at the Chinese consulate in New York.

"Chinese people played a decisive role in the World Anti-Fascist War and paid a huge sacrifice," Zhong added. "China and the US, which have a glorious history fighting side by side, both made a great contribution to the victory of the anti-fascist war."

Zhong said this year marks an important year for Sino-US relations. Acknowledging the significant outcomes of the 7th US-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue and the 6th US-China High-Level Consultation on People-to-People Exchange that just concluded, the mutually beneficial cooperation between China and the US has been expanding in depth and width.

As President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to the US in September, Zhong believes this visit will further promote the development of Sino-US relations and enhance the friendship between peoples of the two countries.

"The overseas Chinese have a long patriotic tradition," Zhong said. "Today, in the journey toward the great national revival, I hope the overseas Chinese continue to carry forward the patriotic tradition, always supporting China's development, to continue to serve as a bridge to promote the China-US exchange and cooperation vigorously."

Gu Xinying, president of the New York Northeastern Chinese Association, said they have had such events to commemorate Sept 18, the day Northeastern China was occupied by Japan.

"No matter (if it's) Chinese people from mainland China, Taiwan or overseas, (they) would participate in the commemoration together. Even we may have different visions, but we have one thing in common - we cherish peace," said Gu.

The photo exhibition of the commemoration showcases more than 200 photos taken in Northeastern China during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1937-45) reflecting historical facts provided by the Jilin provincial government.

"Thanks to the Chinese leaders' efforts to help the second-generation immigrants like me know the war," said US Congresswoman Grace Meng, whose 6th District in Queens includes Flushing.

Local Chinese art groups put together a series of traditional Chinese performances, including a group dance of Defend the Yellow River, while a chorus sang Yan'an Canton.

City Councilman Peter Koo, New York state Senator Toby Ann Stavisky and other guests attended the event.

Hong Xiao in New York contributed to this story.