Chongqing salutes General Stilwell's lasting legacy

The 82-year-old Easterbrook, a retired Army colonel, has been assisting the museum with exhibits and has visited China 17 times. But he could not make it to the anniversary event this year because of health issues.

Qiu Wenxing, deputy director of the Department of North American and Oceanian Affairs at the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at the symposium that the people of the two countries need to carry on the friendship fostered by General Stilwell.

"Both history and reality have proved that China and the US have more common interests than differences," Qiu said. "History shows that when we properly handle each other's core and major interests, China-US relations will grow smoothly. Otherwise, they will be in trouble."

During a speech at the symposium, Jason Rubin, a representative in China of the US State Department, urged more direct engagement and communication between the two nations.