Book focuses on Chinese-British cooperation during darkest days

With the launch of the Chinese edition of the book about Hogg's life, Thomas said: "At last, the Chinese people get to know more about my uncle … a man who loved and respected his fellow human beings, regardless of race, belief, cultural differences, striving selflessly with compassion for a common positive goal. He achieved truly amazing things in a young life tragically cut short."

This year marks the 110th anniversary of Hogg's birth and Bi Haibo, minister counselor at China's embassy in London, said in his speech at the event that the publication of the book "provides an excellent opportunity for us to commemorate and carry forward Hogg's spirit of upholding justice and boundless love, as well as to strengthen the friendship between the Chinese and British people".

During President Xi Jinping's state visit to the United Kingdom in 2015, he recounted the stories of Chinese fishermen from Zhoushan in Zhejiang province courageously rescuing British prisoners of war from the sinking Lisbon Maru, as well as Hogg sacrificing his life in support of the Chinese people's war of resistance.

Bi said: "He emphasized that as allies in World War II, the Chinese and British people supported each other and shared weal and woe, and forged the never-fading friendship in the flames of war, which became precious wealth in bilateral relations."

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, which Bi said China will solemnly commemorate. He said China will work with all parties to "advocate the correct historical view of WWII, defend its victorious outcomes, uphold the UN-centered international system, and promote a more just and equitable international order".

Translator Li said the most extraordinary thing about Hogg, a graduate from the University of Oxford, was that "he chose to stay in China challenging hardship instead of living in comfort".