Moving tributes for China's WW1 workers

Li Zhaoxing, the Chinese government envoy, attended various commemorative events in France on July 14 and 15, to mark one hundred years since the outbreak of World War I.

During a meeting with French President Francois Hollande, Li conveyed the cordial greetings of Chinese President Xi Jinping, and said that the events being held were a fitting reflection of war, the importance of peace, and had much relevance today.

On July 15, Li visited Noyelles-sur-Mer, two hours drive, north of Paris, to commemorate 884 Chinese laborers who died during the bloody conflict.

Li praised the significant contribution that Chinese workers had made for the recovery of European and world peace, and promised that the Chinese government will make every effort to provide better protection and consular services for Chinese working overseas in future.

White roses were provided for each of the dead as Chinese and French government officials gathered to recognize the sacrifice of the laborers and the friendship that now exists between the two countries.

More than 3,000 Chinese laborers had worked in the town under the command of the British army in 1917.

The graveyard in which many still rest used to be the site of a hospital, where some were treated.

In the nearby town of Abbeville, sub-prefect Jean-Claude Geney read out a letter written by French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius: "France remembers the 140,000 Chinese workers who came to support us."

"They experienced a difficult existence in France, but Chinese people do not lack courage. Those who remained formed the core of the largest Chinese community in Europe."

The mayor of Noyelles-sur-Mer, Jean-Michel Gay, stressed what an honor he felt hosting such a celebration, adding: "The young Chinese buried here worked to restore peace in the world.

"They have remained in our hearts for a hundred years, and we are honored to provide this peaceful resting place for them."

tuoyannan@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily European Weekly 07/18/2014 page25)