Qu Futian Meets with the Delegation of Nell Chennault Calloway

Sep 09, 2025

OnSeptember 5, Qu Futian, Deputy Director-General of the Standing Committee of JiangsuProvincial People’s Congress and President of JAFIE, met with Mrs. NellChennault Calloway, the granddaughter of General Claire Lee Chennault, Directorof the National Museum of the United States Air Force, and President of theChennault Aviation Academy, and her delegation in Nanjing.

Qu Futian reviewed theremarkable history of General Claire Lee Chennault and the American VolunteerGroup (also known as Flying Tigers) as they fought alongside the Chinesemilitary and civilians to resist the Japanese invasion. He highly praisedGeneral Chennault’s leadership of the Flying Tigers and their historiccontribution to China’s victory in the War of Resistance Against JapaneseAggression. He also acknowledged the significance of Mrs. Nell ChennaultCalloway’s family’s efforts in preserving precious Chinese wartime artifacts,such as theCollection of American Volunteer Groupand records of thebombing of Kunming. These materials have not only provided valuable historicalrecords but also transmitted the belief in peace. President Qu noted that Mrs. Calloway’sestablishment of the Chennault Flight Academy, in collaboration with Chinesecivil aviation, offers “technical training + historical education” to cultivateaviation talent for both China and the United States, continuing the legacy ofSino-American friendship in the aviation sector. JAFIE has always beencommitted to functioning as the bridge for cross-border and cross-cultural communication.The association actively promotes international friendly exchanges, buildsglobal friendships, advocates for peace, and fosters win-win cooperation.President Qu expressed hope for further cooperation with Mrs. Calloway inaviation education, people-to-people exchanges, and strengthening Sino-Americanyouth interactions, ensuring that Sino-American friendship continues to thrivein the new era and steers toward a bright future.

Mrs. Nell Chennault Calloway deeply agreedwith President Qu’s remarks and provided a detailed introduction to the originsand current development of the Chennault Flight Academy. She emphasized thatthe academy is entrusted with the important mission of preserving history andnurturing future talent. The academy integrates the “Flying Tigers spirit” intoits pilot training courses, focusing on cultivating students’ internationalperspectives and awareness of peace. By incorporating advanced VR technology,the academy vividly presents the wartime experiences, reminding people of theimportance of peace. Mrs. Calloway expressed her hope to collaborate with JAFIE,fully utilizing both sides' strengths and resources. Together, they can furtherexplore the historical details from that era, allowing more young people theopportunity to deeply understand this significant historical event beyond borders.She emphasized the importance of passing down the friendship forged by thesacrifices of the predecessors, ensuring that the flame of peace is passed onfrom generation to generation.

Executive VicePresident Shao Weiming, Ai Hui, Executive Director of JAFIE and Vice Chairmanof the Provincial Overseas Chinese Federation, attended the meeting.

Link to this article：http://en.jafie.org/20250909/3033.html

This article is published by Jiangsu Friendship Exchange Promotion Association (http://en.jafie.org), if you need to reproduce it, please indicate the source. Jiangsu Friendship Association, Jiangsu Friendship Exchange Promotion Association, Friendship Association, Jiangsu Friendship Association Official Website, Yangtze River Think Tank, Yangtze River Forum, September 2013, approved by the Organization Department and Jiangsu Provincial Committee, Jiangsu Friendship Association for Friendship Exchange Promotion (JFAFP) was established in Nanjing. The Jiangsu Friendship Association is a province-wide social organization established by the Standing Committee of the Jiangsu Provincial People's Congress (Jiangsu People's Congress).