As China prepares to commemorate the 80th anniversary of its victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression this September, an unlikely figure has emerged as a bridge to this pivotal history. Evan Kail, a Pennsylvania pawn shop owner, discovered a collection of wartime photographs that experts describe as "a visual time capsule of resilience."
The black-and-white images – acquired through Kail’s antique trade – depict civilian resistance efforts and cross-cultural cooperation during the 1937-1945 conflict. Historians confirm several photos show international aid workers collaborating with Chinese forces, offering new perspectives on the global dimensions of the anti-fascist struggle.
"These aren’t just historical artifacts," Kail told CGTN. "They’re proof of ordinary people’s courage – Chinese farmers sharing food with foreign correspondents, students painting resistance slogans. This was humanity standing together."
The discovery comes as China plans a major military parade on September 3, 2025, honoring what state media describes as "the triumph of justice over aggression." While Kail won’t attend the commemorations, he’s working with archivists to digitally preserve the collection for global access.
For Asian diaspora communities, the photos provide tangible connections to ancestral sacrifices. Business analysts note growing international interest in WWII-era Asian artifacts, with auction houses reporting a 37% year-on-year increase in related sales. Academics hope the collection will spur fresh research into civilian experiences during the conflict.
