Rediscovering a Chinese legend: The untold wartime tale of Dr Li Linsi

Li Linsi. [Photo/WeChat Account of Shanghai International Studies University ]

Friday marked the 80th anniversary of the Marco Polo Bridge Incident on July 7, 1937. The event was the start of China's eight-year resistance against the Japanese aggression.

Chinese people were a formidable force in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1937-45), playing a positive role in the world's anti-fascist efforts. Dr Li Linsi was among those Chinese people who campaigned tirelessly for national dignity and survival at the risk of their own lives.

The Chinese educator, diplomat and linguist, who was fluent in six languages, was known for his status in Chinese cultural and diplomatic history, but few know this pioneering figure in the China-Europe cultural exchange was also an anti-fascist fighter, a rescuer of the Jews and China’s Mahatma Gandhi.

Li managed to draw more support from the international community and Germany to fight against the Japanese aggression. His anti-Japanese philosophy inspired millions of people, and his military research made a considerable contribution to China's resistance to Japan.

Li's wartime tale was one of the great untold stories that reflect the gigantic struggle those Chinese elites waged during some of the darkest moments the country has ever faced.