The ceremony for the opening of a cross-Straits communication base on the former site of the Kunlunguan Campaign is held on Dec 18. [Photo by Hu Ruiyang/gxnews.com.cn]

A cross-Straits communication base was established on the former site of the Kunlunguan Campaign in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region on Dec 18.

On Nov 18, 1939, after 14 days of close engagement and fierce fighting, the Chinese army conquered the Kunlun Pass, an important gateway and military stronghold about 50 km from Nanning that was attacked and seized by Japanese troops. About 4,000 Japanese soldiers and several senior officers, including a major general, were killed in the battle, later known as the Kunlunguan Victory.

Li Dongxing, director of the Taiwan Affairs Office of Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, said that the cross-Straits communication base aims to promote cross-Straits exchanges and cooperation. The former site of Kunlunguan Campaign bears memories of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression on both sides of the Straits.

Li noted that the office will work together with Nanning to build the base into an important platform for the public to commemorate the spirit of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and promote national identity.

In the future, the local government will excavate and integrate ancient customs and folk culture of the Kunlunguan Campaign to expand the base’s influence on both sides of the Straits.