U.S.-China Collaboration and Friendship Commemoration: 80 Years of Stilwell Road Significance

In September 2025, the descendants of U.S. General Joseph Stilwell embarked on a five-day journey to China, marking the 80th anniversary of the Stilwell Road. The commemoration began at the Chongqing Stilwell Museum, where Chinese and American historians and experts gathered to honour General Stilwell's legacy.

The event was filled with cultural exchanges, book presentations, and donations of historical documents. The highlight of the occasion was the unveiling of a full-length bronze statue of Stilwell, portrayed with a steady gaze and carbine slung over his shoulder. Susan Cole, one of the descendants, stated that the statue reflects General Stilwell's deep affection for the Chinese people.

The journey took the family through significant historical sites, including Tengchong National War Cemetery, a resting place of thousands of Chinese troops and 19 Americans. At the Songshan battlefield, the family laid flowers for Chinese and Allied soldiers, with trenches and bunkers revealing the hardships of 1944.

Nancy Millward, a descendant, expressed the importance of the visit, stating that being in these historical sites makes it different and it's important for their children to learn about their family legacy and the ties their ancestor built with the Chinese people.

President Xi Jinping, in a message to the Stilwell family in 2023, expressed his hope that they would continue to promote the spirit of cooperation and contribute to mutual understanding between the Chinese and American peoples. The family's visit to China was seen as highlighting how the legacy of wartime partnership continues to inspire future generations in both countries, strengthening trust and encouraging dialogue even in complex times.

The family's visit concluded in Shanghai at the former residence of Soong Ching Ling. The stop underscored how personal bonds complemented wartime alliances, keeping alive the enduring spirit of China-U.S. friendship. Dennis Cox, another descendant, collected stones as souvenirs during the visit to Yunnan.

The Stilwell Road, completed in 1945, was a vital World War II supply route connecting India to Kunming, Yunnan, via northern Myanmar. Named after General Stilwell, the road played a decisive role in supporting China's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, symbolizing international cooperation and shared sacrifice.

The initiative to erect a full bronze statue of General Joseph Stilwell in China was started by General Stilwell's granddaughter, Alexandra Stilwell. The statue stands as a testament to the enduring value of friendship and people-to-people exchange, reminding both nations of the courage, cooperation, and international solidarity that the Stilwell Road represents.

U.S.-China Collaboration and Friendship Commemoration: 80 Years of Stilwell Road Significance