US ambassador to China calls for Flying Tigers movie

US ambassador to China Max Baucus speaking at the Kunming Museum in Yunnan on Wednesday. [Photo/for chinadaily.com.cn]

Filmmakers in China and the United States should work together to produce a movie about the Flying Tigers to make their stories better known in the US, said the United State Ambassador to China.

Max Baucus, who was appointed the US Ambassador to China last year, said that a movie about the Flying Tigers, composed of volunteer pilots from the US Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps, could help the people in the United States to understand how the two countries fought alongside each other during the World War II.

"We cannot forget the bravery and sacrifices by men and women on both sides that came together for a common cause," he said during a speech at the Kunming Museum on Wednesday.

Baucus said both sides demonstrated great commitment and sacrifice (during the war period), and the Flying Tigers set an example that the two countries can help each other in moments of need.

The Flying Tigers, formally known as the 1st American Volunteer Group of the Chinese Air Force, was led by Capt Claire Lee Chennault fighting alongside the Chinese against the Japanese.

Yunnan province was also among the war fronts for the Flying Tigers. Baucus began his speech by telling how a US pilot chose not to abandon his aircraft to avoid hitting a village in Yunnan, after his aircraft suffered severe damage during fight a Japanese fighter jets.

Baucus said a movie about the Flying Tigers could not only demonstrate the courage and sacrifice made by the volunteer pilots, but also their emotions and their personal romantic stories.

The ethnic diversity and beautiful landscape of Yunnan province could also be displayed in the movie, he said.

Baucus added that US stills supports better ties between China and Japan, which he believes could help maintain regional security and prosperity in the region.

Li Xinyi in Kunming contributed to the story.