Sinica Podcast The Symbolism of the Flying Tigers: Peking University's Wang Dong on the American Volunteer Group and its Historical and Diplomatic Usages
Sep 29, 2025
Wang Dong, an esteemed international relations scholar at Peking University, delves into the legacy of the Flying Tigers and their symbolic resonance in U.S.-China relations. He discusses how these narratives foster emotional connections in both countries. Wang highlights the role of Chinese popular culture in portraying the Flying Tigers and emphasizes the importance of preserving their memory through various initiatives. He also explores how shared historical narratives can help bridge diverging views, suggesting that these connections may serve as a platform for improved diplomatic ties.
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A Personal Memory That Became Myth
- Kaiser Kuo recounts his father's memory of dogfights over Chongqing that misattributed Flying Tigers involvement.
- This illustrates how wartime memories quickly mythologize details in popular memory.
Why The Flying Tigers Resonate
- The Flying Tigers function as a potent trans-Pacific symbol because their story exists in both official and popular culture.
- Emotional gratitude and a simple moral framework make the legacy resonate across generations in China and the U.S.
Chinese Narrative Emphasizes Solidarity
- Chinese portrayals emphasize voluntary sacrifice, trans-Pacific solidarity, and gratitude toward foreign aid.
- Wang Dong argues the narrative's abstraction helps it serve as a precedent for constructive bilateral relations today.
