This photo taken on Aug 4, 2025 shows a ceremony for the handover of historical photos taken during the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, donated by Marcus Detrez (3rd L), at the Chinese Embassy in Paris, France, Aug 4, 2025. A ceremony for the handover of historical photos taken during the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, donated by Marcus Detrez, was held at the Chinese Embassy in France on Monday evening.

Young Frenchman Marcus Detrez and his friends, Bastien Ratat from France and Zhong Haosong from China, who have recently donated rare historical photographs documenting the atrocities committed by the Japanese army during its invasion of China in World War II, told the Global Times on Friday afternoon that every voice honoring China's WWII sacrifice must be heard. 

The 618 images, donated by Detrez, taken and collected by his grandfather, have been permanently added to the collection of the Shanghai Songhu Memorial Hall for the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45).

Speaking to the Global Times at the Beijing Capital International Airport, shortly after landing, Marcus said the verification and donation of the photographs has been completed, and they are extremely glad to come to meet people and discover China with a new perspective. He added that the association they initiated, called "Echoes of China," has now been officially established in France. They are also planning a global exhibition tour to help share China's wartime history with the Western world.

Ratat told the Global Times that there are so many conflicts happening around the world right now, and it is time speak up for truth and peace. "Because if we don't say what happened, and if no one knows what happened before, how can we ever find peace in this world?" Every voice that can defend the Chinese people who sacrificed so much during World War II in Asia - especially in China - must be heard, Ratat said, adding that they have to speak out, and teach their compatriots and friends in France, in Europe, and in the US, so they know what really happened.

During the interview, Ratat stressed that China has never started any war in the world, and that's why he believes and hopes that China can become a leader of global peace.