Edgar Snow was a well-known American journalist and writer. He came to China in 1928. When the Japanese invaded China on September 18, 1931 (known as 9.18 Incident), Snow went to the frontline and wrote a large number of articles on the invasion and the ensuing War of Resistance against Japan. His book, Red Star Over China, created waves around the world. Free of political bias or partisanship, his first-hand accounts won the trust of the Chinese and the international community.
Snow witnessed the 7.7 Incident (the War of Resistance against Japan broke out on July 7, 1937). At a press conference held by the Japanese army, Snow raised these questions: Why are you conducting military exercises on the land of China? Why did you attack the Chinese army using the excuse of looking for a missing soldier? Why doesn't the invader withdraw, and instead, you order the Chinese to withdraw from Wanping?
These questions embarrassed the Japanese, who ended the press conference in haste.
Snow also witnessed the battle against the Japanese on August 13 in Shanghai, in which the Chinese army won. In his report, Snow described the Chinese soldiers' "excellent performance". People were deeply impressed by the Chinese people's bravery and military capability.
Snow followed the Japanese's battle lines, going to Hankou, Chongqing, Xi'an and once again, Yan’an, and wrote many news reports.
In Hankou, he was astonished by the damage caused to Chinese industry. He told his readers that the Japanese used the resources from factories they plundered to push their war efforts inland.
Accounts of Chinese wartime efforts were included in his book The Battle for Asia published in 1941.
Snow passed away on February 15, 1972.
(China.org.cn November 18, 2005)
