Produced in 1942 by the American group called United China Relief, “This is China” uses newsreel and travelogue footage to present a portrait of “our friends and allies” — the Chinese people.

United China Relief was founded in 1941 in New York City for the purpose of raising funds to aid the Chinese people during times of national crisis. The main function of United China Relief was to provide funds for the relief and rehabilitation of the Chinese people. Ancillary goals were to serve as a medium for informing Americans on events and conditions in China, and to help to reassure the Chinese people of continued American concern and friendship.

At the 00:17:15:00 mark, the film describes the modernization of China and its apparent Westernization, with the underlying theme evident that China might very well become one of the great, democratic and capitalistic nations on Earth.

At the 20 minute mark, the film shifts in tone from travelogue to a study of the historical events surrounding the Japanese invasion. Scenes of refugees fleeing from the Japanese army are shown, and various atrocities and war crimes are described. The strength and spirit of the Chinese people are emphasized as they work to repel the Japanese, with many co-operative workshops established to help in the war effort.

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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD and 2k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com