Beijing Review: Rabe and China, a testimony to history and a call to action

BEIJING, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Throughout human history, there have always been individuals who have stepped forward at critical moments and illuminated the darkness with their actions and spirit. My grandfather John Rabe (1882–1950) is one of them.

He was a German businessman and member of the Nazi Party who moved to China in 1908 and later became the Siemens company representative in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province. He is widely recognized for his extraordinary humanitarian efforts in saving 250,000 Chinese civilians during the Nanjing Massacre in 1937–38. 

On August 2, 1908, John Rabe arrived in China, thus beginning the indissoluble bond between the country and the Rabe family. In 1937, faced with the invasion of Japanese troops, my grandfather, who had lived in China for nearly 30 years, resolutely decided to remain in Nanjing.

In his diary, he wrote, "The country that has been my host for 30 years is facing severe difficulties. Should we not try to help them? At least let us save some people." Together with over 20 international friends who remained in Nanjing, he established the "International Safety Zone," saving the lives of 250,000 Nanjing civilians.

His diary, The Diaries of John Rabe, became irrefutable evidence exposing the atrocities committed by the Japanese invaders and a testament to the cruelty of war and the greatness of humanity.

In 2025, as we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, we have reached a special moment to honour those who fought for peace and justice.

Rabe and China is a book that explores the Rabe family's 117-year connection to China, spanning four generations. It is not only a historical document and a family biography, but also a mirror reflecting the brilliance of humanity.

It was first released over 10 years ago without an ISBN number and was available in English and Spanish. The Chinese version of Rabe and China was published by Beijing-based Research Press in January 2024.

To make the content precise, I meticulously compiled a vast collection of family archives and related documents, which is imbued with family emotions and profound insights.

After a decade of effort, I compiled all the family archives and completed the book. This book, with its detailed historical records, valuable archival documents, and richly illustrated presentation, recreates the century-long exchanges and friendship between four generations of the Rabe family and China, making it a precious family biography.

The book provides a detailed day-by-day record of John Rabe's efforts, alongside international colleagues, to establish a 4-square-km safety zone that sheltered 250,000 Nanjing civilians from December 13, 1937 to February 1938. This book includes firsthand evidence of Japanese atrocities and details of refugee relief operations.

The book is the first publication that contains the original report John Rabe submitted to Adolf Hitler upon his return to Germany in 1938. It also features an assessment by German Ambassador to China, Erwin Wickert, who hailed Rabe as a "beacon of humanitarianism." With 120 historical images and 350,000 words of annotations, the volume offers multidimensional perspectives for research on the Nanjing Massacre.

The book not only represents John Rabe's heroic deeds but also presents the authentic memories of multiple historical witnesses. The rich perspectives of the characters and the explanations of those who experienced the events firsthand have become one of the distinctive features of Rabe and China.

In Chapter Four, "Witnessing History," I listed the records of 14 international friends and several media professionals, including George Fitch, John Magee, Minnie Vautrin, and Oscar Trautmann, regarding that special period of history. Although these international friends had different backgrounds, they were all eyewitnesses and participants in history, and their life journeys were intertwined with the city of Nanjing and John Rabe in various ways.

Chapter Eight, "Diverse Interpretations," showcases how people around the world have commemorated John Rabe's humanitarian spirit through various artistic forms. From books to operas, from paintings to films, each work is a tribute to my grandfather and a profound reflection on that period of history. This cross-cultural exchange and resonance demonstrate that humanitarianism knows no borders, transcending time and space to touch the hearts of people everywhere.

Rabe and China is not merely a book that looks back at history; it is also a book that looks forward to the future. Chapter 10, "Shared Destiny" details the story of how I established six John Rabe Exchange Centers around the world to promote my grandfather's humanitarian spirit. These centers are not only places for research and education but also platforms for fostering international cooperation and spreading the ideals of peace. I have pledged to donate all royalties from this book to charitable causes, reflecting my commitment to my grandfather's legacy and his sense of social responsibility.

The publication of Rabe and China would not have been possible without the support of many individuals, including Prof. Ruan Xiangyan from Beijing Obstetrics and Gynaecology Hospital, and Prof. Liang Yi from Beijing Union University. Every step of the process has been a testament to the collective wisdom and dedication of all involved. This work is a testament to collective effort, reminding us that the memory of history should be cherished and the value of peace must never be forgotten.

Chinese President Xi Jinping said in 2014, "The Chinese people remember Rabe for his great love for life and the pursuit of peace." In this challenging world, the publication of Rabe and China is not only a testimony to history, but also a call to action. It inspires us to remember history and carry forward the spirit of humanitarianism.

By learning from the past, we can cultivate virtue. I hope that every reader will gain insights from this book and join us in safeguarding this precious legacy, so that it may serve as a beacon for future generations.

The author is John Robe's grandson, winner of Friendship Envoy Award of the 2025 Orchid Awards, and a retired Professor of Gynaecology and Obstetrics at Heidelberg University in Germany

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SOURCE Beijing Review