Local students visit the museum. [Photo provided to China Daily]

City of peace

In recognition of the unique wartime bond between over 2,000 Western expatriates and Weifang, and the city's efforts to promote peace through the transformation of the camp site into a museum, Weifang was designated as the world's 308th International City of Peace in 2021.

The honor was approved by International Cities of Peace, a global nonprofit association dedicated to promoting peace worldwide.

J. Frederick Arment, the organization's executive director, said at the time that Weifang had experienced historical hardship and trauma, yet the leaders and citizens of its communities are committed to healing and progress.

Liu Yun, the Party chief of Weifang, said that the camp's history embodies the idea of peace and a humanitarian spirit.

"Weifang city needs to take responsibility and play a role in further promoting this idea and spirit from the perspectives of the country and the Chinese nation," he said.

As the former internees revisit the city multiple times, their memories and knowledge of China are being refreshed.

Stanley returned to China twice, in 1991 and 2019. He found that during his second visit, more Chinese people were aware of and interested in the camp's history and were much friendlier toward him.

"I think this illustrates the close bonds that exist between China and foreign families like mine, with long-standing links to friends among the Chinese people," he said.

"This gives me great hope that the memories of these friendly connections can help as a bridge in any present and future frictions that might arise in the current or future international situation," he said.

The experience in the camp had not only changed his life forever, but also that of his son, John, sparking his interest in China and playing a big role in him becoming a history professor at Kutztown University in Pennsylvania.

"It's very important to understand what happened in the Weihsien concentration camp. It is a lesson for those who did not experience it," John Stanley said.

"We need to study that history in depth to prevent such things from happening again."