Sichuan Daily, Chuanguan News:

Mr. Michael Crook, hello. I just heard your introduction and I would like to ask: growing up in such a special international family, what is the most valuable legacy you inherited from your parents? How has this unique family history shaped your perspective on China and the world? Thank you.

Michael Crook:

Thank you. I have a special affection for Sichuan province because it was where my parents met and later became lifelong partners. What I have inherited from my parents? First, before the age of 30, my father had already lived and worked in the UK, the U.S. and China. My mother had lived in Canada, China and the UK, so both of them had a global perspective. I grew up in Beijing and was exposed from a young age to stories of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Linking the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression with the World Anti-Fascist War is, I think, a manifestation of this global perspective. Now, when we talk about the "global village," it means we are all interdependent — what happens in one country can affect others. I think one thing I’ve inherited is this global perspective. Also, my mother lived and worked alongside laboring people in impoverished mountain villages, including minority areas. My father worked as a laborer in the U.S. Before the age of 30, I had lived in the UK, the U.S. and China, and also worked as a laborer in both China and the UK. This life experience kept me closely connected to the working people. When we talk about sacrifices during wartime, it is ordinary people who suffer the most. Therefore, peace is especially precious, and we must unite to strive for peace and prevent the people from suffering. This is my feeling. Today, the ICCIC is also engaged in civil diplomacy, and I believe that continuing this cause is also a struggle for peace.