Book recounts British politician's walk for peace in China
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E-mail China.org.cn, November 27, 2016
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A book titled "Walk for Peace", which consists more than 70 diary entries in English and 50 translated excerpts in Chinese rendered by his wife Li Xuelin, is filled with the couple's experiences and views en route from Beijing to Hangzhou, during which their motivations for a better world enshrined in peace are revealed through detailed descriptions.
To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II and the golden era built for bilateral relations between China and UK, Bates planned to terminate their trip in Nanjing, where millions died at the hands of Japanese intruders during the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1937-1945).
However, they arrived at Nanjing several days ahead of the schedule, so Bates followed his wife's suggestion and continued to Hangzhou, the birthplace of Li.
Released by New World Press in November 2016, the book offers glimpses into the couple's profound and respectful perceptions and efforts in calling for peace. It also compares the differences between Chinese and British cultures – such as foods, customs and concepts – while also calling them trivial in view of "the similarities which are vast, awe inspiring and largely unexplored."
From 2011 on, the couple has embarked on a variety of long-distance walks, such as a 300-day hike from Olympia, Greece, to London through 15 European countries, a journey totaling to 4,693.1 kilometers, to remind people of the importance of the Olympic Truce. In their ensuing trips, they fundraised for children and peace in places as diverse as London, Berlin, Buenos Aires, and Rio de Janeiro.
During his visit to the U.K. last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping thanked Lord Bates for his contribution to peace and charity, as well as building mutual understanding between the two countries, and honored him with Icebreaker Award.
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