About 300 World War II veterans from China and the United States launched a cultural exchange program in Beijing Friday to promote mutual understanding between the people of the two countries.

R.C. Macke, former commander-in-chief of US Pacific Fleet and about 10 other former US air force generals sent letters of congratulations to the veterans for starting the program.

The war veterans, including former US air force servicemen fighting on the Chinese side against invading Japanese troops, recalled their battle-field experiences during the war in Asia.

In their joint declaration issued Friday, the war veterans call for improved exchanges between the two countries.

(Xinhua News Agency May 17, 2002)