WASHINGTON - China and the United States, which fought the Fascists together 70 years ago, should carry on the legacy of cooperation and friendship forged in the World War II, said Nell Calloway, granddaughter of "Flying Tigers" commander Gen. Claire Chennault.

"During the dark days of WWII, American pilots provided hope, grit, military support and brotherhood to the Chinese people battling the scourge of an overwhelming, often brutal invasion," Calloway wrote in an atricle titled "Recalling the heroics of the Flying Tigers"on Monday's The Washington Times.

The "Flying Tigers" was a nickname given to the American Volunteer Group, which fought along with China against Japanese aggression during WWII.

The group of volunteer pilots from the U.S. Navy, Army and Marine Corps was set up by Gen. Chennault in 1941 under the authority of President Franklin Roosevelt.

"The Flying Tigers story is widely and emotionally commemorated by Chinese. Both sides risked their lives for each other, strengthening the bond between American and Chinese," she wrote.

"More than 200 U.S. military personnel were rescued by Chinese people at the risk of their own lives, as China fought as a steadfast and key ally," she added.

During the war, the Flying Tigers defended China's skies and destroyed over 2,000 aircraft of the Japanese air force.

Calloway said his grandfather's legacy "shows a path to better understanding to our countries."(Xinhua)