In December 1937, as the invading Japanese troops brutally entered Nanjing, German businessman John Rabe made his choice: to stay. He worked with other international friends in China to establish the "Nanjing Safety Zone" at great personal risk, providing shelter for and rescuing over 200,000 Chinese civilians.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has shared the touching story of Rabe on several occasions. "We in China cherish the memory of Mr. Rabe as a man who demonstrated great compassion for life and love of peace," he noted.

Produced by Xinhua Global Service ■