In a solemn tribute to historical sacrifices, a Y-20 transport aircraft of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force departed for South Korea on Wednesday to repatriate the remains of 30 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs. These soldiers perished during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953), a conflict that reshaped regional dynamics and remains etched in collective memory.
The PLA Air Force will deploy four advanced J-20 stealth fighter jets to escort the Y-20 upon its return to Chinese airspace, underscoring the mission's significance. This marks the latest chapter in a years-long repatriation effort between China and South Korea, reflecting shared commitments to historical reconciliation.
Pilot Zhou Han, who previously flew the Y-20 during the 80th-anniversary commemoration of the World Anti-Fascist War victory over Tian'anmen Square, emphasized the symbolic weight of the mission. "Such arrangements honor those who defended peace," he stated, highlighting the enduring legacy of cross-border cooperation in resolving historical issues.
The handover ceremony, scheduled for Friday, will see South Korean authorities transfer the remains and personal belongings of the CPV martyrs to China. This event coincides with growing cultural and diplomatic exchanges across Asia, offering a poignant reminder of how historical memory continues to shape contemporary relations.
