The remains of 43 Chinese People’s Volunteers (CPV) soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) were solemnly returned to China on Thursday from the Republic of Korea (ROK).
A Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force Y-20 transport aircraft carrying the remains and 495 items of personal belongings of the fallen soldiers landed in Shenyang, the capital of northeast China’s Liaoning Province, at noon. The solemn ceremony marked a poignant moment in honoring the heroes who fought valiantly decades ago.
The remains will be laid to rest in a martyrs’ cemetery in Shenyang, where they will join their comrades who have been previously honored in similar ceremonies.
Between 2014 and 2023, China and the ROK, adhering to international laws and humanitarian principles, have completed ten consecutive handovers involving the remains of 938 CPV martyrs, along with related artifacts. These acts of remembrance symbolize a commitment to honoring history and the sacrifices made.
The Korean War erupted in June 1950, merely eight months after the founding of the People’s Republic of China. At the request of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), Chinese ground forces under the CPV entered the Korean Peninsula on October 19, 1950. Over the nearly three-year conflict, approximately 2.9 million CPV soldiers participated in the war, with more than 360,000 soldiers killed or injured.
The return of the remains reflects a continued dedication to honoring the memory of those who served and strengthens the bonds forged through shared history. It serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of peace and the enduring gratitude owed to those who have fallen.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
