The remains of 12 Chinese People's Volunteers martyrs, who fell during the 1950-1953 War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea, were solemnly repatriated to the Chinese mainland from the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Wednesday. A Chinese Air Force Y-20B transport aircraft, escorted by four J-20 stealth fighters, brought the soldiers' remains to Shenyang amid heightened ceremonial honors.
This marks the 13th annual repatriation since 2014, with over 900 martyrs now returned under a bilateral agreement. The ceremony at Incheon International Airport featured military salutes and coordinated efforts between Chinese and ROK officials to preserve historical memory.
"These heroes defended peace through extraordinary sacrifice," stated a Chinese veterans' affairs representative during the Shenyang reception. DNA analysis and artifact preservation efforts continue to identify the fallen, connecting families with long-lost relatives seven decades after the conflict.
The repatriation coincides with renewed academic interest in Korean War history across Asian institutions, while travel agencies report increased visits to DPRK border memorials. Analysts note the event underscores stable China-ROK cultural cooperation despite regional geopolitical shifts.
