On a solemn day this week, the remains of 12 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs, who sacrificed their lives during the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea in the 1950s, completed their final journey home. The Republic of Korea (ROK) handed over the remains as part of a long-standing humanitarian cooperation between the two nations.
A Chinese Air Force Y-20B large transport aircraft, deployed for the first time for this sacred mission, carried the caskets to Shenyang, Liaoning Province. The city is home to the CPV martyrs' cemetery, the final resting place for these heroes. In a gesture of the highest honor, four J-20 fighter jets escorted the transport aircraft upon its re-entry into Chinese airspace.
This poignant event marks the 13th such repatriation since China and the ROK signed an agreement on the handover of remains. The continuous cooperation reflects a shared commitment to honoring the past and fostering goodwill. Since the process began in 2014, a total of 1,023 fallen soldiers have now been returned to their homeland, allowing for closure and remembrance.
The repatriation ceremony stands as a powerful symbol of peace and reconciliation. It underscores the importance of historical memory while highlighting the positive trajectory of contemporary China-ROK relations. For families and descendants, it brings a long-awaited solace, connecting the present with a pivotal chapter in history.
