In a solemn ceremony on Thursday, the remains of 43 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers who perished during the Korean War were repatriated to the Chinese mainland from the Republic of Korea (ROK).
A state-of-the-art Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force Y-20 transport aircraft gracefully landed in Shenyang, the capital of Liaoning Province, carrying the remains and 495 personal belongings of the fallen heroes. The arrival at noon marked a poignant moment for the families and the nation.
The dignified remains will be laid to rest in a dedicated martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang, ensuring that these brave soldiers are honored and remembered for their sacrifices.
This handover is part of a larger humanitarian effort between China and the ROK. From 2014 to 2023, both nations have successfully completed 10 handovers, returning the remains of 938 CPV martyrs along with related artifacts. These efforts adhere to international laws and humanitarian principles, fostering goodwill and reconciliation.
The Korean War, which erupted in June 1950, saw the involvement of the newly established People's Republic of China. At the behest of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Chinese ground forces entered the Korean Peninsula on October 19, 1950. Nearly 2.9 million CPV soldiers participated in the conflict, which endured for almost three years, resulting in over 360,000 casualties.
The return of these remains not only honors the memory of the fallen but also underscores the enduring ties and mutual respect between China and the ROK.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
