China paid a solemn tribute to 30 Chinese People’s Volunteers (CPV) soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea (1950–1953), with a ceremonial burial held on Saturday at the CPV martyrs’ cemetery in Shenyang, Northeast China’s Liaoning Province. The remains of the soldiers were returned to China on Friday from South Korea, transported by a Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force Y-20 transport aircraft.
In a moving ceremony, the honor guard fired 12 shots — the highest level of military tribute — in memory of the fallen heroes. The Song of Remembrance was performed by the military band, while PLA soldiers, under armed escort, solemnly escorted the coffins into the cemetery. The Chinese national anthem was played to honor the returning martyrs.
On Friday morning, the remains of the 30 CPV soldiers, along with 267 related artifacts, were transported from South Korea to China and escorted to Shenyang. Since 2014, China and South Korea have conducted 12 consecutive repatriations, covering the remains of 1,011 CPV soldiers and their belongings.
During the ceremony, photographs from the September 3 V-Day military parade — featuring modern equipment and air formations — were placed in front of the tombs. Many visitors expressed their desire to show the “China of today” to the “grandfathers” of the Volunteer Army, acknowledging their sacrifice and contribution to national defense.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the CPV’s participation in the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea. More than seven decades ago, CPV soldiers responded to the trust of the people and the expectations of the country, courageously crossing the Yalu River. They fought shoulder to shoulder with the Korean people, enduring nearly three years of grueling battles. Their bravery and selflessness secured victory and forged an enduring legacy of patriotism and revolutionary spirit.
