In the continuous days prior to the Martyrs' Day, which falls on Monday, cities across China have held vast array of affectionate commemorative events to pay tribute to national heroes who sacrificed their lives for the establishment and construction of the People's Republic of China.
In Shanghai, citizens gathered at the Longhua Martyrs' Cemetery on Thursday to lay flowers at the tombs of the martyrs.
"During the memorial ceremony, we reviewed the stories of heroes who sacrificed their lives at Longhua [Town], and I was deeply moved. I believe that the best way to honor these martyrs is to carry on their fighting spirit and strive to accomplish new feats worthy of their legacy in this new era," Guo Longyang, a resident told China Central Television (CCTV).
In Linqing City, east China's Shandong Province, over 200 comics depicting the heroic deeds of local martyrs are on display at the Memorial Hall of General Zhang Zizhong, which honors the senior officer killed during the resistance war against Japanese aggression.
"We hope to let more people know the stories of Linqing heroes and better promote the revolutionary culture of Linqing through these comic strips," said Li Zengyi, one of the artists who participated in the creation.
On Sunday, in front of the "Heroes' Pavilion" deep-lying in the mountains of the South Taihang in Xinxiang, central China's Henan Province, 55 elementary school students came to commemorate the "Eight Heroes of Taihang Mountains" who fought to death to defend a grain storage facility during the War of Liberation.
The pupils recited letters written to the martyrs, placed flowers and presented their handmade gifts in memory of the heroes.
"We live in a peaceful and happy era. We must bear in mind this history and contribute to the building of our motherland in the future," said Liu Yusu, a student of Zhongde Primary School in Hongqi District, Xinxiang City.
Surrounded by lush pine and cypress trees, the Revolutionary Martyrs' Cemetery in Qianjiang District, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality has seen an increasing number of visitors as the annual Martyrs' Day approaches.
Filled with deep respect, local police officers presented flowers and observed a moment of silence to mourn the heroes.
"The cornerstone of the Republic has been forged by the flesh and blood of countless revolutionary martyrs. Moving forward along the path of these heroes is the most genuine way to remember them," said Dong Chundai, a police officer of Qianjiang Public Security Bureau.
People across China pay tribute to national heroes on Martyrs' Day
People across China pay tribute to national heroes on Martyrs' Day
People across China pay tribute to national heroes on Martyrs' Day
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
