Chinese servicewomen share stories of courage, determination

As the world celebrates International Women's Day on Sunday, female soldiers serving in various units of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) have shared their stories of courage and determination and extended heartfelt wishes to women everywhere.

Li Jie, a soldier aboard China's aircraft carrier Liaoning, spoke of her life at sea and expressed pride in her role as part of the carrier's launch team.

"As a female soldier aboard an aircraft carrier, my youth is accompanied by the 'Flying Shark' fighter jets, and my dreams sail with the carrier toward distant horizons. In the future, our women's launch team will continue to stand fast at our posts, launching every fighter jet with precision and accuracy, safeguarding our motherland's vast seas. Happy International Women's Day to all my fellow women!" said Li.

Suo Feiya, also serving on the aircraft carrier, is responsible for communications.

"In our daily work, we diligently connect every call and accurately relay every piece of information, guarding this invisible lifeline with patience, attentiveness, and a sense of responsibility. When difficulties arise, we put our heads together and get through them together. We are comrades fighting side by side, and even more, sisters supporting one another. On this International Women's Day, I want to wish a happy holiday to all women striving in different posts," said Suo.

Tan Hongmei, a pilot from a division of the Central Theater Command Air Force, flew a YY-20A tanker in last year's military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

"Flying is my dream and my lifelong pursuit. Every time I fly in the sky and gaze down upon our motherland's vast mountains and rivers, I am filled with excitement and pride. Because what we fly is not just a fighter jet, it is the strength of our nation and the hopes of our people. Last September, I finally fulfilled a dream shared by my predecessors: as the captain of an refueling and receiver echelon, I piloted the latest domestically produced tanker, the YY-20A, over Tian'anmen Square. To this day, whenever I recall those moments during the parade, my heart still surges with pride," said Tan.

Chinese servicewomen share stories of courage, determination

China will raise its retail prices of gasoline and diesel from Tuesday, following a sharp rise in international oil prices, the country's top economic planner said on Monday.

Gasoline and diesel prices will increase by 695 yuan (about 100.5 U.S. dollars) and 670 yuan per tonne, respectively, according to a statement released by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC).

The NDRC's price monitoring center said that developments in the Middle East will be the key factor influencing global oil price trends in the period ahead.

China's three biggest oil companies -- the China National Petroleum Corporation, the China Petrochemical Corporation, and the China National Offshore Oil Corporation -- and other refineries have been directed to maintain production and facilitate transportation to ensure stable supplies.

Relevant departments in various regions should intensify their market supervision and inspection efforts. They should implement strict measures to crack down on activities that violate national pricing policies to ensure market order, the NDRC said.

China to raise gasoline, diesel retail prices