Veterans of Chinese People's Liberation Army reflect on battle flags

Three veterans of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) have shared their understanding of the battle flags that symbolize the resilience, resolve and enduring traditions of the PLA, encouraging the new generation of service members to pass down the precious legacy to the next, according the China Media Group (CMG)'s special production The Road to Victory.

The first episode of the documentary marking the 99th anniversary of the PLA's founding traced the stories of veterans whose lives were shaped by the battle flags and whose service has given new meaning to what they represent.

"Follow the Party. March forward with courage. Fight to win. Always put the bigger picture first. These are the proud traditions of our company. We must carry them forward, take on the toughest missions, strive to be the best, uphold the honor of our red flag, anf bring greater glory to the Daduhe Company," said Xie Shipeng, the 30th political commissar of the Daduhe Company.

The Daduhe Company is one of the oldest and most-decorated frontline infantry units in the PLA, famous for fighting its way across the Daduhe (Dadu River) during the 1934-1935 Long March by the Chinese Communist Party-led Red Army -- the predecessor of the PLA.

"Your company fought for victory, determined to defeat more enemies, never fearing sacrifice, always charging forward. Carry on that fighting spirit. In the battle to come, follow your company's bright red battle flag. Charge forward. Keep moving forward. And win even greater glory," said Wei Diren, a veteran of the Chinese People's Volunteers, or a veteran of the 1950-1953 Korean War.

"Stand United. Follow the Party's leadership. Stay loyal to the Party. Go wherever the Party calls. Be a good soldier of the people," said Dai Shouhuai, the 10th captain of the Sea Pioneer Boat.

The Sea Pioneer Boat is an honorary title awarded by the PLA Navy to a fast gunboat (specifically Hull No. 611) that took part in the historic August 6 naval battle in 1965.

Veterans of Chinese People's Liberation Army reflect on battle flags

The U.S.-China Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum and the promotion meeting for the 5th China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) was held in Chicago on Thursday, with the participation of over 180 representatives from political and business circles of the two countries.

As the world's first national-level exhibition focusing on supply chains, the CISCE has been an internationally shared public good since the first edition was held in 2023. The fifth edition is expected to be held in 2027.

Attendees at the event noted that the industrial and supply chains of China and the U.S. are deeply intertwined, providing a solid foundation and broad scope for cooperation.

They called on the business community to strengthen exchanges to promote healthy and stable development of China-U.S. economic and trade relations.

"The Chinese market is huge. Arguably, China is one of the best manufacturers in the whole world. The supply chain connectivity and the growth of the Chinese market is substantial. So the U.S. and China have to find a way to be able to cooperate because of both our economic size, our competitiveness and ability to use comparative advantages to accelerate both of our economies," said Daniel Bellefleur, vice president of foreign direct investment, Illinois Economic Development Corporation.

"I think the more we learn about each other, the more we are going to see our commonality, and I truly believe that we have a lot to gain by collaboration," said Lori Lightfoot, former mayor of Chicago.

Event held in Chicago to promote 5th China's supply chain expo