Premier Wen visits Chinese martyrs cemetery in DPRK

The cemetery in South Phyongan province is the largest of the dozens honoring Chinese soldiers who lost their lives during the Korean War more than half a century ago.

Accompanied by senior DPRK officials, Premier Wen Jiabao laid a wreath before the bronze statue of a Chinese martyr.

"Comrade Anying, I have come to visit your tombstone, to bring you the good news that China is now a strong world power, and that Chinese people are living happy lives. You may rest assured."

The soldier, Mao Anying, was a son of late Chinese leader Mao Zedong, the first president of the People's Republic of China.

Mao Anying was among more than 100,000 Chinese soldiers who fought to death in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea more than 50 years ago. He was buried at this site, along with 133 of his comrades.

Addressing the graves, Wen Jiabao said the Chinese people have never forgotten the martyrs and will always cherish their memory.

"Comrades, I'm here to tell you how the Chinese people miss you from your motherland. Although you are separated by death and distance, we can feel your heroic spirit, and we will carry that with us as we work hard to build a better future for our country."

In the early 1950s, some 2.4 million soldiers in the Chinese People's Volunteer Army were sent to join the Korean People's Army in fighting U.S. forces. In China, the war is better known as the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea. The war ended in an armistice in July 1953.

In Hoechang County, Wen Jiabao also visited the site of the headquarters of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army.

Damin, CRI news.