Cambodia commemorates 2 Chinese martyrs killed in peacekeeping mission 31 years ago
Cambodia on Tuesday held a commemorative ceremony for two Chinese UN peacekeeping martyrs who lost their lives in a peacekeeping operation in the kingdom 31 years ago.
Held at the memorial monument of the two martyrs in Skun town in southeastern Kampong Cham province, the event was attended by Gen. Phuong Siphan, secretary of state of the Cambodian Ministry of National Defense, and Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wentian, as well as hundreds of local authorities, soldiers and students.
At the event, participants paid homage and laid wreaths to honor the two martyrs, namely Chen Zhiguo and Yu Shili, who were killed in a blast in 1993 during China's peacekeeping efforts and aid operations to Cambodia.
Siphan recalled that about 800 Chinese UN peacekeepers were on a peacekeeping operation in Cambodia in 1992 when the Southeast Asian country was still at war, and a midnight explosion on May 21, 1993, claimed the two soldiers' lives.
"The two heroic Chinese peacekeeping martyrs had sacrificed their lives for the cause of peace in Cambodia," he said. "Although they had passed away, their spirits will live forever."
The commemoration was held as the Qingming Festival, a traditional Chinese festival to honor ancestors and remember the dead, draws near.
Wang said the two Chinese martyrs lost their lives for the cause of peace, stability and happiness of the Cambodian people.
"Their noble, peace-loving and responsible souls are still shining to this day," he said.
He added that their sacrifice had significantly contributed to forging a stronger bond of friendship and cooperation between the two countries and armies.
Related articles
Sweden beats France, Britain relegated after losing to Norway at hockey worlds
PRAGUE (AP) — Sweden beat France 3-1 to preserve a perfect record at the ice hockey world championsh2024-05-21- Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi2024-05-21
How homeowners are responding to huge insurance premium hikes
Photo: RNZ2024-05-21Unexplained Tākaka death not suspicious
Peter Miller, 40, was found dead at his property on 12 March. Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller2024-05-21Russian theater director and playwright go on trial over a play authorities say justifies terrorism
TALLINN, Estonia (AP) — A Russian court on Monday opened the trial of a theater director and a playw2024-05-21Cheng Lei China: Jailed Australian TV anchor jailed releases rare message
Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here2024-05-21
atest comment