(260422) -- INCHEON, April 22, 2026 (Xinhua) -- A Y-20B transport aircraft carrying the remains and personal effects of 12 Chinese People's Volunteers soldiers who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953) takes off from Incheon International Airport for China, in Incheon, South Korea, April 22, 2026. China and South Korea on Wednesday held a handover ceremony at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, for the remains of 12 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs and 146 personal effects.

Xu Yao, vice minister of the Chinese Ministry of Veterans Affairs, led the Chinese delegation, while Lee Doo-hee, vice defense Minister of South Korea, headed the South Korean side.

Representatives of the two sides signed a handover document at the ceremony. The Chinese side also held a mourning ceremony, during which the national anthem of the People's Republic of China was played.

Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Dai Bing draped the Chinese national flag over the coffins of the martyrs. Chinese participants paid tribute with three bows, and honor guards of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) escorted the coffins onto a Y-20B transport aircraft of the PLA Air Force for their return home. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin)