Chinese Korean War soldiers buried

With the air filled with the national anthem, China held a ceremony Saturday to bury 68 soldiers killed in the 1950-1953 Korean War, whose remains were returned by the Republic of Korea.

Covered by the national flag, the caskets were carried into a martyrs' park in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province, in a ceremony attended by chrysanthemum-holding government and military officials, Korean War veterans, their families and members of the public.

"Over 60 years have passed since their sacrifice, the images of the 'most beloved people' still stay in our hearts. The country and the people will always remember them," said Vice Minister of Civil Affairs Dou Yupei in his memorial speech.

Discovered in South Korea last year, the remains of the 68 fallen soldiers were returned to China on Friday by the Republic of Korea, the second such repatriation following that of 437 Chinese soldiers last year.

The Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) fought along with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea army in the Korean War against the South Korean army and U.S.-led UN forces.

A total of 197,653 CPV soldiers have been confirmed killed in the war so far, most of whom were buried on the Korean Peninsula.

According to an agreement between China and South Korea, the two sides consult every year on the hand-over of remains of Chinese soldiers found in South Korea. A hand-over is usually held before the traditional Chinese Tomb-Sweeping Day in early April.

On Friday, two Chinese fighter jets escorted the plane carrying the remains after a ceremony at South Korea's Incheon Airport.

"We once fought together to protect our country. I don't know their names but I see every one of them as my family," said 81-year-old Korean War veteran Zou Jiliang who attended the burial ceremony.

Li Xiangsen, 70, hopes the remains, yet to be identified, included his father he has never seen.

"My biggest wish is that he returns home," he said. Endi