Chinese in Rwanda remember fallen nationals

The Chinese community Wednesday gathered in Rulindo district in northern Rwanda to pay tribute to fallen Chinese nationals who died in Rwanda.

Chinese ambassador to Rwanda Shen Yongxiang, representatives of Chinese companies, aid-workers, teachers and volunteers of Confucius Institute and Rwanda government officials paid tribute, offering flowers at the Chinese Martyrs' Cemetery in Rulindo district.

The event was in line with China's Martyrs' Day set aside to show respect to those who sacrificed their lives fighting for China's independence and liberation.

China's top lawmakers designated September 30 as Martyrs' Day last year to raise public awareness of the nation's heroes and foster a sense of national unity.

Remembered and honored on Wednesday in Rulindo were Chinese Martyr Chen Jian and other Chinese who died in Rwanda.

Speaking at the event, ambassador Shen paid tribute to the Chinese Martyrs.

"We pay the maximum respect to our beloved comrades and comfort our martyrs and perished compatriots for their struggle and sacrifice for the national independence, liberation and prosperity," he said.

Chen Jian worked for the Gitarama-Kibuye Road Construction Project. In June 1997, on the way of transporting construction materials, he is said to have bravely fought against armed robbers to protect aid project property, and sacrificed his life.

He was conferred the title of martyr by the Chinese Government, according to a statement.

China and Rwanda enjoy time-honored friendship, the statement noted, adding that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, bilateral cooperation has been blossoming in various areas ranging from political and economic collaboration to cultural exchanges.

"Over the years, China has provided unconditional development aid to Rwanda. Numerous Chinese experts came to Rwanda, supporting Rwandan friends in rebuilding and developing the country," it said.

At present, Chinese aid projects in Rwanda include schools, hospitals built in local communities, and roads constructed by Chinese companies.

The Chinese who rest in this cemetery are testimony of Sino-Rwandan friendship, it said.

Eugene Fixer Ngoga, a senior official with Rwanda's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Rwanda recognizes the role of the Chinese government in the country's development.

"People need to understand the level of sacrifice and we should learn never to underestimate personal efforts of people who always fight for any country's development," he noted.

Rulindo Chinese Cemetery was first built in 1982 by China Road and Bridge Corporation.

From 1982 to 1997, a total of 10 Chinese perished while working in aid projects in Rwanda and were buried here.

In February 2013, the Chinese Government decided to renovate Rulindo Chinese Martyrs' Cemetery, mandating the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Rwanda as project supervisor and China Road and Bridge Corporation as designer and constructor.

The renovation that commenced on January 6, 2014 was completed on August 5, 2014. Endit