Third press conference on the events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War

Zhou Jianshe:

Let's continue with the questions. Due to time constraints, we will take one last question.

Changjiang Daily:

Have all the heroes in the newly released fourth batch of renowned heroes of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression been recognized as martyrs? Are their descendants eligible for related pension and preferential benefits? Thank you.

Ma Feixiong:

Thank you. I'll ask my colleague, Mr. Li, to answer that.

Li Jingxian:

The heroes listed in the registry are all heroes of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Whether or not they were officially designated as martyrs, they all deserve our remembrance. According to the State Council's regulations for commending martyrs, the designation and posthumous recognition of martyrs follow established procedures. We need to guide people to better follow these regulations in their future work. Since modern times, approximately 20 million martyrs have sacrificed their precious lives for China's revolution and development. Only 1.96 million have been identified by name. These martyrs are all recorded in local martyrs' registries, and eligible family members of martyrs receive related pension benefits. Verifying martyrs' deeds and registries is a long-term, systematic work that requires joint efforts from relevant military and civilian departments, as well as broad social participation. After the release of the fourth batch list, we welcome the public to report any new leads or information to veterans affairs departments. They can contact either local veterans affairs departments or report directly to the MVA. We will work promptly with relevant departments to verify the information and address public concerns. Thank you.

Zhou Jianshe:

That concludes today's press conference. Thank you to all the speakers and thank you to all the journalists. Goodbye.

Translated and edited by Xu Xiaoxuan, Liu Caiyi, Yang Chuanli, Liu Jianing, Xu Kailin, Liao Jiaxin, Li Congrong, Li Xiao, Zhou Jing, Li Huiru, He Shan, Zhang Junmian, Gong Yingchun, Wang Qian, Liu Sitong, David Ball, Jay Birbeck and Tudor Bentley Finneran. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.