South Korea returns remains of Chinese Korean War soldiers

South Korea on Wednesday repatriated the remains of 12 Chinese People’s Volunteers soldiers who were killed during the 1950–53 Korean War, marking another step in ongoing efforts to honor war dead and strengthen diplomatic ties with China.

The remains were formally handed over during a ceremony at Incheon International Airport, jointly hosted by South Korean Vice Defense Minister Lee Doo-hee and Chinese Vice Minister of Veterans Affairs Xu Yao. According to Yonhap News Agency, the event reflected a renewed spirit of cooperation between the two countries.

South Korea has been returning the remains of Chinese soldiers since 2014, with a total of 1,023 sets repatriated so far. The two countries signed an agreement in the same year to facilitate the dignified return of fallen troops from the Korean War, in which China fought alongside North Korea against South Korea and United Nations forces.

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Officials said the ceremony was held publicly for the first time in three years, signaling improving bilateral relations between Seoul and Beijing after periods of diplomatic tension. The South Korean Ministry of Defense said it would continue its efforts to locate and repatriate the remains of Chinese soldiers still found in its territory.

The Korean War remains one of the most significant conflicts in modern East Asian history, resulting in heavy casualties on all sides and leaving a lasting political and military legacy in the region. China suffered particularly large losses while supporting North Korea during the conflict.

The latest repatriation underscores both the historical sensitivity of the war and the continuing importance of reconciliation efforts between former adversaries in Northeast Asia.