Remains of Chinese soldiers killed 76 ago recovered in Hainan

(ECNS) -- Fourteen graves believed to hold the remains of Chinese soldiers killed 76 years ago in the Battle of Meiting have been identified in Chengmai County, Hainan Province, with two sets suitable for DNA testing. 

The graves were found in Changguang Village, where members of a PLA regiment were buried after the April 1950 battle to liberate Hainan Island. 

The unit had been ordered to seize Fangqunling, a key Kuomintang position, suffering more than 400 wounded and 68 killed.

The regiment had previously fought in Shandong and northeast China before advancing to Hainan, and later joined the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea. 

A joint team launched a systematic search on Aug. 19, 2026, using historical records and interviews with local villagers to locate the burial site. After more than 10 days of fieldwork, the team confirmed 14 graves arranged in two orderly rows. One set of remains is believed to belong to a man about 27 years old, providing potential clues for a search for his relatives. 

Artifacts recovered included bullets, grenades, bowls, spoons, military badges and a 1949 five pointed star cap badge confirming the soldiers’ PLA identity. A “Bravery Medal” was also found.

Some remains still bore traces of ammunition belts, suggesting the soldiers were buried in combat gear. The remains and relics have been secured for DNA identification, historical research and efforts to contact families.

(By Helen Mo & intern Liu Shuangjing)