Five Chinese frontier soldiers and officers, including four martyrs who sacrificed lives in the deadly Galwan Valley border clash with Indian troops over a year ago, have been nominated the country's ethical role models on Friday.

The heroes, have become the epitome of Chinese people's ever-growing patriotic sentiments, evident in commending them with the highest Party honors - the July 1 Medal, outstanding Party member of the country and outstanding Party member in the military.

The five heroes who fought bravely defending national sovereignty and territorial integrity - Qi Fabao, Chen Hongjun, Chen Xiangrong, Xiao Siyuan, and Wang Zhuoran - were selected as candidates of the eighth national campaign of China's ethical role models in July, among some 300 others from all walks of life, from grassroots to professionals, farmers to research fellows. 

Qi Fabao. File photo: Xinhua

Qi Fabao, who led the troops in brave confrontation with the Indian army, was awarded by the Central Military Commission with the title of "Hero Regimental Commander for Defending the Border" and honored with the July 1 Medal by the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee. He was also given the award of outstanding CPC member of the country along with other 399 Party members in June. Qi is now the regimental commander of a People's Liberation Army (PLA) border troop. 

Chen Hongjun

Chen Hongjun, another border defense hero who held his post on the plateau for 10 years and died during the China-India border spat, was also presented the highest Party honor, the July 1 Medal, along with the title of "Hero to Defend the Border" by the Central Military Commission.

Wang Zhuoran

Chen Xiangrong

Xiao Siyuan

Wang Zhuoran, Chen Xiangrong and Xiao Siyuan, the other three martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the border standoff with India, were awarded first-class merits and outstanding CPC members in the military. 

Tributes flew at the first anniversary of the Galwan Valley clash, as Chinese netizens expressed gratefulness and deepest respect for their selfless devotion to the country's course of territorial integrity. Crowds visited the martyrs' hometowns where they are buried to pay their respects during the Tomb-sweeping Day in April.

At the border clash last June, Qi suffered severe head injuries as he led PLA soldiers to confront the India troops. Chen Hongjun and Chen Xiangrong broke into the siege to rescue Qi, but sacrificed themselves during the clash. Xiao returned after the siege to save his comrades until the last breath, and Wang also sacrificed in the chaos after he was submerged in the glacier as he was trying to help others cross the river.

Global Times