Algerian air force veterans arrive in China for a visit after an interval of over 60 years on May 26, 2025. Photo: Courtesy of Si Na

Editor's Note:  

Chinese President Xi Jinping often quotes an ancient saying on many diplomatic occasions: "No mountain or ocean can separate those who share the same aspirations." This powerful message underscores the undeniable force of friendship and cooperation in bridging hearts across nations, cultures, and civilizations. Inspired by President Xi's vision, people-to-people exchanges between China and the world have been flourishing. 

People from diverse backgrounds and fields - united by common goals and dreams - traverse mountains and oceans to connect with each other. Through letters, face-to-face dialogues, and vibrant cultural events, they are collectively weaving a magnificent tapestry of building a community of shared future for humanity.

The Global Times presents "Intertwined Destinies, Shared Paths," a series spotlighting the touching stories written by these "friendship ambassadors." They are scholars pushing the boundaries of research, diplomats advocating for deeper cooperation on the global stage, artists igniting imaginations with their creations, and ordinary people extending heartfelt love beyond national borders driven by genuine sincerity.

Their tales illuminate the spark of cultural exchange, the driving force of technological innovation, the bountiful harvest of economic cooperation, and the enduring warmth of human connection - all contributing to a more peaceful, prosperous, and open world. 

In 1962, after an eight-year struggle, the Algerian people overthrew French colonial rule and achieved national independence. In 1958, at a difficult and crucial stage of Algeria's independence revolution, China became the first non-Arab country to recognize the Algerian Provisional Government.

During the 1950s and 1960s, two groups of 27 Algerian air force trainees came to China for aviation training. These trainees were Algeria's first-generation pilots and technicians, who became the backbone of promoting the development of the country's air force after Algeria's independence.

60 years later, some of the Algerian trainees who received training in China set foot on the familiar land again, reunited with their former Chinese instructors, and experienced the development achievements of China in the new era. 

After a five-day visit to China, these Algerian veterans told the Global Times that China had changed dramatically compared with more than 60 years ago. However, when they saw their Chinese instructors again, that familiar feeling seemed to take them back to old days.

A special birthday in China

This visit was jointly promoted by the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of China, the Chinese Embassy in Algeria, and the Algerian Ministry of Mujahideen and Rights Holders.

During their stay in China, five Algerian air force veterans and their relatives visited Beijing, Shijiazhuang in North China's Hebei Province, Xi'an in Northwest China's Shaanxi Province and other places, and visited the Military Museum of the Chinese People's Revolution, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force Shijiazhuang Flight Academy, the Institute of Middle East Studies at Northwest University, among others.

On May 30, the Algerian veterans who had completed their visit to China arrived in Algiers, the capital of Algeria. They told the Global Times that the itinerary of this visit was very rich and well-organized, and they were very grateful for the warm reception from the Chinese side.

"China has undergone earth-shaking changes compared with more than 60 years ago, and its modernization level is beyond imagination - the infrastructure is well-developed, the city appearance is pleasing to the eye, and the high-speed rail is fast, stable, clean, and tidy, with good service," said the veteran Mechri Amar. 

"These are the results of the hard-work of the Chinese people and the wise leadership of the Communist Party of China. Such achievements can only happen in China. China has set a good example for developing countries around the world, and Algeria, as a friend of China, feels deeply honored and hopes to learn from China's experience," he said.

Amar also told the Global Times that he was particularly touched when he saw the photo of himself receiving training in China in the military museum.

The escort of the veteran delegation told the reporter that the Algerian Embassy in China prepared emblems with the national flags of China and Algeria for them. They pinned them on their clothes as "passes," and the Chinese people would greet them warmly when they saw them. He said, "This is my first visit to China, but it won't be the last."

For the veteran Hamoudi Omar, this trip was of special significance. On May 29, with the careful preparation of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, Omar celebrated his 85th birthday in Beijing. 

"This is an unexpected surprise! Celebrating my birthday with the witness of Chinese friends is an unforgettable experience for me," he told the Global Times.

The veteran Drid Ahmed Lakhdar fulfilled his wish and met his former Chinese instructor Zhang Mandong. The accompanying personnel of the delegation told the reporter that Zhang is 90-year-old and had participated in the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea and was commended by Chairman Mao Zedong.

Although he relies on a wheelchair, he made the effort to come and see Lakhdar. With the help of others, he insisted on standing to embrace him. The two men hugged tightly, tears streaming down their faces, as those around them were also moved to tears.

Lakhdar said that at that moment, the familiar feeling came back, "as if I had been taken back more than 60 years ago."

'We will help guard your sky'

An old photograph captures Algerian veterans' training days in China. Photo: Courtesy of Drid Ahmed Lakhdar

When visiting Northwest University, Amar reviewed the historical exchanges between China and Algeria. He said that the seeds of revolutionary friendship were sown when China and Algeria first met at the Bandung Conference in 1955. 

During the crucial stage of Algeria's national liberation movement and national construction, the Chinese government and people provided valuable economic and military assistance and sent medical teams to support, which greatly promoted the process of Algeria's national liberation. 

And during Algeria's war for independence, 27 Algerian air force trainees embarked on a life-changing journey to China for comprehensive aviation training. Living and studying alongside Chinese instructors and comrades, they immersed themselves in specialized courses - from fighter jet piloting to aircraft maintenance - at flight schools in Harbin, Shenyang, Shijiazhuang, and Wuhan.

"For us, studying in China was a grand dream," veteran Meghni Mohand Said told the Global Times. "Back then, China was a nation that commanded respect despite its post-war hardships. Yet they welcomed us with open arms."

The trainees still recall their Chinese instructors' rallying cry: "We will help guard your sky." To bridge language barriers, teachers hand-drew hundreds of aircraft diagrams annotated in Arabic, French, and Chinese. In late-night classrooms, kerosene lamps often burned until dawn as instructors painstakingly corrected students' flight logs word for word.

The veterans said that Chinese instructors showed equally meticulous care for their daily lives. When these trainees first arrived in China, they were unaccustomed to northern cuisine, so canteen chefs learned to make Arabic-style baked bread. During winters, the school specially prepared thick sheepskin flight suits for them.

One mealtime lesson shaped veteran Amar forever. After noticing stray rice grains on tables, the political commissar in charge of logistics gathered theses trainees, saying: "Brothers, we mustn't live like this. Wasting even three grains per bowl multiplies to hundreds of millions across China." The speech sparked a lifelong ethos of frugality. Amar said they brought the habit of frugality back to Algeria, becoming a fine tradition that continues in the Algerian military and among the veterans' descendants.

As cultures blended, seeds of China-Algerian friendship took root. In a yellowed old photo, two young Algerian flight trainees learn aircraft expertise under the guidance of Chinese instructors. More than 60 years later, the vibrant youth in the photo have become octogenarians, yet they still sing some snippets of iconic Chinese songs like "My Motherland," and "Waves after Waves on Honghu Lake."

From battlefield brotherhood to modern partnership

Algerian airforce fly in formation over the capital Algiers on July 5, 2022, as the country celebrates the 60th anniversary of its independence. Photo: VCG

"Algeria never forgot China's solidarity," said veteran Lakhdar, referencing Algeria's pivotal 1971 UN vote for China's reinstatement.

When talking about China's current development, the veterans reeled off achievements: "In military terms alone, China now boasts a powerful navy, army, air force, and a complete weapons industry, along with rocket forces and intercontinental ballistic missiles." 

Lakhdar also emphasized that today, more Algerian youth are learning Chinese - showing their hope in China, willingness to use Chinese equipment and technology, and attraction to China's rapid rise in economy and urban construction. 

As time passes, China-Algerian friendship blooms anew in the new era. A photovoltaic power plant project in southern Algeria built by Chinese enterprises is helping the region become a key clean energy hub in North Africa; the China-participated the landmark Algerian highway built to connect 17 provinces has drastically reduced travel time between coastal and inland areas.

"Beyond defense, China trained our architects, musicians, and theater directors," Lakhdar noted. "For this too, we're profoundly grateful."

From fighting side by side in revolutionary years to joint development in peacetime, China-Algerian friendship has always shone brightly. "China's attitude toward Algeria has never changed. The Algeria-China friendship remains unique and unbreakable," a veteran told the Global Times.