Chinese Navy pilot Wang Zhongyuan (left). Photo: screenshot from Capital News, a media platform run by Beijing Daily

Recently, the fifth second-class merit citation was delivered to the family of Wang Zhongyuan, a Chinese Navy pilot serving with a carrier-based aviation unit under the Southern Theater Command. This marks the fifth time Wang's family has received honor of a second-class merit citation, China Central Television News reported on Thursday.

During combat readiness training in 2024, Wang was awarded a second-class merit citation. He has previously received the title of "Sea and Air Hunter" in the first naval aviation confrontation competition. According to statistics released by CCTV News, Wang has so far received five second-class merit citations and five third-class merit citations.

During a 2024 interview with CCTV News, Wang described an encounter with foreign military aircraft during a mission. The top tier pilot said that he faced provocation from the foreign fighter jets in a situation where two aircraft confronted four. He said the other side believed it had the advantage. This was the moment to test the resolve and will. Wang then carried out maneuvering actions to make his position clear and eventually forced the foreign aircraft to leave.

In the video, Wang said that the foreign pilots could understand what kind of pilot he was through his maneuvering, and that was why they eventually left. He added that from the moment a pilot sits in the aircraft's cockpit, risks no longer occupy the mind, and the only focus is how to defeat the enemy.

Wang was born in East China's Shanghai. He once gave up the opportunity to study at Fudan University and chose to enlist in the military through the air force pilot recruitment program. He is currently serving with a naval aviation unit under the Southern Theater Command Navy, media reported. 

Many netizens left comments expressing admiration and respect, calling Wang a hero and saluting his courage, skill and commitment to safeguarding national airspace and national security. Some praised him as an elite pilot whose bravery and wisdom exemplify devotion to the country, while others said his actions in defending the nation's airspace and earning merit citations were fully deserved.


Global Times