rki.news | Source: Anadolu
Two Chinese military pilots were killed during separate training exercises last month, according to reports citing local media and official government notices.
Beijing has not issued an official statement regarding the deaths, and it remains unclear whether the two pilots were involved in the same incident.
One of the deceased pilots was 38-year-old Fang Ming, a senior colonel and tactical commander with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command Naval Aviation unit. Fang, from Anhui province, joined the military in 2006 and reportedly died during a flight training exercise on June 10.
A memorial service for Fang was held on July 3, attended by more than 200 people, including members of his unit. He was recognized as a martyr and had received military honors for his service and training achievements.
The second pilot, 25-year-old First Lieutenant Shi Shaoyong of the PLA Navy, also died on June 10 while serving with the Southern Theater Command. Reports said Shi was killed during a night flight training mission.
Authorities have not disclosed further details about the circumstances surrounding the two fatalities or whether the incidents were connected.