China bestows posthumous honors on jet director

BEIJING - The Ministry of Civil Affairs on Thursday honored Luo Yang, the production head of China's new J-15 fighter jet, by giving him the title of "martyr."

The decision was made after a consultation with the State Council, the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defence, which oversees the J-15 production work, the Aviation Industry Corporation of China, where Luo Yang worked, and the People's Liberation Army General Political Department.

"Martyr" is one of the most prestigious titles awarded to those who have died in protecting national security, fighting crime, undertaking diplomatic missions or carrying out rescue work and weapons and equipment tests.

Family of "martyears" can receive pensions granted by the government.

Prior to this, the Organization Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security and the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council had also conferred upon Luo the posthumous titles of "national outstanding CPC member" and "model worker of state-owned enterprises," respectively.