China Posthumously Honors 14 COVID-19 Heroes Including Dr. Li Wenliang as Martyrs

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[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Park Sun-mi] Chinese doctor Li Wenliang, who first revealed the outbreak of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) to the world, has been posthumously honored with the title of 'martyr.'

On the 3rd, China's state-run Xinhua News Agency reported that 14 people who sacrificed their lives fighting the virus on the front lines of COVID-19 were posthumously awarded the title of 'martyr.' Among them were 12 medical personnel including Dr. Li Wenliang, one police officer, and one community worker. Of the 14 individuals honored with the title of 'martyr,' eight are members of the Communist Party of China. In China, the title of 'martyr' is the highest honorary title given to those who lose their lives for the country and society. This is the first time the Chinese government has posthumously awarded the title of martyr to those who died in the process of combating COVID-19.

Hubei Province described martyr Li Wenliang as "a member of the Communist Party of China who stayed at his post and treated patients despite the risk of infection," adding, "Even when he was infected and hospitalized, he said he would return to care for COVID-19 patients after recovery. He possessed a kind doctor's heart and excellent ability to treat patients without fear of danger." However, there was no mention of any evaluation regarding his role in exposing the dark side of the Chinese authorities' initial attempts to conceal and downplay the outbreak of COVID-19.

On December 30 of last year, he shared news of infectious disease patients emerging in Wuhan through a group chat on social networking service (SNS) with seven fellow doctors from his alma mater. The information later spread to general internet users, and Li Wenliang was even punished for allegedly spreading rumors. He died on February 6 after contracting the virus while caring for COVID-19 patients.

Alongside Li Wenliang, the list of martyrs includes Wang Ping, director of Wuhan No. 8 Hospital; Zhang Xueqing, doctor at Wuhan Central Hospital; Liu Ziming, director of Wuchang Hospital; nurse Liu Pan of Wuchang Hospital; and young doctor Feng Yinhua, who postponed his wedding to treat patients. Hubei Province stated, "They practiced their mission of serving the people by sacrificing their lives without regard for their personal safety."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.