14 graves of Chinese soldiers killed in 1950 discovered in Hainan — ECNS
Fourteen graves, believed to contain soldiers of the Chinese People's Liberation Army who were killed during the Battle of Meiting in April 1950, have been discovered in Chengmai County in China's Hainan Province. Two burials contain remains suitable for DNA examination, ECNS reports.
Search for the burials
The graves were found in Changuang Village, where service members from one of the PLA regiments were buried after the battle. A joint search team began systematic work on August 19, 2026, using historical documents and testimony from local residents.
After more than ten days of fieldwork, the team confirmed the presence of 14 graves arranged in two orderly rows. According to a preliminary assessment, some of the remains may belong to a man aged around 27. This may provide clues for finding his relatives.
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Findings in the graves
Bullets, grenades, bowls, spoons, military badges and a five-pointed star for a 1949-model headgear were also found in the burials. As ECNS notes, this discovery confirms that the deceased belonged to the PLA. A Medal for Bravery was also found among the items.
Traces of ammunition belts remained on some of the remains, which may indicate that the military personnel were buried in their equipment. The remains and recovered items were secured for DNA identification, historical research and attempts to establish contact with the families of the deceased.
During the battle for the Fanqunling position, held by Kuomintang forces, the regiment, according to the publication, lost 68 service members killed, while more than 400 others were wounded.
