Chinese military honours pilot missing after spy plane collision
China's military has honoured the pilot missing and presumed dead after a collision with a US spy plane.
Defense Minister General Chi Haotian proclaimed Wang Wei as a "shining example" to the world's largest army.
More than 2,200 soldiers and paramilitary police watched in the Great Hall of the People as Chi read an order bestowing on the pilot the title of "defender of land and sea."
State television showed Chi and many military leaders on a stage in the vast hall in central Beijing. Behind them stood tall poles with red flags and a large red star.
It was the second major ceremony in honour of Wang, whose fighter jet crashed after the April 1 collision over the South China Sea.
"While on a mission to track and observe an American surveillance plane, he resolutely, coolly and boldly used his life to score a victory for patriotism and revolutionary heroism," Chi was quoted as saying by the official Xinhua News Agency.
"Comrade Wang Wei ... is a shining example to a new generation of revolutionary soldiers," he said.
The damaged US plane made an emergency landing on the southern Chinese island of Hainan, and China held its 24-member crew for 11 days in a stand-off with the United States.
One of China's top generals, Zhang Wannian, urged the 2.5 million-strong People's Liberation Army to follow the example of Wang's dedication.
Zhang, doffing his hat, handed a plaque to Wang's wife, Ruan Guoqin, who sat on stage with Wang's parents.
