On October 18, in Urumqi, a 94-year-old veteran of the Korean War and a former soldier of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Jia Shuqin, reflected on the significance of this year, which marks the 70th anniversary of the Corps. “It’s not only a time to celebrate but also to remember. I hope the younger generation continues to carry forward the spirit of the Corps and builds Xinjiang even better,” he expressed.

During a recent interview at his home in Aral City, Jia passionately hummed a song that has left a lasting impression on him: “With heads held high and spirits soaring, we crossed the Yalu River. To protect peace and defend our nation means safeguarding our hometown…”

Born in 1930 to a farming family in Xuchang, Henan, Jia experienced significant challenges growing up. After losing his father at age seven, he lived with his grandmother and had to fend for himself by begging. He later moved in with his uncle, where he worked tending to livestock and collecting dung—tasks that filled his childhood days.

In February 1944, after learning that local militias were being formed in the newly liberated county, Jia eagerly signed up. During his time as a militia member, he dedicated himself to learning valuable skills, including communication and first aid.

When the Korean War broke out in October 1950, 20-year-old Jia was selected for the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army due to his technical knowledge. Reflecting on his military experience, Jia recalled, “At that time, our only thought was to defeat the invaders and return home to live a good life.” Although he knew he was heading into uncertain danger, he felt no hesitation when he received the call to duty on a cold March night.

Remembering the intense battles of the Korean War, Jia recounted the fierce confrontations at places like Shangganling, Songgu Peak, and Jincheng. “The cruelty and intensity of these battles are beyond imagination,” he said, noting that he had fought alongside heroes like Huang Jiguang and Wang Fubang, the latter of whom inspired a character in the film “Heroes Sons and Daughters.”

Jia also shared that during the Shangganling battle, his company was incorporated into the 15th Army. “Those who were physically strong would volunteer for the ‘Death Squad’ to charge at critical moments. I wasn’t able to join them because of my smaller stature—I was assigned to the second battalion along with Huang Jiguang,” he explained. Tragically, when he heard of Huang’s sacrifice while blocking an enemy gun, all the soldiers paid their respects by removing their hats.

After being discharged in February 1956, Jia returned to Xuchang but soon heeded the call to settle in Xinjiang. “Some hesitated because of the harsh conditions, but I was used to following orders and ready to dedicate myself to the frontier,” he said. He was then assigned to the First Agricultural Division of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, where he and his fellow soldiers began to cultivate the arid Tarim Basin.

As stars lit the vast Gobi desert at night, Jia and his comrades would gather around simple homes, sharing stories and dreams. “While the conditions were challenging, they were still much better than what we faced during the battles at Shangganling,” he reminisced. During those years, they transformed barren land into fertile fields and built irrigation canals.

In 1960, he transitioned to work in a dining hall at the water station of the Ninth Regiment. Ensuring everyone received proper nutrition during times of scarcity was no easy task. One particularly chilly winter day, when firewood ran low, Jia slipped into an icy river while scavenging for sticks. “I shouted out, ‘Don’t come near me,'” he recalled. “I could sacrifice myself, but I wouldn’t allow my colleagues to be in danger because of me.” His colleagues, however, braved the risk to pull him from the freezing water. “To have survived the battlefields only to face peril in peacetime—those bonds of camaraderie are unforgettable,” he reflected.

In 1962, Jia requested a transfer to the water station’s field operations, where he oversaw canal repairs and surveying. “As a Communist Party member, I was determined to go wherever the work was hardest,” he said. For the next twenty years, he worked tirelessly through scorching summers and biting winters, helping to build vital irrigation systems.

Although he retired over 30 years ago, Jia stays connected to current events, particularly focusing on developments in Xinjiang and national issues. His deep passion for his country remains unwavering.

Under his influence, all of his children and grandchildren chose to make their homes in Xinjiang’s Production and Construction Corps, settling in Aral. “I take great comfort in the fact that my four children, three granddaughters, and grandson have all made their lives here, contributing to the development of the frontier,” he stated with pride.