PLA soldiers honored ahead of anniversary

Twelve military officers and soldiers have been honored as "the most beautiful revolutionary soldiers of the new era" ahead of the 98th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army, which falls on Aug 1. The honor list was jointly released by the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Political Work Department of the Central Military Commission, according to a report by Xinhua News Agency on Sunday. The list includes outstanding soldiers who have contributed to the military's development, as well as those who have been trained in real combat scenarios, the report said. It also includes innovative research experts, skilled craftsmen and border guards, the report said. The honored soldiers faithfully carry out missions entrusted to them by the Party and the people, showcasing the solid political loyalty of the PLA and their determination to overcome hardships, the report noted.

Flight opens between Beijing and Tashkent

Chinese carrier Air China on Saturday launched its first direct flight route between Beijing and Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. The inaugural flight landed on Saturday at Tashkent International Airport, where a ceremony was held to mark the milestone. Li Guangping, Air China's representative in Tashkent, said the new route will help promote exchanges and cooperation between China and Uzbekistan in the fields of economy, trade, culture and tourism. It will also provide a more convenient and efficient air corridor for people-to-people exchanges and the flow of resources between the two countries, said Li. Umid Khamraev, first deputy director of Uzbekistan Airports Handling, said that the new air corridor will help further strengthen the friendly ties between the two countries and contribute to the development of tourism and economic and trade relations. Operated on Boeing 737 aircraft, the Beijing-Tashkent flight runs every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.