China's top defense engineering expert once again wins hearts

Qian Qihu, China's top defense engineering expert, has once again moved many netizens with his charity — donating a total of 500,000 yuan ($69,118) to help children living in poor conditions, CCTV News reported.

Qian, 87, was born in Kunshan, Jiangsu province. He is an academician from the Chinese Academy of Engineering and also the winner of China's highest military honor, the August 1 Medal in 2022. He also received the award of Person Touching China for 2023.

Qian, together with his wife and Kunshan Underground Space Technology Research Institute, donated 1 million yuan to Jinhui Charity Fund based in Kunshan, to care for de facto unattended children and children suffering from leukemia.

He set up the charity fund in 2013, which is named after his mother and wife, to help excellent students from poor families gain access to schools and quality education.

As of now, the program has assisted 1,331 students, with funding of about 13.6 million yuan and Qian has personally donated about 13.38 million yuan.

Many beneficiaries have not only received financial assistance but also have been inspired by the spirit of Qian, taking him as a role model.

"His assistance has not only enabled me to continue my studies with peace of mind, but also guided my way. In the future, I hope I can follow his steps and make contributions to our country's national defense," said a National University of Defense Technology student who received aid from Qian.

Qian has almost donated all his savings to the charity fund. "The value of life lies in devotion. I have devoted my whole life to our country and the people," said Qian.

In 2019, Qian was honored with State Preeminent Science and Technology Award, China's top science award, for his outstanding contributions to national defense infrastructure. He donated all the 8 million yuan he was awarded to help poor children receive education.

In 2020, Qian made two donations totaling 6.5 million yuan to support Wuhan in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Not only military defensive infrastructure, but also many national projects that have already played a crucial role in Chinese people's life have links to Qian's research work, including the Nanjing Yangtze River Tunnel and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge.