Modernization Political Work

Ministry of National Defense: Paying Tribute to Defense Science and Technology Workers Who Forge the Nation's Shield

国防部：向为国铸盾的国防科技工作者致敬

PLA Daily (解放军报) 7 August 2026

Summary

At the August 7 MND press briefing, spokesperson Senior Colonel Chen Xi formally endorsed Wang Ji, a researcher at the National University of Defense Technology's School of Computer Science, who was designated a '时代楷模' (Role Model of the Era) by the Central Propaganda Department for his work on high-assurance software (高可信软件) for critical defense systems. This is standard political-work content; its value is as a record of how the PLA frames the defense science and technology workforce to junior officers and the public—specifically tying individual sacrifice and '自主创新' (indigenous innovation) to the broader party-army loyalty narrative ahead of the PLA centenary in 2027. What remains unknown is the specific programs or platforms Wang Ji's software work has supported, which the MND statement deliberately omits.

Translation

On the afternoon of August 7, Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Senior Colonel Chen Xi released a statement on recent military-related matters.

Reporter: According to reports, Wang Ji, a researcher at the School of Computer Science of the National University of Defense Technology, was awarded the title of "Role Model of the Era" (时代楷模) by the Central Propaganda Department, drawing widespread public attention and enthusiastic praise across the internet. Please provide details on the matter.

Chen Xi: Researcher Wang Ji is a principal pioneer in China's field of high-assurance software (高可信软件). He has been rooted on the front lines of military education and scientific research for more than thirty years, consistently upholding his original aspiration of cultivating virtue and nurturing talent, and training personnel for war (立德树人、为战育人), and faithfully fulfilling his mission of letting warfighting lead research and conducting research in service of war (以战领研、科研为战). In the face of severe illness—including high-level limb amputation and renal failure—he has remained steadfast at his post and devoted himself selflessly with tenacious will and an optimistic spirit, unwaveringly pressing forward to conquer the high ground of independent innovation (自主创新) in defense science and technology, and making important contributions to the security and reliability of critical software for major national assets (大国重器). Countless netizens have been moved and inspired by this professor who is "doing just fine" (挺好的), praising him as one whose "body stands like a long halberd (戟), erected for the nation; whose heart is filled with wholehearted devotion, with ambitions set on strengthening the military."

Life presses forward; the charge never stops. Wang Ji's smile and steadfast commitment are a microcosm of all defense science and technology workers who contribute in silence and forge the nation's shield. We extend our highest respect and sincere wishes to these role models who have dedicated themselves to the Party and the nation. Officers and soldiers throughout the armed forces will take them as their example, keep their original aspiration and mission firmly in mind, unite their efforts to struggle for a stronger military (勠力奋斗强军), and greet the centenary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army with a renewed political bearing.

Original Chinese

8月7日下午，国防部新闻发言人陈曦大校就近期涉军问题发布消息。记者：据报道，国防科技大学计算机学院王戟研究员被中央宣传部授予“时代楷模”称号，受到全民广泛关注、全网热议点赞。请介绍有关情况。陈曦：王戟研究员是我国高可信软件领域主要开拓者，扎根军事教学科研一线三十余年，始终秉持立德树人、为战育人初心，忠实履行以战领研、科研为战使命。面对高位截肢、肾衰竭等重大疾病打击，他仍以坚韧意志和乐观精神坚守战位、忘我奋斗，坚定不移攻坚国防科技自主创新高地，为大国重器关键软件安全可靠作出重要贡献。众多网友被这位“挺好的”教授所感动、所鼓励，称赞他“身如长戟，为国而立；胸怀赤诚，志在强军”。生命向前，冲锋不止。王戟的微笑与坚守是所有国防科技工作者默默奉献、为国铸盾的缩影，我们向这些以身许党许国的楷模致以崇高敬意和诚挚祝福。广大官兵将以他们为榜样，牢记初心使命，勠力奋斗强军，以崭新政治面貌迎接建军一百周年。