Li Jinshui, a veteran of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45), portrays a striking image of resilience and vigor as he nears his 100th year. Recalling the tumultuous wartime era over 80 years ago, his voice remains robust and his thoughts clear. Clad impeccably with a chest adorned by commemorative medals, he shared his experience during an interview.

Born in 1927 in a humble household in Xiabeizhang village, Wuxiang county, Shanxi province, Li joined the Eighth Route Army led by the Communist Party of China in February 1944. Li's village was a station for the army during the war.

The rural boy watched the army carry water and clean for the villagers, promote the fight against Japanese aggression, and save the country. "They were very kind to us, and I was deeply influenced by them," Li still remembers the Eighth Route Army's proposition at that tim