Soldier Wu Jie saved by troops in 2008, rescues others 18 years later
2026-07-15
Wu Jie comforts an infant during flood rescue operations in Guigang, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
As rescue forces completed flood relief operations and withdrew from waterlogged areas of Guigang, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, a poignant story emerged from the disaster response: a soldier rescued by People's Liberation Army troops during the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake returned 18 years later to save residents stranded by flooding.
Wu Jie, who was 12 when he was saved in 2008 and is now a soldier with an Army brigade under the PLA Southern Theater Command, was among the troops deployed to the flood-hit city.
Wu Jie heads to flood-stricken areas in Guigang, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
After Typhoon Maysak brought torrential rain on July 7, severe flooding inundated Guigang Senior High School, trapping nearly 4,000 teachers and students. Military authorities dispatched rescue forces. Wu and his fellow soldiers piloted assault boats through the flooded campus, evacuating stranded teachers and students to safety.
Wu Jie and his comrades assist rescue efforts in flood-ravaged Guigang, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Wu's commitment to rescue missions traces back to a life-changing experience in childhood. During the devastating 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, the then-12-year-old was trapped beneath collapsed buildings before being rescued by PLA soldiers. The sight of troops in camouflage inspired him to one day wear the same uniform.
Eighteen years later, Wu fulfilled that promise, returning to the front lines in military uniform to protect others facing disaster. "No matter how dangerous the situation is, I will always be among the first to reach people in need," Wu said.
