Wang Zhongyuan (Pilot)

Some Lesser Known Facts About Wang Zhongyuan

• Wang Zhongyuan was born in Shanghai and declined admission to Fudan University to join the air force pilot recruitment program.

• He later specialised in naval aviation and became a carrier-based fighter pilot in the People’s Liberation Army Navy.

• Wang earned the title “Sea and Air Hunter” during China’s first naval aviation confrontation competition, recognising performance in aerial combat training.

• He currently serves with a carrier-based aviation unit under the Southern Theater Command Navy.

• During combat readiness training in 2024, Wang and one wingman encountered four foreign military fighter aircraft during a live patrol mission.

• The encounter occurred in real airspace as part of training designed to simulate wartime operational conditions.

• Wang reported that the foreign aircraft attempted provocation, believing their numerical advantage provided operational superiority.

• He responded using controlled flight manoeuvres to signal intent and operational capability without escalating the situation.

• The foreign fighter aircraft withdrew after recognising Wang’s manoeuvring and response during the encounter.

• For this 2024 incident, Wang received a second-class merit citation from the Chinese military.

• As of December 2025, Wang has received five second-class merit citations and five third-class merit citations in total.

• In December 2025, his family formally received his fifth second-class merit citation, as reported by China Central Television News.