A Chinese poet was awarded the Russia-China Friendship medal for an eulogy commemorating the shocking loss of 118 lives in Russia's Kursk submarine accident in August 2000, sources said.
Poet Mao Xiupu received the honor, which was awarded by Russia-China Friendship Association (RCFA), in Moscow during his recent visit to Russia.
Mao is the only foreign poet who made literary efforts to mourn for the Kursk nuclear submarine tragedy, according to RCFA deputy chairman.
Mao's eulogy, consisting of 54 poems, was translated into Russian and published in major newspapers and magazines throughout the country. The poems were posted on the Russian Navy website in 2001, to mark the first anniversary of the Kursk tragedy and attracted wide attention from Russian readers.
Sources with a Moscow-based magazine, which published the "Kursk Eulogy" in August 2001, said it will publish Mao's poems again on the second anniversary of the Kursk tragedy.
Other Chinese people from various professions have also received the Russia-China Friendship medal, the highest honor of its kind, for their contributions to strengthening friendly ties between the two countries.
(Xinhua News Agency July 18, 2002)
