Archive · 17 Nov 2025
Chinese Man Visits Aircraft Carrier Decades After Childhood Donation
When Chen was just five years old, he wanted to help make his country stronger by donating money to build an aircraft carrier.
Even though he couldn't keep his donation, he grew up loving military things.
Years later, he got to visit the amazing aircraft carriers he had dreamed of as a child and was given a special watch to remember the day.
Chen Youwen, a Chinese man, visited the country's aircraft carrier fleet decades after making a childhood donation.
As a five-year-old in 1999, Chen donated 140 yuan to support the development of China's first aircraft carrier.
His donation was returned due to regulations, but he maintained a strong interest in military affairs.
In November, the China State Shipbuilding Corporation invited Chen to tour its facilities and naval fleet, presenting him with a commemorative watch from the Fujian carrier.
Chen expressed pride in China's military advancements and encouraged others to learn about national defense.
- Who
- Chen Youwen, a resident of Qinzhou City, Guangxi Province, China
- What
- Was invited to visit China's aircraft carrier fleet and received a commemorative watch decades after donating to support the building of China's first aircraft carrier as a child.
- When
- November (current year), following his childhood donation in 1999
- Where
- China State Shipbuilding Corporation facilities and naval fleet
- Why
- His childhood donation of 140 yuan to support the idea of building an aircraft carrier was recognized decades later, highlighting his long-held interest in national defense and China's growing military strength.
- Donation Amount
- 140 yuan
- Donation Year
- 1999
- Age at Donation
- 5 years old
- Visitor's Name
- Chen Youwen
- Location
- Qinzhou City, Guangxi Province, China
- Aircraft Carrier Visited
- China's carrier fleet (including Fujian)