A photo of an on-duty Chinese armed police officer saluting his family recently went viral online. Many netizens have been touched by the scene. The soldier, named Wu Mengjie, comes from central China's Henan province. He was recently sent to a new post via Beijing West Railway Station after passing a strict selection process.

After learning about the transfer, Wu's parents paid a secret visit to their son at the railway station, together with his younger brother. The couple planned to watch him from afar, without being noticed, so wouldn't distract Wu. However, Wu found them in the crowd, and his eyes teared up.

Staring at her son, Wu's mother couldn't hold back tears. Wu was not able to hug his family or wipe away his mother's tears since he was on duty. Instead, he raised his arm and saluted them. Wu's 4-year-old brother saluted back from his father's arms.

"I'm deeply touched by the picture," said one netizen, adding that Chinese soldiers are the best in the world.

According to Ge Liangyin, Wu's superior, soldiers on duty have almost no spare time, and those on night shifts have to stand sentry until 10:00 p.m. Ge praised the 21-year-old Wu for never missing a single minute of his duty or asking for leave.

Wu's parents bought a newspaper after learning that their story had been reported on by media. They returned home on Jan. 16.