BEIJING -- In his role as chairman of the Central Military Commission, Xi Jinping has signed an order to confer a posthumous honorary title on a fighter jet pilot.

Zhang Chao, who died on April 27 when flying a J-15 carrier-based aircraft in a carrier-landing simulation, was given the title "Pioneer in Building a Strong Army."

Zhang, who had participated in several dozen marine patrols, joined the team of carrier-based aircraft pilots in March 2015.

The whole army and armed police forces were asked to learn from Zhang's virtues such as self-discipline and being bold enough to sacrifice everything for the Party and the people.

Zhang should be an example to those who strive for a world-class military, said the order.