Friendship Lasts Forever. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Tang insisted on his choice, which he believed was right, saying that was the nature of a soldier.

"When I learned some basic skills, I could add my own style to each character based on my understanding. I found pleasure in it," he said.

"Chinese calligraphy is like painting, bringing out the beauty of flowing lines. Only Chinese characters can achieve the height of art. All Chinese people should be proud of this."

For some time Tang was distressed because he felt he was not making any progress, but his teacher told him it was not that he wasn't making progress, rather his standards and expectations had increased.

He said his early years in the army gave him inspiration and he believes his handwriting style features the vigor and spirit of a soldier.