The Wanshan formation conduct towing exercises in waters off Huangyan Dao in South China Sea on July 8, 2024. Photo: Courtesy of China Coast Guard

Editor's Note: 

A dedicated group of individuals tirelessly patrol the South China Sea year-round, protecting China's national sovereignty, security, and maritime rights. These individuals make up the China Coast Guard (CCG). 

In the eyes of some foreign media outlets, they are seen as "aggressive actors in international disputes." But what is the true role of the CCG in the South China Sea? Beyond their legal, reasonable and professional law enforcement which were usually defamed by the US and its allies, what do CCG officers patrolling in Huangyan Dao (Huangyan Island) actually do in their work and how are their daily lives? What drives them to bravely face challenges and remain resolute at sea? 

Recently, Global Times reporter Lin Xiaoyi interviewed CCG law enforcement personnel on board the Wanshan vessel, who had just completed their mission in Huangyan Dao at the end of July. For these officers, the island is part of the coastal defense of their country, a workplace, and also their spiritual homeland. 

In an effort to dispel misinformation and blatant biases, we seek to provide a more accurate and authentic portrayal of the true presence of the CCG in the South China Sea.

This story is also part of the Global Times' "Witness to History" series, which features first-hand accounts from individuals who were at the forefront of historic moments. From scholars, politicians, and diplomats, to ordinary citizens, their authentic reflections on the impact of historical moments help reveal a sound future for humanity through the solid forward steps taken in the past and the present.

Steadfast sea guardians 

Gazing out into the endless sea, Captain Yin Gang of the Wanshan has always focused on the task at hand. "Keep an eye on the waters near Huangyan Dao, and do not let go of the waters that our ancestors have protected for generations," he continuously reminds his crew as they embark on their mission.

"Our main task is to arrive at the designated task area on time, deploy for patrol, and promptly identify and drive away any unauthorized vessels entering our territorial waters," Yin told the Global Times.

Every maritime officer on board the Wanshan ship has a profound understanding of the significant importance of Huangyan Dao, which is part of the Nansha Islands and is an inherent part of China's territory. China has continuously, peacefully, and effectively exercised sovereignty and jurisdiction over the island. 

Yin pointed out that each duty position on their vessel has established a 24-hour rotating duty system, ensuring real-time awareness of the patrol area's situation and the ability to respond immediately to any occurrences.

As a speed boat driver for Wanshan, Gao Xin is at the forefront of the action in the waters near Huangyan Dao. From driving away foreign ships trespassing into the area to combating smuggling, drug trafficking, and illegal fishing, Gao approaches each mission with utmost seriousness: He ensures that law enforcement personnel are safely transported to the target vessel at top speed for boarding control and law enforcement inspections.

"We meticulously analyze and perfect every aspect of our law enforcement procedures through rigorous training, drills, and evaluations," Gao said. 

Qiu Canhui, in charge of collecting evidence for law enforcement operations, is a firsthand witness to the professionalism and standardization of CCG's law enforcement efforts. Armed with a camera and a law enforcement recorder, he meticulously documents every step of the process on board the vessel.

Contrary to the negative portrayal of China's maritime law enforcement by some Western politicians and media outlets as "harsh" and "aggressive" in the South China Sea disputes, Qiu stressed that they have a solid and comprehensive evidence chain to demonstrate that the CCG's actions are always lawful, reasonable and professional.

"Some nations accuse China of 'bullying the weak' in the South China Sea, but the reality is quite different," Gao stressed. "Our forces remain professional and restrained, while those labeled as 'weak' often engage in provocative behavior. We will not tolerate such actions," he said.

"The presence of the CCG in the South China Sea brings reassurance," Gao told the Global Times.  

Having grown up in a family of fishermen in Weihai, East China's Shandong Province, Gao understands the challenges faced by those in the fishing industry. He takes pride in the fact that whenever he and his colleagues visit and support fishing boats, the fishermen always welcome them with warm smiles.

This year marks the fifth anniversary of the establishment of the CCG's maritime emergency response service platform. Since the launch of the platform, the CCG has effectively responded to over 68,000 incidents and carried out more than 6,900 rescues. 

On July 10, a CCG vessel belonging to the law enforcement formation of the Wanshan launched a rescue operation and helped rescue a Philippine fishing boat in distress in the waters near Huangyan Dao, with two people injured and in critical condition on board. After the incident, the Philippine side expressed gratitude for the humanitarian rescue by the CCG.

Facing storm together

CCG officers conduct law enforcement forensic training on the Wanshan, in July 2024. Photo: Courtesy of China Coast Guard

While in waters near Huangyan Dao, Yin found solace in immersing himself in the pages of the popular book The Three-Body Problem in his spare time. He deeply feels the insignificance of humanity in the vast universe. "Being out on the deep ocean only reinforces this notion for me, where even the largest ship feels like a mere speck in comparison," Yin shared with the Global Times.

Navigating the vast ocean is always a daunting task for all ships, but the brave crew of the CCG faces these dangers head-on rather than shying away from them.

In Yin's opinion, the smooth operation of a vessel relies on a cohesive team of brave and skilled individuals working together at sea.

For instance, the mechanical and electrical department is tasked with overseeing the engine room. This team works tirelessly to maintain nearly two-thirds of the ship's mechanical equipment. 

Stepping into the engine room is entering a world of noise and heat, with machines roaring and temperatures soaring to above 40 C. 

"In such a challenging environment, our duty officers must navigate through the chaos with a flashlight and walkie-talkie, relying on their heightened senses to inspect each piece of equipment," said Zhang Kaihua, the chief of the mechanical and electrical department, noting that many members of this department endure hearing loss and disrupted sleep patterns due to the demanding nature of their work. 

Although the mechanical and electrical department may not be directly involved in frontline law enforcement, their crucial role in managing essential resources like oil and water cannot be understated. 

"Despite the challenges we face, we are the backbone of the Wanshan. We are committed to ensuring the vessel's vitality, no matter what obstacles stand ahead," Zhang emphasized.

The members of the cooking corps in the vessel also face unique challenges as they work to provide four meals a day for all the officers on board. 

In the typhoon season, the ship is tossed by strong winds and rough waves, making the otherwise simple task of cooking near impossible. Despite the harsh weather conditions, the cooks stick to the kitchen, preparing a simple but hearty lamb noodle soup to comfort the hungry stomachs and weary hearts of every officer.

Before each voyage, the officers bring hometown specialties on board, creating a kitchen filled with nostalgia from all corners of China. Cook squad leader Tang Yiming used his pots and pans to illustrate these nostalgia among the crew, although he rarely contacts his own family while at sea.

"When I use a satellite phone to contact my family, hearing their voices on the phone might make me homesick and worried about receiving bad news," Tang said.

The free family phone calls set up on the ship trigger a surge of longing among the officers. Fortunately, the "3580" hotline set up by the Third Directly Subordinate Bureau of CCG is always available to listen to the concerns of the families of the officers at sea, providing assistance and assurance so the officers can focus on their duties.

A sense of honor

A CCG officer on board Wanshan is on duty in the cockpit in the waters off Huangyan Dao.

On board the Wanshan, the CCG maritime law enforcement officers have a special tradition of taking photos in their uniforms in the waters of Huangyan Dao. 

Whenever the weather is clear, Qiu busies himself taking photos of his colleagues on deck and then prints and laminates them, offering the printed and laminated copies as small gifts. 

"Everyone in the photos is beaming with pride and satisfaction, as wearing the CCG law enforcement uniform fills us all with a sense of honor," Qiu shared.

For Tang, the most unforgettable moments of each patrol mission are the arrivals and departures to and from Huangyan Dao. 

"Every time we dock at the island, it feels like coming home to a big family. The familiarity brings comfort as we know this place well. And as we leave the island after completing our mission, there's a sense of relief, because we can return to our own homes with our heads held high," Tang explained.

As cultural pillars aboard the Wanshan, Qiu and Tang work seamlessly together. During traditional festivals like the Spring Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival, they organize special performances and treat the officers to delicious delicacies. The atmosphere is always lively, with everyone singing sea shanties and their favorite patriotic songs like "The Motherland Has Entrusted Me with a Sea."

When they return home, the officers proudly show their families the stunning scenery around Huangyan Dao captured in their photos - towering waves, soaring seabirds, playful schools of fish, vibrant sunrises and sunsets, and their own confident and sunny faces as guardians of the sea.

"Family members also talk to me more frequently about the news they see regarding the South China Sea and the CCG." Yin feels very gratified as the CCG sails through the vast seas of the motherland, deepening the public's understanding of the South China Sea. 

"More people are aware that China has such a beautiful and rich maritime area," he said. "Now more people are taking action to build the South China Sea into a sea of peace, friendship, and cooperation. The sea area we are guarding will be more peaceful and beautiful."

As the Global Times concluded the interview, the Wanshan docks at the pier silently, exuding an air of serenity and determination. The crew members bustled about, diligently preparing for the next exciting chapter of their maritime journey.