LOfficers attend a tow training on China Coast Guard vessel Wanshan, on patrol in the waters off Huangyan Dao in South China Sea, on July 8, 2024. Photo: Lin Xiaoyi/GT

In August, the Wanshan vessel of China Coast Guard (CCG) successfully completed its patrol mission at China's Huangyan Dao (also known as Huangyan Island) and returned to Guangzhou, South China's Guangdong Province. Despite facing the harsh conditions of the South China Sea, including high temperatures, humidity and sun exposure, the dedicated coast guard officers on board worked tirelessly for dozens of days, conducting regular training, key drills related to maritime law enforcement, and providing escort services to Chinese fishing vessels in the area. 

The Wanshan formation conduct berthing operation exercise in waters off Huangyan Dao on July 4, 2024. Photo: Courtesy of China Coast Guard

Huangyan Dao, part of the Nansha Islands, is an integral part of China's territory. China holds indisputable sovereignty over Huangyan Dao and its adjacent waters. In the waters off Huangyan Dao, the CCG officers of the Wanshan have diligently carried out their duties, promptly identifying and driving away any intruding vessels in Chinese territorial waters to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and maritime rights and interests.

CCG law enforcement personnel on board the Wanshan vessel told the Global Times 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. 

CCG officers carry out equipment maintenance on the rear deck of the Wanshan, on July 18, 2024. Photo: Lin Xiaoyi/GT

Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), China has been dedicated to building a maritime power, leading to significant reforms in the maritime law enforcement system. The enactment of the Coast Guard Law of the People's Republic of China in January 2021 marked a new era of law-based performance and comprehensive construction for the coast guard institution. 

CCG officers celebrate CPC's 103rd founding anniversary on the Wanshan during their mission patrolling in the waters off Huangyan Dao on July 1, 2024. Photo: Lin Xiaoyi/GT

CCG officers on board the Wanshan are on duty in the cockpit in the waters off Huangyan Dao on June 17, 2024. Photo: Courtesy of China Coast Guard

In the three years since the promulgation of the law, the CCG has actively fulfilled its duties, responding to over 45,700 maritime incidents and carrying out 4,435 rescue operations, effectively maintaining maritime security and order in its jurisdictional waters. 

At the same time, the CCG has conducted an average of 33 international cooperation projects per year, playing a positive role in maintaining regional maritime security and stability.

CCG officers of the Wanshan take part in a rescue exercise in waters off Huangyan Dao on July 7, 2024. Photo: Courtesy of China Coast Guard

CCG officers watch a movie on the deck of the Wanshan on patrol in the waters off Huangyan Dao, on June 28, 2024. 2024. Photo: Lin Xiaoyi/GT

CCG officers aboard the Wanshan make dumplings at the canteen during their mission patrolling in the waters off Huangyan Dao, on June 28, 2024. Photo: Courtesy of China Coast Guard

CCG officers aboard the Wanshan take boats to transport supplies for other ships in formation in the waters off China's Huangyan Dao, on July 2, 2024. Photo: Courtesy of China Coast Guard