This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The East China Sea Branch of the China Coast Guard announced in Shanghai on the 6th that it has recently carried out various themed commemorative activities to draw strength from the spirit of the resistance war, guiding coast guard officers to remember history, honor the martyrs, and forge ahead with determination, fully advancing the modernization of the coast guard.
Recalling the years of war and the great spirit of resistance, a coast guard officer at the New Fourth Army Memorial Museum in Yancheng remarked, “Back then, the New Fourth Army fought bravely under the protection of fishermen. Today, coast guards and civilians work together to safeguard our maritime borders—this is the legacy of our heritage.” Coast guard agencies in Jiangsu, Shanghai, Fujian, and Zhejiang have utilized local historical resources to conduct immersive educational activities, transforming officers from “spectators” to “participants” and from “tourists” to “experiencers,” inspiring them with the glorious traditions of the past.
Recently, the son of revolutionary martyr Hu Wenjie returned to his father’s former unit, vividly recounting Hu’s heroic deeds and unwavering faith, deeply moving the audience. To further instill loyalty, the Fujian Coast Guard has invited descendants of martyrs, role models, and representatives to engage with frontline officers, keeping the revolutionary spirit alive and inspiring a new generation of coast guards.
In the turbulent waters of the East China Sea, coast guard vessels cut through the waves. “Target refusing to comply—prepare water cannons!” The First and Second Direct Bureaus have intensified training, simulating complex maritime conditions and emergencies to enhance coordinated law enforcement capabilities. As a veteran officer aboard the Yangshan vessel put it, “The spirit of resistance is not a relic in a museum—it’s the fighting strength we carry on the waves.”
Under the cover of night, helicopters take off. “Bearing 082, distance 4 nautical miles—investigate the target.” Despite low visibility, pilots press on, conducting aerial patrols, evidence collection, and maritime deployments. By training in unfamiliar waters and adverse conditions, they are building an integrated air-sea surveillance system for comprehensive maritime security.
Focusing on their core duties, the Jiangsu Coast Guard launched a joint day-and-night operation to enforce the summer fishing ban. In the predawn silence of the East China Sea, radar detected a suspicious vessel approaching territorial waters. After repeated warnings were ignored, the suspect vessel attempted to flee but was intercepted. The operation resulted in the seizure of six illegal fishing boats and nearly 4,000 pounds of catch, sending a strong message against violations of the fishing ban.
Guided by their mission, the East China Sea Branch is pioneering a collaborative “four-link” model to enhance maritime security. Through initiatives like “Blue Sea Shield” and seasonal fishing bans, they are strengthening military-civilian coordination, improving information sharing, and promoting integrated coastal governance to safeguard maritime interests.
From the flames of war at the Marco Polo Bridge to the steadfast dedication of today’s coast guards, the spirit of resistance continues to inspire. Standing at the dawn of a new era, the East China Sea Branch remains committed to its fearless traditions, accelerating the modernization of the coast guard to protect national maritime rights and contribute to China’s maritime strength.
