Squadron keeps Battle of Xiangjiang spirit alive

More than 90 years ago, the Battle of Xiangjiang, one of the deadliest and most decisive engagements of the Red Army's Long March (1934-36), unfolded in Quanzhou county, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.

Surrounded by enemy troops, the Central Red Army fought fierce battles to break through four defensive lines. Tens of thousands of soldiers died in the brutal campaign, forging a lasting spirit of daring to win, break through and sacrifice.

Today, the Quanzhou Squadron of the Guilin Detachment of the Guangxi Corps of the Chinese People's Armed Police Force carries forward this legacy through rigorous training and community service. The county's 168 preserved battle sites serve as outdoor classrooms, helping new recruits learn about the history of the Long March and the sacrifices made by revolutionary martyrs.

For Private Liu Mingsong, the spirit of the Battle of Xiangjiang became a source of strength during a grueling test of endurance.

Liu competed in a provincial armed police competition in 2025, but intensive training aggravated an old knee injury. After nights of pain that left him unable to sleep, he considered withdrawing from the competition.

His squad leader reminded him: "If you fear death, don't be a soldier; if you fear hardship, you should not join Quanzhou Squadron."

Inspired by the medals displayed in the squadron's honor room and recalling the sacrifices of the Red Army, Liu decided to press on.

He trained wearing a weighted vest and continued practicing despite blistered palms. During the 3,000-meter race, he battled sharp knee pain in the final stretch, ultimately finishing third and earning a third-class merit citation.

"The competition tests not only physical strength but also willpower. Peace today was bought with martyrs' lives. Protecting this land is the best tribute to their sacrifice," Liu said.

For the squadron, honoring the past also means performing everyday duties with dedication. The troops believe that even ordinary posts can be combat positions, and that every task contributes to the unit's overall readiness.

Li Meizhong, the squadron's network maintenance technician, has spent 11 years ensuring uninterrupted communications.

His responsibilities include installing and calibrating surveillance and radio equipment across the camp. Even after an overnight guard shift, he continues inspecting devices to ensure they are functioning properly. He also responds to equipment failures at any hour and, even while on leave, reminds teammates to check communication lines before storms arrive.

"Network maintenance has become part of my life. Credit belongs to those fighting on the front lines. Doing my job well is my best support for them," Li said.

The unit has repeatedly nominated Li for merit awards, but he has declined them.

The squadron also draws lessons from the experiences of fellow service members. Recruit Li Xiaokang, a new soldier with the mobile detachment of the People's Armed Police Guangxi, was invited to share his flood rescue experience at an educational event held by the squadron.

During the flood rescue operation in July, Li was clearing sludge when a waterlogged refrigerator crushed his left ankle. Despite severe swelling, he continued working, leaning on a shovel to remove mud even as medics advised him to rest and teammates urged him to stop.

"Every step hurt, but seeing the victims, I told myself I must persist. The more sludge I cleared, the sooner residents could come home," Li said, his eyes filled with tears.

Standing on the historic Xiangjiang battlefield, he said he had come to understand the meaning of sacrifice in peacetime.

The squadron keeps the memory of the battle alive in its daily routines. A wartime telegram from the Battle of Xiangjiang, bearing the words "We will either be victors or vanquished", is inscribed near guard posts to inspire the troops. The unit also regularly holds oath-taking and rifle-awarding ceremonies to reinforce its sense of mission.

These efforts have helped the squadron maintain a strong record in training, with the unit ranking among the top performers in detachment assessments for four consecutive years.

Over the years, its members have responded to floods, ice disasters and landslides. Thirty-two service members have received third-class merit citations, while 11 have qualified for officer training. The squadron has also earned honors including the title of "advanced squadron", recognition as a "four-iron model unit", four collective third-class merit citations, and regional awards for civilian support and ethnic unity.

The Xiangjiang River continues to flow, bearing witness to a history of sacrifice and perseverance. As the 90th anniversary of the Long March is commemorated, the soldiers of Quanzhou Squadron carry forward the legacy of the Battle of Xiangjiang, honoring the martyrs through dedicated service and their commitment to protecting the people along the river.