Faraway outposts ensure safety close to home

As I lounged in the comfort of my well-heated home, a steaming cup of coffee by my side, putting the final touches on an article for my reporting assignment in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, I closed my eyes and attempted to summon memories of that icy, remote landscape on the nation's border.

Yet, it proved difficult.

Turning to my mobile phone, I scrolled through images of desolate border patrol tracks, snowcapped mountains and ancient glaciers casting a faint blue hue reminiscent of jade.

However, pictures still fell short of capturing the deep freeze and the isolating essence of the terrain.

For urban dwellers, particularly those in a bustling metropolis like Beijing where I live and work, the vast frontiers of the nation represent a world far removed from our everyday existence.

Following my journey to Xinjiang in mid-January, I returned to the hustle and bustle of Beijing and then immersed myself in the warmth and joy of Spring Festival celebrations in my hometown in Jiangsu province.

Gradually, recollections of that frozen world began to fade.

The significance and the challenges faced by the guardians of China's expansive borders remain largely unknown to many. Even for reporters who have personally visited and interviewed them, the rapid pace of city life can swiftly overshadow the details of those memories.

Yet, their steadfast commitment to safeguarding the territory directly contributes to fortifying the sense of security we experience in our daily lives.

Some of the border patrol police officers, soldiers and cavalry members I encountered have dedicated over a decade to their posts.

While their stories may not be widely circulated, they take pride in their roles and find continuous inspiration to persevere through hardships.

With the nation's socioeconomic progress, their living and working conditions have also gradually improved.

During my visit to a border patrol unit, I saw a new indoor facility providing a bright and warm space for soldiers to play basketball, work out, read books and play board games in their leisure time.

Family members of border police officers are sometimes invited during Spring Festival and other special occasions, providing opportunities for them to gather and savor precious family moments.

Some border units have also established communication channels with primary and middle school students in coastal provinces so that they can share their experiences with the younger generation.

Even though they are stationed in faraway outposts, their invaluable contributions should never be forgotten.

Contact the writer at wangxiaoyu@chinadaily.com.cn