Border protection emblem unveiled
Beijing will officially launch a national emblem for border control and coastal defence on Wednesday as part of the country's overall effort to strengthen sovereignty claims over the disputed territories.
The emblem, unveiled yesterday, bears the national flag, the Great Wall, an anchor, ocean waves, a shield and olive branches with the title 'China border control and coastal defence' in Chinese and English.
The emblem will be displayed by the State Commission of Border and Coastal Defence at all levels across the country and at its affiliated offices and facilities, the People's Liberation Army Daily reported yesterday.
It will also be used in a wide range of activities organised by the commission, including military drills, training and foreign affairs. Organisations and units involved in border defence can also use the emblem in their patrols and law enforcement actions, according to the report.
'The emblem is a symbolic representation of the crucially important status of border and coastal defence in our national strategy,' the paper quoted a leading official at the commission as saying.
The emblem can boost public awareness of border and coastal security and 'help boost loyalty and altruism among border officers,' the official added.
The emblem's official launch is on August 1, the 85th anniversary of the founding of the PLA. The launch comes at a time when Beijing has locked horns with neighbours over territorial disputes, including Japan over the disputed islands in the East China Sea, and the Philippines and Vietnam over the South China Sea.
Tensions between China and its neighbours have simmered for several months, prompting some military observers to urge Beijing to take tougher action.
Luo Yuan, a retired major general who is considered a hawk, said a passive stand in disputes did not serve China's long-term interest.
'The countries that ignored China's core interests have not been punished,' Luo told a seminar in Beijing yesterday. 'The territorial areas that belong to us will not be returned if we just passively 'wait and see'.'
