Officers and soldiers of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, serving from the skies above to the depths below, stand united in safeguarding the country's territory, according to an episode of CMG's six-part documentary The Road to Victory, released on Saturday to mark the 99th anniversary of the PLA's founding.
The latest episode follows naval aviators and submarine crews through training and operations, highlighting the shared mission, sense of duty and fighting spirit of frontline PLA Navy personnel.
From warning off foreign aircraft approaching China's operating airspace to carrying out missions beneath the sea, the service members describe the responsibilities and commitment required to defend the country's maritime interests.
"This is PLA Navy. You're flying over our operating airspace and waters. Depart immediately. This is the PLA naval aviation. You are approaching our airspace. Depart immediately. Otherwise, you will be intercepted," said service members of a naval aviation brigade.
"I was chatting to a foreign soldier, and he gave me the impression that: 'Just a job. I just want to go home.' So I told him, 'You see it as just a job, right? Money, I don't care. I just want to fight,'" said Wang Zhongyuan of a naval aviation brigade of the PLA Navy, recalling an encounter during a mission.
For Wang, the mission is also about carrying forward the aspirations of those who came before him.
"Safeguarding this deep blue was the dream of Wang Wei (a deceased fighter pilot) from a generation before us. It is our generation's mission now, the vision we are determined to fulfill. My deepest desire is the feeling of being a victor. I believe that one day we will march into the deep blue with the confidence of victors," he said.
The episode also features submarine personnel, whose missions rely on stealth, endurance and teamwork during extended deployments beneath the sea.
"Every time we set sail, we leave behind our roles as fathers, sons and husbands at the harbor. In the deep sea, there is only one identity we share: soldiers. People often ask, 'In the sea, what do you fear?' We fear only one thing: When the day truly comes, we won't be stealthy enough or our blades won't be sharp enough," said Yang Lu, a submariner with the PLA Navy.
"The deep sea is the warrior's course. Stealth is our oath of loyalty. We dive into the sea for one reason only: In the deepest blue, there will always stand a Great Wall of Steel no enemy can ever breach," said an official.
"Become the Great Wall of Steel. Forge the blade of the deep," said submariners including Yang.
The Road to Victory premiered on Thursday on CCTV-1 (CCTV General Channel) ahead of China's Army Day, which falls on Aug 1, or Saturday this year.
PLA Navy safeguards China's territory from sky to sea
