Music carries heroic spirit of Red Outpost

陈小将

Tang Yimo (center in front row) and fellow soldiers from the Red Outpost Company of the Chinese People's Armed Police Force salute after a performance in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, last month. LI SHANGYI/CHINA DAILY

Stirring music floats from a seaside military camp in South China, carrying with it the lyrics, "With fiery heart, shining eyes and unyielding bones, we tread through sweet fragrance and foul stench alike." On a small stage, singer Tang Yimo stares resolutely ahead, his eyes glistening with tears.

Tang is not only the singer-songwriter responsible for the inspiring tune, the deputy leader of the Red Outpost Company of the Chinese People's Armed Police Force, based in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, also represents the modern face of the outfit.

This Red Outpost Company boasts a long and proud history. Formed in late 1944, it took part in both the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the War of Liberation (1946-49), making significant contributions to the founding of the People's Republic of China through key battles such as the Liaoshen and Pingjin campaigns.

In 1952, the company was stationed at Chung Ying Street in Shenzhen, Guangdong, on the border of Hong Kong, which was under British colonial rule. In 1969, it was redeployed to Zhuhai, where it remains to this day.

On June 1, 1964, the Ministry of National Defense awarded the company the honorary title of Red Outpost Company.

Over the past eight decades, the company has been entrusted with major missions, including typhoon response and security duties for the Airshow China in Zhuhai.