In the summer of 2017, the blockbuster Wolf Warrior 2 smashed box office records for Chinese-language films and stormed into the global top 100 rankings. The creative text appearing on the Chinese passport at the film's conclusion deeply moved audiences to tears. Similarly, 2018's Operation Red Sea chose "overseas evacuation" as its central theme, dramatizing heroic tales of blood and iron. This inevitably makes us wonder: Who are these heroes? What kind of people are they?
As China's Belt and Road Initiative aligns with the UN's vision for "building a community with a shared future for mankind," Chinese enterprises abroad have become pillars of economic revitalization across nations. From the South China Sea to the Indian Ocean, from Southeast Asia to the Middle East and Africa, Chinese businesses and citizens are now ubiquitous. However, with overseas operations primarily located in politically sensitive, unstable, and remote regions, the security of corporate assets and personnel has become a paramount concern. In these countries, there exists a group of Chinese nationals wearing sand-colored uniforms with armbands bearing "China" and "Marine-Land Security" - neither construction workers nor investors, but guardians of China's overseas security interests: the Hanwei team.
In recent years, to protect our nation's overseas security interests, Hanwei has established footprints across Asia and Africa. Among its many national security managers, one country manager stands out for his wisdom, courage, and unwavering dedication - Zhao Ming, Hanwei's Country Manager for Sri Lanka.
A Scholar's Demeanor Hiding Unyielding Masculinity
"White shirt, black trousers, a backpack, and thin face framed by glasses - soft-spoken but remarkably articulate when discussing security expertise, a man of strong convictions." This was Hanwei International CEO Ma Luping's first impression of Zhao Ming.
As a marine engineering graduate in 2010, Zhao experienced security threats overseas that left indelible memories. Serving as a Chinese seafarer during peak Somali piracy, he frequently traversed the Gulf of Aden when private armed escorts were uncommon. Despite naval convoy requests, their 10-knot vessel would lose sight of escort ships within hours. Even with comprehensive anti-piracy measures, the rampant hijackings traumatized Indian Ocean crews.
Two years later, he serendipitously entered the then-nascent field of private armed escorts in the Gulf of Aden - a sector no Chinese company had yet explored. His prior experiences drove him to pioneer this industry, determined to protect more crews from piracy. Through trial and error, his team developed overseas security protocols, overcoming numerous challenges to successfully repel pirate attacks and ensure seafarers' safe return.
"My phone never powers off, with ringer volume always maximized - especially at night. Every message or call could contain critical security alerts where any miss might cause major incidents." Since entering security work, countless predawn emergencies have pulled him from bed until resolutions at daybreak.
From maritime to land security, six years have passed without thoughts of easier careers - only deeper commitment to this path.
From College Graduate to Danger-Confronting Warrior
Hanwei operates like a family where members support each other's growth. As overseas operations expanded, so did needs for international managers. Zhao consistently overcame challenges to deliver impeccable results within deadlines whenever assigned.
Having served in nearly 10 countries, international travel became routine for this overseas manager. Operating in unstable regions with poor security or frequent terrorism is inherent to the industry. Through accumulated experience, Zhao now expertly handles diverse threats, never compromising client safety.
Sri Lanka's strategic position along the Belt and Road attracted numerous Chinese investments. After market assessments in 2016, Hanwei launched land security operations there in 2017. Unlike typical assignments, this required long-term residency by experienced personnel fluent in English with Sri Lankan expertise. Then-Deputy Director of Command Center Zhao Ming submitted his candidacy, passing rigorous evaluations to become Hanwei Sri Lanka's inaugural Country Security Manager.
Extraordinary Dreams in an Ordinary Life Journey
Now in his early thirties but looking younger, Zhao jokes: "My heart remains 20, pursuing youthful passions." Though his specialized marine engineering degree promised global voyages, unfulfilled military dreams lingered since failing pilot recruitment at 17 due to nearsightedness. "Flying planes is impossible, but I fly increasingly often. Though past enlistment age, my profession parallels military service."
Land operations revealed diverse security challenges. At a highway project plagued by theft collusion between locals and workers, initial security deployments still suffered breaches, creating immense pressure. Through continuous protocol refinements, Zhao's team gradually controlled losses. As security tightened, thieves escalated to nighttime threats - hurling rocks at guards. For weeks, Zhao personally inspected posts nightly, distributing steel bars for protection while managing daytime paperwork on 2-3 hours' sleep. When stability finally returned, the exhausted manager slept soundly throughout his three-hour return trip, having lost seven pounds from stress.
A Patriotic Employee, An Absentee Father
When appointed to Sri Lanka, Zhao's wife was seven months pregnant with severe morning sickness. Despite needing care, she supported his deployment while relatives assisted in Hangzhou. Departing with professional determination and personal guilt, Zhao prioritized Chinese citizens' security needs abroad. Rapid business growth permitted only last-minute return before childbirth, with departure when their daughter turned one month old.
To his wife, he remains a good husband - sacrificing family time for national security. But to his toddler, he's "the bad dad." During one visit, his attempted hug terrified the unrecognizing child. "She wouldn't let me hold her at all - probably thinks I'm a stranger," Zhao laughed ruefully. Six months later, their relationship remains confined to video calls. While many expatriate families relocate together, Zhao's high-risk work makes domestic residence the safer choice - their wellbeing being his sunshine.
Through countless sunrises abroad, Zhao and colleagues pursue their dreams; amidst ocean tides, they safeguard professional aspirations. While families reunite during holidays, security managers like Zhao stand watch on frontlines. Facing dangers head-on, they daily reenact farewells to loved ones, embodying the spirit of Chinese international security through self-sacrifice, fulfilling their oath to protect national interests overseas.
