The Honor Guard Standing in Front of "Air Force One": Standing There Represents Not Just Myself

[Global Times - Global Network Report by reporters Fan Wei, Deng Xiaoci, and special correspondent Yin Bo] On the evening of May 13, when the U.S. presidential aircraft "Air Force One" arrived in Beijing, a scene captured by White House reporters drew attention on overseas social media platforms. In the footage, the roaring "Air Force One" slowly taxied down the runway, the massive engine noise and the rushing airflow creating a strong visual impact. However, in the frame, a duty soldier stationed at the capital airport's tarmac remained steadfast, standing tall like a pine tree.

"This soldier didn't even blink an eye." Jon Michael Rash, the White House reporter who posted the video, wrote this on the overseas social media platform X. Many overseas netizens commented on the video, with many expressing admiration, believing that this scene showcased the rigorous style of Chinese soldiers and conveyed China's great power demeanor and elegance in important diplomatic occasions.

Who is this duty soldier who has received countless praises? How did they cultivate such a dignified posture? With these questions in mind, a reporter from the Global Times recently visited a unit of the Beijing Armed Police Corps responsible for this important special task.

In this unit with a special mission, the reporter met the duty soldier who shocked the foreign internet—23-year-old soldier Liu Zhencheng from a unit of the Beijing Armed Police Corps. When facing the reporter, this young soldier, who appeared resolute and heroic in the video, showed a youthful and relaxed side, occasionally revealing a shy smile during the conversation. However, when discussing the sacred position of "gate guard" and the sacred mission of "first post of diplomacy," his gaze instantly became firm.

Recalling the scene at that time, Liu Zhencheng introduced that "Air Force One" was less than 20 meters away from him at its closest point, and the huge noise from the aircraft's engines created an auditory impact, with the heat waves from the engines hitting his back. "But during our regular training, we strengthen our physical stability, allowing us to remain firmly in place," Liu Zhencheng stated.

Regarding the widespread attention his duty scene received on overseas social media, Liu Zhencheng admitted that it was somewhat unexpected for him. "Because for us, this was just a routine duty, just like our daily training." He further explained that in their regular training, he and his comrades conduct exercises according to "real combat" standards, so that they can maintain a calm mindset and complete every duty with composure when executing actual tasks.

During the interview, the reporter learned that to become a "gate" guard, one must undergo strict selection. First, the physical requirements stipulate a height between 1.85 meters and 1.90 meters, with a well-proportioned and upright physique—not too fat and not too thin. After selection, they face day after day of high-intensity training. To simulate real task environments, training includes settings for strong winds, noise, and other simulated conditions, requiring the guards to maintain standard military posture, stable form, and the best soldier image under interference and pressure. Due to the special nature of their tasks, duty personnel are required to "not wear light clothing in summer and not wear cotton in winter," with formal uniforms and military boots being their standard attire.

In the past six months, among the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, four heads of state or government leaders have visited Beijing. As batches of foreign heads of state and dignitaries continue to come to China, Liu Zhencheng and his comrades have repeatedly stood on the front line of major country diplomacy, with their duties becoming more frequent and their training and support tasks more compact.

In Liu Zhencheng's view, behind this busyness is the pride of a Chinese soldier experiencing the scene of national diplomacy. "I believe that the increasingly frequent diplomatic activities demonstrate our country's continuously rising comprehensive national strength." Liu Zhencheng stated that he will continue to stand firm at every post. "As a Chinese soldier, I am confident and capable of completing every task in the upcoming duties, continuing to showcase the image of Chinese soldiers and the image of major country diplomacy," Liu Zhencheng said.