Zeng Xianping is a name well-known to Chinese fishermen operating in waters off the Xisha Islands in the South China Sea.

The 35-year-old naval officer of the People's Liberation Army has come to their aid many times.

"Each year, he rescues a number of fishermen stranded in typhoons, injured or in peril on the sea," said Senior Captain Liu Weiping, head of the political department of the marine garrison where Zeng serves. "It seems like rescuing or helping fishermen has become part of his job description."