Acclaimed Chinese artist, sculptor and environmentalist Yuan Xikun unveiled a commemorative sculpture of a legendary narcotics detection dog named Jijunxing, who was one of China's "Meritorious Dogs" for serving on the country's front lines against drugs, in Beijing Jintai Art Museum on June 24.

Yuan, the inaugural United Nations "Artistic Master for the Environment", is renowned for his environmental advocacy and animal-themed art.

Yuan said that the country's fight against drugs, safeguarding public health and security traces a pivotal moment to Lin Zexu's (1785-1850) historic 1839 opium destruction in Guangzhou, Guangdong province.

"For 185 years, China's resolve to combat drugs, safeguarding public welfare, national dignity, and progress, remains unrelenting," the 81-year-old artist said. "This sculpture honors all frontline defenders — human and canine — who shield society from the scourge of drugs."

Jijunxing, a Belgian Malinois, served diligently for eight years with the Dehong Border Management Detachment in Southwest China's Yunnan province.

Her remarkable career included assisting in cracking 137 criminal cases, apprehending 66 criminal suspects, and seizing over 80 kilograms of various illegal narcotics. She and her handler won multiple national awards, and in 2003, the National Immigration Administration named her one of the inaugural "Meritorious Dogs". She passed away on Nov 16 last year.

Yuan formally presented the sculpture to the Dehong Border Management Detachment. Zhou Zhou, Jijunxing's handler, attended the unveiling ceremony and will transport the artwork back to Dehong for permanent display. "This transcends art — it stands as an enduring symbol of spirit," said Zhou Zhou. "It will inspire all handlers to serve our sacred anti-drug cause with heightened resolve and excellence."

Reflecting his belief in interconnectedness, Jijunxing is not the first canine subject of Yuan Xikun's art.

"From search-and-rescue missions to narcotics detection and intercepting wildlife trafficking, these dogs serve as humanity's unspoken allies," Yuan said. "They guard human lives, property, and our ecosystems' integrity — silent partners in preserving biological security for all species.

"Their dedication compels us to advance animal welfare, strengthen legal safeguards, and further China's ecological civilization achievements — fostering a world where humans and animals coexist in harmony."

Known as the artist who has received the highest number of honorary medals from foreign presidents and prestigious cultural awards for his sculptures, Yuan calls himself a "son of nature" and feels an irresistible drive to create works on animals, using his art as a powerful voice for conservation.

Renowned music producer Qing Shan, grandnephew of China's national anthem composer Nie Er, composed the song Silent Partner as a tribute, inspired by viewing Yuan's sculpture of Jijunxing.

Grace Ge Gabriel, senior advisor on Asia affairs for the International Fund for Animal Welfare, said: "From shielding elephants and tigers from illegal trade to confronting threats of climate change, Master Yuan Xikun has pioneered the fusion of art and conservation. His tribute to Jijunxing powerfully reminds us that humans and animals share a common destiny.

"These silent guardians deserve our deepest respect and protection. When we uphold the dignity of animals, we build a more compassionate world for all."