After 1968, with the increasing military provocations from the Soviet border patrol troops, the Central Committee and Central Military Commission of the Communist Party of China (CPC) decided to take corresponding countermeasures to strike back. The Central Military Commission instructed Shenyan Command and Beijing Command to prepare to use military means to strengthen the diplomatic hand. Observing the principle of justness, advantageousness, and restraint, the Chinese border defense force was allowed to fire back when warning failed to dissuade Soviet provocation from injuring and killing Chinese soldiers. With a well-planned target, the self-defense strike should occur at the right time, in the right place, and in the favorable political and military terms. In other words, “We will not fight unless we are sure of victory.” In other words, Chinese patrol team would never fight without a plan, without preparation, and without certainty of success. On February 19, the General Staff Headquarters and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs approved the plan proposed by Shengyang Command and Heilongjiang Provincial Command to wage a counterattack on Zhenbao Island. According to this plan, the border defense force established a provisional command, composed of three agile reconnaissance companies, and conducting intensive training and deployment.