| People's Armed Police Force | |
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 Flag of the Force (since 10 January 2018) | |
 Roundel of People's Armed Police helicopters | |
![Badge of the Force (since 1 August 2021)[a]](/mt/?noimg=&dark=on&url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.wikipedia.org%2fwiki%2fFile%3aChinese_People%2527s_Armed_Police_Force_(CAPF)_cap_insignia_(2021).svg) Badge of the Force (since 1 August 2021)[a] | |
 Sleeve badge of the Force | |
| Common name | 武警部队 (Wǔjǐng Bùduì; 'Armed Police Force') |
| Abbreviation | PAP ("People's Armed Police") Wujing (武警;Wǔjǐng; 'Armed Police'), orWJ as on vehicle license plates |
| Motto | 为人民服务 (Serve the People) |
| Agency overview | |
| Formed |
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| Employees | 1.5 million |
| Jurisdictional structure | |
| National agency (Operations jurisdiction) | China |
| Operations jurisdiction | China |
| Legal jurisdiction | People's Republic of China |
| Governing body | Central Military Commission |
| Constituting instrument |
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| General nature | |
| Specialist jurisdictions |
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| Operational structure | |
| Overseen by | Central Military Commission |
| Headquarters | Haidian District,Beijing |
| Agency executives |
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| Parent agency | Central Military Commission |
| Child agencies |
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| Notables | |
| Anniversaries |
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| Website | |
| chinamil.com.cn | |
| Chinese People's Armed Police Force | |||||||
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| Simplified Chinese | 中国人民武装警察部队 | ||||||
| Traditional Chinese | 中國人民武裝警察部隊 | ||||||
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| People's Armed Police | |||||||
| Simplified Chinese | 人民武装警察 | ||||||
| Traditional Chinese | 人民武裝警察 | ||||||
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| China Armed Police | |||||||
| Simplified Chinese | 中国武警 | ||||||
| Traditional Chinese | 中國武警 | ||||||
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| Armed Police [Force] | |||||||
| Simplified Chinese | 武警［部队］ | ||||||
| Traditional Chinese | 武警［部隊］ | ||||||
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| People's Liberation Army |
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| Executive departments |
| Staff |
| Services |
| Arms |
| Domestic troops |
| Special operations forces |
| Military districts |
| History of the Chinese military |
| Military ranks of China |
ThePeople's Armed Police Force[3][b] is agendarmerie of thePeople's Republic of China[4]: 121 primarily responsible forinternal security,riot control,counter-terrorism,disaster response,law enforcement andmaritime rights protection[5] as well as providing support to thePeople's Liberation Army (PLA) during wartime.[6]: 87
Unlike the civilianPeople's Police,[c] the PAP[d] is a specialized paramilitary force reporting directly to theCentral Military Commission (CMC). PAP officers and soldiers weardark olive green uniforms, different frompine green uniforms of thePeople's Liberation Army Ground Force (PLAGF) or the light blue and black uniforms of the People's Police.
The PAP is estimated to have a total strength of 1.5 million. It was established in its current form in 1982, but similar security forces have operated since the founding of thePeople's Republic of China in 1949. During theMaoist era, the PAP's predecessors were theChinese People's Public Security Force, initially under the MPS, and later thePublic Security Corps which was under the command of the PLA.[7] The PAP has been compared by both Chinese and foreign scholars with thegendarmerie forces found in many countries, most famously theFrench Gendarmerie,[8] but the main inspiration for the PAP's establishment and operation came from theInternal Troops of theSoviet Union and related paramilitary forces of theEastern Bloc such as the East GermanAlert Units, adapted to the specific military-political culture and thinking of theChinese Communist Party (CCP) leadership.[9] It has also sometimes been compared by Chinese media to theUS National Guard.[10]
The history of the People's Armed Police is as long as that of the People's Republic, and its origin can be traced back to the People's Liberation Army, which was responsible for both defending the nation from foreign invasions and maintaining internal security. Although the force was officially established in 1982, its constituent units stretch back to 1949.[11]
In July 1949, the CMC decided to establish theMinistry of Public Security (MPS) withLuo Ruiqing as its minister to organize the public security forces in the nation.[7] In August 1949, several security and public order units of theFourth Field Army were consolidated into theCentral Column of theChinese People's Public Security Force (PSF) to guard theParty and State leaders and to keep the public order in thecapital.[7] The Central Column provided security for the inauguration ceremony of the People's Republic.[7] From December 1949 to May 1950, regional security forces, along with the now dissolved Central Column, had been consolidated into divisions under the PSF.[7]
The PSF was assigned to the PLA and became the PLAPublic Security Force in September 1950, and the PLAPublic Security Corps in July 1955, reporting under the Central Military Commission of the CCP and the National Defense Council of the People's Republic.[7][4] Luo Ruiqing was appointed as the commander and political commissar of the PSF in September 1950 and remained on the posts until 1959, retaining the command of the PSF.[7][12]
As of 1960, the Public Security Corps was organised in 8,200-strong Public Security Divisions, which were deemed not capable of independent, sustained, full-scale combat operations.[13]
After numerous reorganizations and transfers of control between the PLA and the MPS, the People's Armed Police was created on 19 June 1982, combining the previous armed police,border guards andfire brigades.[7] The headquarter was set up in the MPS as a subordinate department.[14] The establishment of the PAP highlighted the efforts to increase the professionalization of the security apparatus, as well as the absorption of numerous PLA demobilized personnel,[15]: 228–229 in the wake of growing unrest.[15]: 229 The PAP was officially founded on April 5, 1983.[16]
The PAP was led by both the local government and superior PAP forces, which is called "Dual-Leadership"(双重领导). In practice, the local government (including the local party committee, local people's government and the local public security bureau) carries more weight. However, there were many confusions and loopholes caused by this ambiguous organization structure.
In the mid and late 1990s, CCPgeneral secretaryJiang Zemin significantly expanded and strengthened the PAP, with more than 100,000 new troops.[17] Jiang praised the PAP, describing it as "a major force for maintaining state security and social stability, the People's Armed Police shoulders a massive and formidable burden" and deployed it extensively inXinjiang andTibet.[17]
Up until 2013, the Border Defense Coast Guard was a part of the PAP. In 2013, it was separated and transferred to the direct control of theMinistry of Public Security and theState Oceanic Administration. However, in March 2018, it was announced that the Coast Guard would be placed under the People's Armed Police Force once again since the State Oceanic Administration was disbanded, but now as an independent branch reporting directly to PAP headquarters.[18]
Until 31 December 2017, the People's Armed Police had a dual command structure including the Central Military Commission (CMC) and theState Council through theMinistry of Public Security (MPS).[6]: 18
Prior to the 2018 reform, the People's Armed Police was further divided into eight corps: Internal Guard, Gold, Forestry, Hydropower, Transportation, Border Defense, Firefighting, and Safeguard Corps.[15]: 232 The Internal Guard Corps, which makes up for the bulk of PAP, is under the PAP Headquarters and reports thus to the party central committee and the CMC (Central Military Commission). The Gold, Forestry, Hydropower, and Transportation Corps, collectively known as the Specialist Corps, were by then under the joint leadership of PAP Headquarters and their respective ministries in the State Council.[15]: 232 The Border Defense, Firefighting, and Guard Corps, collectively known as the Public Security Corps, were then under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Public Security (MPS).[15]: 232
By law however, the PAP operates separately from the PLA.[6]: 18 and, in terms of conducting public security operations and relevant capability building, the PAP Headquarters is under the leadership and command of the Ministry of Public Security (MPS).
From 1 January 2018, command of the People's Armed Police is jointly held by theCCP central committee and the Central Military Commission (CMC), with the PAP no longer subordinate to the State Council.[19]
The reform was reportedly carried out in order to deprive the localChinese Communist Party authorities of the power to use the PAP units to commit abuses or against the leadership in Beijing, especially after theWang Lijun incident in which the PAP was allegedly abused by provincial party secretaryBo Xilai to surround the US Consulate inChongqing after a falling out withWang, the police chief of Chongqing at the time. Under the 2018 reforms, local authorities now need central approval in order to deploy the PAP.[20]
On 10 January 2018, the PAP received a new flag following the design of the branch flags of thePLA with three olive stripes at the bottom. The three olive stripes represents the People's Armed Police responsible for the three main tasks and force composition of maintaining national political security and social stability, maritime rights protection and law enforcement, and defense operations.[21]
On 21 March 2018, the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party unveiled a reform plan for the People's Armed Police Force as part of thedeepening the reform of the Party and state institutions.[22] Under this plan, the non-combatant elements of the PAP, the Gold, Forestry, Hydropower, Border Defense, Firefighting, and Guard Corps, are to be removed and the CCG is to be consolidated with PAP.[23] As of March 2018, the PAP is working with the Central Committee and the relevant organs for the transfer of non-combatant elements into civil service.[23] The Transportation Corps is the only remaining component of the Specialist Corps.
Until 2018, the Specialist Corps were responsible in constructing and maintaining highways and roads, surveying mineral deposits, fighting forest fires, and constructing large scale[24] waterworks like dams and levees as well as for water works maintenance.[25] The PAP is also called upon in emergency rescue and disaster relief operations within the PRC via the specialist and public security forces which can be forward deployed during such operations.[25]
With the 2018 reforms, Specialist Corps other than the Transportation Corps have been placed under other ministries. China Coast Guard (CCG) was transferred from State Council to PAP command, and the Transportation Corps has some units under the Mobile Contingents.[24]: 15
The Border Defense Corps and Guards Corps have been absorbed by the Ministry of Public Security (MPS). The Forestry Corps were merged with theChina Fire Services [zh] (also known as the firefighting corps) of the MPS and reorganized asChina Fire and Rescue (CF&R), it was placed under theMinistry of Emergency Management. The Gold Corps and Hydropower Corps have been transformed into state-owned enterprises under the supervision of the relevant State Council ministries (Ministry of Natural Resources andChina National Gold Group Corporation and China Aneng Construction Corporation, respectively).[24]: 15 [26]
From the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949, the paramilitary public security force has been reorganized numerous times. The current designation since 1982, thePeople's Armed Police, was first used between 1959 and 1963.[4][27]
The People's Armed Police is formally regulated by the People's Armed Police Law of the People's Republic of China (中华人民共和国人民武装警察法), adopted and effective since 27 August 2009.[28]
The People's Armed Police's primary mission is internal security. The first law on the People's Armed Police, the Law on the People's Armed Police Force (PAPF), was passed in August 2009, giving it statutory authority to respond to riots, terrorist attacks or other emergencies.[5][29] Such units guard government buildings at all levels (including party and state organizations, foreign embassies and consulates), provide security to public corporations and major public events, as well as counter-terrorism and handling of public emergencies.[30] Some units perform guard duty in civilian prisons and provide executioners for the state. The PAP also maintainstacticalcounter-terrorism (CT) units such as theSnow Wolf Commando Unit (SWCU) and variousSpecial Police Units (SPUs).[31]
In the Chinese policing system, the People's Armed Police concentrates on managing protests otherwise referred to as "mass incidents" and protecting important facilities and events, while the public security officers focus on handling crime and issues related to the maintenance of public order.[4]: 119 The People's Armed Police assists the regular police in operations where violent opposition is expected, in roadblocks and the protection of crime scenes. The People's Armed Police is also involved in anti-crime campaigns. In order maintenance activities, the People's Armed Police uses the preventive patrol, under the leadership of the public security organs, and sometimes in conjunction with them. When dealing with mass incidents, with gang activities and other risk situations, responsibility shifts to the People's Armed Police. However, the People's Armed Police also conducts exclusive patrols.[4]: 123–125
The PAP maintains both a division-sized mechanized infantry unit and a rapid deployment light motorized infantry unit, these units are tasked with responding to any possible armed mutinies by PLA soldiers. In wartime deployments the PAP can act as light infantry supporting the PLAGF in local defense missions and in support of the PLAN in naval operations.[6]: 87
While the People's Armed Police is principally charged with internal security and guarding key facilities and installations, it also operates as part of the international security efforts of the People's Republic of China, against both terrorism and organized crime. Mathieu Duchâtel for The National Bureau of Asian Research identifies the legal basis of the PAP missions abroad in Article 71 of the 2015 Counter-terrorism Law. According Armed Police Force University professor Zhou Jian, counterterrorism is a task provided by law for the People's Armed Police and operating missions abroad is an "irreplaceable means".[32]: 14–15
The People's Armed Police sent personnel abroad to receive training or provide training and participates in counter-terrorism exercises, especially acrossCentral Asia in bilateral and multilateral agreements.[32]: 65 [33]: 26 [34] PAP special operations forces are also deployed in the Chinese embassies of Baghdad and Kabul for the purposes of protection of diplomatic staff and property.[32]: 15
Since 2011, the People's Armed Police has also conducted operations along theMekong river with the security forces ofThailand,Myanmar andCambodia. These operations are aimed against organized crime.[32]: 13
Since 2014, the People's Republic of China established a security cooperation withTajikistan andAfghanistan on Afghan border, near theWakhan Corridor and inGorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region. The People's Armed Police is the main force for both bilateral and trilateral counterterrorism operations (mainly reconnaissance patrols in remote areas), being deployed south of Shaymak; the PAP has also conducted training for Tajik security forces.[32]: 13, 84–87
The Border Defense Corps has also been deployed inUN Peacekeeping operations. Between 2006 and 2018, the Border Defense Corps was deployed in peacekeeping 10 times, with a total of 1325 officers being deployed for peacekeeping.[35] This includesMINUSTAH, where out of eight Chinese peacekeeping deaths in the2010 Haiti Earthquake three were Border Defense Corps officers. The Border Defense Corps was also deployed inUNMIL, where on October 28, 2017, where the 5th PAP Deployment to Liberia (part of the Guangxi Border Defense Contingent) was awarded the "Liberia National Outstanding Contribution Award" by theLiberian Government.[35][36]
The People's Armed Police Headquarters is the leading and commanding organ that directs and administers all the units and provides guidance to it. The PAP has a commander, a political commissar and several deputy commanders and deputy political commissars.[25] The PAP also has departments responsible for logistical and political matters and several speciality departments.
Following adjustment and reorganization, the People's Armed Police is mainly composed of the territorial forces, the mobile forces, and the Coast Guard.[37]
The People's Armed Police Headquarters, placed at Theater CommandGrade, include five Departments directly under the Headquarters:[24]: 10, 32
Being of Theatre Command Grade, the People's Armed Police is led by a full General.[39]
The People's Armed Police has a number of training institutions, likely overseen by the Training Bureau of the Staff Department.[24]: 32 [39]
New constables of the People's Armed Police are drawn from the general military conscription pool, but they are trained in the People's Armed Police basic training units.[40]: 28
According to Zi Yang, the state of the education and training system as of 2016 suffered of issues which negatively affected the quality of education.[41]
The People's Armed Police Academy tasked with officer education and training for duties related to the missions entrusted to the People's Armed Police, including, since 2001, UN peacekeeping.[42] The People's Armed Police Academy is headquartered inLangfang, ofHebei. The People's Armed Police Academy started to recruit cadets in 1984; since 1997, it has begun to issue bachelor's degrees; in 2003 it was allowed to issue master's degrees. According to a 2019 source, it is subordinate to the Ministry of Public Security.[42] The PAP Academy is a Corps Leader Grade command, and thus it is led by a major general who serves as Superintendent.[24]: 32 [39] All graduates to the academy are commissioned into the PAP as Second Lieutenants (equivalent of Ensigns for those commissioned into the Coast Guard).
The People's Armed Police Logistics Academy is a training body aimed to train People's Armed Police personnel in handling logistics. According to Unit Tracker, the university include subjects as applied economics, military and paramilitary logistics, as well as engineering.[43] The Logistics Academy is a Corps Leader Grade command, and thus it is led by a major general.[24]: 32 [39]
Mobile contingents (Chinese:机动总队;pinyin:jīdòng zǒngduì) are large formations without fixed areas of responsibility. Two were created after the 2018 reforms; most of the subordinate units came from the 14 disbanded mobile divisions. Mobile contingents are corps leader grade formations[24]: 12–13 commanded by major generals.[39]
The mobile contingents are mainly responsible for dealing with terrorism, violent crime, riots, and public security threats.[15]: 233
The 1st Mobile Contingent is based inShijiazhuang,Hebei, south ofBeijing. The Contingent covers northern and central China, includingBeijing.[44] The 1st Mobile Contingent consists of:[24]: 14
The 2nd Mobile Contingent is headquartered inFuzhou, with units concentrated inFujian and surrounding provinces along the coast (covering eastern and southern China).[24]: 13 The 2nd Mobile Contingent consists of:[24]: 14
The incumbent Commander is Major General Chen Hongwu, while the Political Commissar is Major General Yang Zhenguo.
The major part of the PAP is thenèiwèi bùduì (Chinese:内卫部队); translations include "internal security forces",[24]: 2 "internal security troops",[41] and "internal guards corps".[15]: 232 Internal security forces are divided intoprovincial-level formations[24]: 11–12 with geographical areas of responsibility.[24]: 2 They are subordinated to PAP headquarters;[24]: 10 the 2017-2018 reforms removed control of PAP units from local government.[24]: 11–12 Internal security forces are focused on domestic security missions, maintaining stability in western China, guarding government compounds, disaster relief, and responding to major anti-government unrest.[24]: 2
Thezǒngduì (Chinese:总队) is the provincial formation. They are called "corps" by the PAP;[45][46][47] Western analysts have used "contingent",[24]: 32 "general corps", and "detachment".[15]: 234 Most are corps deputy leader grade formations. The exceptions are the Beijing and Xinjiang contingents which are corps leader grade; their subordinate entities, except for the logistics and equipment bureaus, are one grade higher than in the other contingents.[24]: 32 Hong Kong andMacau do not have contingents.[41] Contingents have mobile detachments and duty detachments (Chinese:执勤支队;pinyin:zhíqín zhīduì).[24]: 22
Duty detachments protect government compounds and perform routine duties; they may exist because the CCP lacks confidence in the ability of local public security forces to handle "mass incidents".[24]: 22
Mobile detachments (Chinese:机动支队;pinyin:jīdòng zhīduì) are rapid reaction units roughly corresponding to PLAGF regiments.[24]: 12 Some were existing contingent mobile units before the reforms.[24]: 36 Most were transferred from the disbanded mobile divisions.[24]: 12 Most contingents have one.[24]: 12 In general, western provinces with large non-Han population have more than those in China's interior.[48]: 16
Contingents are further subdivided at lower administrative levels. Regimental-level detachments (Chinese:支队;pinyin:zhīduì) are found in provinces,prefectures, and specifically designated cities. Battalions (Chinese:大队;pinyin:dadui) are located in districts of the important cities andcounties. Companies (Chinese:中队;pinyin:zhōngduì) are found in counties.[15]: 234 [24]: 7 All contingents have subordinate elementary command colleges.[25]
The MPSASF were agencies of theMinistry of Public Security who were manned by People's Armed Police Personnel.
The Border Defense Corps was formerly an agency under the MPSASF that was in charge of border patrol and immigration inspection.
The Guard Corps were formerly in charge of VIP protection and protection of provincial leaders.
The China Fire Services was China's Primary firefighting agency prior to 2018. It was also known as the Firefighting corps.
Prior to the 2018 reforms, thePeople's Armed Police Transportation Corps [zh] (Chinese:武警交通部队) was its own independent corps under the dual command of the PAP and theMinistry of Transport.[49] During the 2018 reforms, the Transportation Corps was reorganized into part of the1st and2nd mobile contingents.[49][24] The mission of Transport units of the People's Armed Police is to conduct disaster relief and emergency repair on highways, bridges, tunnels, seaports railways and airports, security to construction projects related to national security along withlaw enforcement duties on highways in border regions.[50]
The lineage of the 1st Transportation Detachment, 2nd Mobile Contingent dates back to the2nd World War, when it was known as theLaiyuan guerilla detachment of theJin-Cha-Ji Military district. It participated in theChinese civil war,WW2 and theKorean war. After becoming part of thePLA Basic Engineering Corps [zh] it was deployed to build theDuku Highway in 1974 in which 47 personnel lost their lives.[49]
Prior to 1984, the transportation corps was part of thePeople's Liberation Army Basic Engineering Corps [zh].[49]
The 7th Transportation Detachment assisted in disaster relief after the2015 Tianjin explosions.[51]
The 6th Detachment of the transportation corps deployed 105 officers and 48 vehicles forurban search and rescue duties during the2015 Shenzhen landslide.[52]
After the 2018 reforms, the transportation corps was reorganized into 5 detachments in the 1st and 2nd Mobile Contingents:[24][49]
In 2015, Ex-Transportation corps commander Major GeneralLiu Zhanqi, Ex-Transportation corps Political commissar Major GeneralWang Xin [zh] and Ex-Transportation Corps Chief engineer Major GeneralMiao Guirong [zh] were arrested on June 16, July 31 and September 15 respectively on corruption-related charges as part of theanti-corruption campaign under Xi Jinping. As of September 16, 2015, a total of 43 people were arrested in relation to the case.[57]
| Badge of the Forestry corps | |
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ThePeople's Armed Police Forestry Corps [zh] (Chinese:武警森林部队) was a former branch of the PAP which did tasks such asfighting Wildfires and law enforcement in forest areas, along with protecting wildlife,[61] disaster relief.[62] When it was active, it was the only military branch on Earth whose task wasfighting wildfires. It was nicknamed the "Fearless Red Boys".[63][64] The Forestry Corps was officially disbanded on October 10, 2018.[65]
The Forestry Corps can trace its lineage to theArmed Forest Protection Battalions (Chinese:武装护林大队); There were a total of four battalions; Each of theHejiang,Songjiang,Longjiang andJilin provinces consisted of one Armed Forest Protection Battalion. Founded on August 25, 1948, these units were created to conductcounterinsurgency operations againstJapanese/Collaborator holdouts (This role was also later expanded toKMT holdouts after theChinese Civil War), bandits and triads inNortheast China, which would often raid local villages and commit acts of arson, causing wildfires. At the time of establishment, each had 960 soldiers (3840 soldiers, all battalions combined). The Armed Forest Protection Battalions would often disguise themselves as hunters during recon, and usedCavalry tactics. By October 16, 1950, each battalion had 1600 soldiers (6400 Soldiers total). According to archives, by 1952, the Armed Forest Protection Battalions had killed a total of 6 KMT and American spies along with capturing a total of 46 spies, 34 triad members and 71 illegal migrants along with 68 firearms, multiple tens of thousand rounds of ammunition, multiple kilograms of drugs and prevented a total of 7 vandalism incidents.[63][64]
On May 11, 1953, the Armed Forest Protection Battalions were transferred to thePeople's Economic Police [zh] and renamed to theForest Protection Police (Chinese:护林警察队). Its task was to patrol forests, prevent illegal entry of protected areas and to serve as lookouts for forest fires. It often continued to have shootouts with KMT/American spies along with bandits and assisted with protectinglumberjacks andlogging facilities. The Forest Protection Police continued to use Cavalry, and were seen in photos withMosin Nagant rifles. In the first few months of its founding, the Forest Protection Police lost many officers due to disorientation, and in October 1953, the Forest Protection Police began mapping forest regions of China and issuing crude maps to its officers. Due to the logistics issues of boots-on-the-ground firefighting, in 1960 the Forest Police received 122 paratroopers and founded theForest Police Smokejumper Company (Chinese:森警空降扑火中队) for rapid deployment against wildfires. TheLisunov Li-2 was used by the Smokejumper Company. On 27 May 1965 the Company saw its first action, deploying 10Smokejumpers to assist with fighting a wildfire inDaxing'anling Prefecture. In 1978, the Smokejumper Company was renamed to theAirborne Detachment (Chinese:森警机降支队). Between its establishment and 1981, the Airborne Detachment was deployed to fight a total of over 325 wildfires, however its fate past 1981 is currently unknown.[63]
On April 18, 1978, the Forest Police became a volunteer force with three years of service. On May 3, 1984, the Forest Police became part of the People's Armed Police and was under the dual command of the People's Armed Police and theNational Forestry Administration.[26] On January 13, 1988, thePeople's Armed Police Forestry Corps [zh] was officially established.[63] On February 10, 1999, the Forestry Corps HQ,Inner Mongolia Contingent,Heilongjiang Contingent,Jilin Contingent andYunnan Detachment (later upgraded to contingent level)[66] were founded, in 2002 theSichuan Contingent,Tibet Contingent andXinjiang Contingent were founded, and in 2007 theFujian Contingent, theGansu Contingent andMobile Detachment [zh] were founded.[63] On July 22, 2009, thePeople's Armed Police Headquarters Helicopter Detachment [zh] was founded.[67][68] It was stationed inDaqing and operatedZ-8 Helicopters, which were used for search and rescue, personnel transport andfirefighting. The Helicopter Detachment had the nickname "Heroic Firefighting Hawks".[69] AC313s were also ordered.[70]
After the2008 Sichuan Earthquake, the Forestry Corps deployed over 2000 personnel to assist with rescue efforts. In total, the forestry corps evacuated 14,000 people, rescued 8 survivors, recovered the bodies of 1,200 victim along with transporting 2,000 tonnes of aid, repairing 40 km of roads and rescuing 86giant pandas.[71]
On September 16, 2015, the Forestry CorpsLijiang Detachment was deployed toHuaping county to conduct post-flood disaster relief efforts, rescuing 10 people and transporting 60 tonnes of aid.[62]
On March 22, 2018, it was announced that the Forestry Corps was merged into theNational Fire and Rescue Administration, becoming a purely civilian firefighting agency and losing its law enforcement duties. The 13 Provincial Forestry Contingents were converted into Forest fire contingents; the Mobile Detachment was renamed to the National Fire and Rescue Administration Mobile Detachment. The Helicopter Detachment was renamed to the National Fire and Rescue Administration Daqing Aerial Rescue Detachment, and the 2nd Group, Helicopter Detachment was renamed to theNational Fire and Rescue Administration Kunming Aerial Rescue Detachment [zh].[63][26][72][68] The merge was officially finalized on 15:00, September 29, 2018.[73]
On June 2, 2018, large scale wildfires sprung up inDaxing'anling Prefecture. A total of 7000 Forestry Corps personnel were deployed from the Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang and Jilin contingents to suppress the wildfire.[74]
Between 1948 and 2018, the Forestry Corps and it's predecessors conducted a total of 16,000 wildfire fighting operations and 43,000 law enforcement operations. A total of 236 units and personnel received honorary titles, and 92 units and personnel received1st Class Meritorious Service Medals.[63]
Prior to the 2018 reforms, thePeople's Armed Police Gold Corps [zh] (Chinese:武警黄金部队) was a branch of the PAP whose role switched multiple times in history, however it was mostly dedicated to finding gold deposits,mining gold and providing law enforcement atgold mines.[26][75]
| Badge of the Gold Corps | |
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It was founded in March 1979 as part of thePeople's Liberation Army Basic Engineering Corps [zh]. It was under the joint dual command of the Basic Engineering Corps and theMinistry of Metallurgical Industry [zh].[76]
It consisted of 7 regiment level battalions and 12 geological teams.[76]
The Gold Corps was handed to the PAP in January 1985.[75] After 1985, it went under the dual control of theMinistry of Metallurgical Industry [zh] andMinistry of Public Security. It's role in this time was to do geological surveys for gold mining.[76]
After February 1999, it went under the dual control of the People's Armed Police and theState Economic and Trade Commission [zh]. It's official duties were: finding gold deposits, providing security and law enforcement to gold mines, mining gold and preventing conflict near gold mines.[76]
By 2011, the gold corps had mined 1800 tonnes of gold.[77] The same year in December, it's official role switched again to geological surveying and metal analysis along with disaster relief to geological related incidents and law enforcement.[76]
In 2016, it's role was switched yet again to focus primarily onmilitary geology related work in theDeepening National Defense and Military Reform.[76]
In 2018, the Gold Corps was disbanded and its personnel were handed to theMinistry of Natural Resources, theChina Geological Survey and theChina National Gold Group Corporation.[26]
In September 2020, Some former Gold Corps units were reactivated and transferred to theChina Geological Survey under different names.[78]
| Emblem of the Hydropower Corps | |
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Prior to the 2018 reforms, thePeople's Armed Police Hydropower Corps [zh] (Chinese:武警水电部队) was a specialist corps of the People's Armed Police. After the 2018 reforms, it was reorganized into theChina Anneng Construction Group (中国安能建设集团), astate owned corporation for construction and disaster relief.[26][83]
Prior to 2018, the Hydropower Corps was in charge of managing, constructing and providing law enforcement to hyrdropower facilities along withflood management.[84][24]
In Summer 1950, due to theHuai River flooding,Mao Zedong andZhou Enlai laid plans to deploy military forces for flood disaster relief. On February 8, 1952, theEast China Field Army's 90th Division was recalled from Northeast China (where it was originally meant to participate in the Korean war) and reorganized into the 1st and 2nd hydraulic engineering divisions, and deployed to conductflood management.[84][85] In Spring of 1955, the 1st and 2nd hydraulic engineering divisions were disbanded, with its personnel becoming civilian engineers.[85]
Due to local civilian engineers having lower efficiency, on March 30, 1966, this was reported to Mao who established thePeople's Liberation Army Basic Engineering Corps [zh] 4th Column re-organization office to prepare for re-mobilizing troops for the purpose of flood management.[85] On August 1, 1966, inYingxiuwan Damn (映秀湾水电站),Wenchuan County thePeople's Liberation Army Basic Engineering Corps [zh] 61st Detachment was established.[85][84]
On August 22, 1978, thePeople's Liberation Army Basic Engineering Corps [zh] 63rd Detachment was established to construct theWan'an Dam [zh] inWan'an County. The 63rd Detachment contained 6 battalions, with its first commander being Chen Shuguang, a Chinese Civil War veteran.[85]
On August 19, 1982, the Basic Engineering Corps was disbanded; Personnel of the Hydropower units of the Basic engineering corps became PAP personnel on January 1, 1985, and in February 1999 the Hydropower corps went under the command of the People's Armed Police.[85][84]
On July 1, 2009, the Hydropower Corps officially became part of China's emergency management system as a disaster relief agency.[84]
The 3rd Hyrdopower Deteachment's Search and Rescue Company was established in August 2013 and was the elite unit of the Hydropower Corps dedicated toUrban Search and Rescue.[86]
Throughout its history, the Hydropower corps has been involved in the construction of over 50 hydropower projects, including theThree Gorges Dam,Wan'an Dam [zh] andLongtan Dam, along with providing aid and rescue to many disasters, such as the2014 Ludian earthquake and2015 Shenzhen landslide.[86][85][84]
The Hydropower corps was deployed for search and rescue after the2013 Qingdao oil pipeline explosion.[87]
After the2014 Ludian earthquake, the 1st Hydropower Contingent deployed 263 personnel to conduct an emergency demolition operation of Changhai Dam, which after the earthquake had huge risk of adam failure.[88]
The Hydropower corps was officially disbanded on August 30, 2018, and was handed over to the China Anneng Construction Group in April 2019.[89]
The Chinese People's Armed Police Force Coast Guard Bureau, also abbreviated asChina Coast Guard is the agency for maritime search and rescue and law enforcement in the territorial waters of thePeople's Republic of China. The China Coast Guard was formerly the maritime branch of the People's Armed Police (PAP) Border Security Force under theMinistry of Public Security until 2013. In March 2013, China announced it would form a unified Coast Guard commanded by theState Oceanic Administration. This renewed Coast Guard has been in operation since July 2013. As of July 1, 2018, theChina Coast Guard was transferred from civilian control of the State Council and theState Oceanic Administration, to the People's Armed Police, ultimately placing it under the command of the Central Military Commission (CMC).
According to Joel Wuthnow, the Coast Guard Command within the People's Armed Police possibly is of Corps Leader Grade, led by a Commandant who is usually holding Major General (Rear Admiral) rank.[24]: 32
In June 2018, China Coast Guard was granted maritime rights and law enforcement akin civilian law enforcement agencies in order to carry out contrast of illegal activities, keep peace and order, as well as safeguarding security at sea, when performing duties related to the use of marine resources, protection of marine environment, regulation of fishery, and anti-smuggling.[90]
The People's Armed Police maintains several Special Police Units. They were established in Beijing in early 1980s and in 1983 the first of them was transferred to the People's Armed Police as the People's Armed Police Special Police Group. In 1985 the Group became People's Armed Police Special Police School and, in 2002, it became the People's Armed Police Special Police Academy.[4]: 123 [91] In 2002, the Snow Wolf Commando Unit, since 2007 Snow Leopard Commando Unit, was established in Beijing as the second special police unit.[4]: 123 [91] According to Joel Wuthnow, the Snow Leopard Commando Unit was moved from the Beijing Corps to the 2nd Mobile Contingent in 2018.[24]: 36
The special police units are tasked to carry out counter terrorism missions, riot control, anti-hijacking and bomb disposal.[91]
Local special operations units receiveExplosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) training,[92]fast roping,[93] counterinsurgency tactics,[94] along with training inhostage rescue andhostage negotiation.[95]
In a 2019fast-roping military competition between provincial special operations units, the following provincial special operations units achieved the following scores:[93]
Special Police Units are organized and placed at the Municipal[94] and Provincial level.[91]
In addition, the 1st and 2nd Mobile Contingents maintain a total of 5 Special Operations Detachments.[24]: 12–13
Municipal detachments each have their own Special Operations Company.[96][95] Each provincial corps (Chinese:总队;pinyin:Zǒngduì) establishes and maintains a special operations detachment as part of its own territorial organization.[91][92] The provincial special operations detachment of theXinjiang Corps [zh] is theMountain Eagle Commando Unit.[24] In some provincial corps, the special operations unit is company sized and is placed under the mobile detachment.[97]
TheHebei Corps [zh] Mobile Detachment's 1st Special Operations Company is known as the "Sky Sword" unit (Chinese:天剑突击队). It can trace it's lineage back to the 7th Company, 3rd Battalion of the28th Group Army's 84th Infantry Division's 251st Regiment which was involved in theBattle of Jinan and theHuaihai campaign. In its entire history, it was deployed to approximately 50 law enforcement/disaster relief operations, won gold or silver in 100+ competitions and was awarded first classmeritorious service medals 1 time, 2nd class meritorious service medals 5 times and 3rd class meritorious service medals 12 times.[98][99]
The Shenzhen Detachment's Special Operations Company is known as the "Wild Wolf" unit (Chinese:野狼特战队). It was founded in 2005 and given the name in 2008.[100]
| Badge of the Snowy Eagle Female SWAT team | |
|---|---|
| https://photo.81.cn/pla/2015-03/19/content_6398233_5.htm |
| Flag of the Snowy Eagle Female SWAT team | |
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| https://photo.81.cn/pla/2015-03/19/content_6398233_8.htm |
In April 2012, the Xinjiang Border Defense Contingent Female SWAT team (新疆公安边防总队女子特勤分队) was founded. In March 2015 it was renamed to the "Snowy Eagle Female SWAT team" (雪鹰女子特勤分队) at the Xinjiang Border Contingent Training Base.[102][103] At it's founding in 2012, it only had 6 members, and by March 2015 it had 34 members.[104] It assisted in security at theChina Eurasia Expo multiple times.[105]
Using the national information infrastructure, the PAP has established a preliminary system of three-level integrated information networks, linking general headquarters with the grass-roots squadrons.[25]
In response to the needs of the People's Armed Police, the service provides for the use of many types of weapons. Special Operation Forces of People's Armed Police uses various kind of weapons according to necessity of missions.
In addition, the People's Armed Police makes use of remotely-controlled technologies such as unmanned aerial vehicles, advanced surveillance technology and bomb disposal robots, as well as intelligent unmanned systems.[117][118]K9s andballistic shields are also used.[119][107]
Drones and MiniUGVs are often used for recon.[95]
People's Armed police vehicles can be identified with theirVehicle registration plates which start with WJ.
The PAPGanzhou Detachment have been seen withspeedboats for search and rescue during floods.[128] The Snow Leopard Commando Unit also uses speedboats when raiding terrorist hideouts in islands.[111]
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Due to its history with the PLA, the PAP has a similar rank structure to the PLA and also obeys its regulations. PAP guards are also recruited at the same time and through the same procedures as PLA soldiers. However, the PAP has its own education and training system separate from the PLA. Like the PLA, the PAP also celebrates Army Day on August 1 of every year, and enjoys the same services as the PLA.
| Title | 武警上将 Wu jingshang jiang | 武警中将 Wu jingzhong jiang | 武警少将 Wu jingShao jiang | 武警大校 Wu jingda xiao | 武警上校 Wu jingshang xiao | 武警中校 Wu jingzhong xiao | 武警少校 Wu jingshao xiao | 武警上尉 Wu jingshang wei | 武警中尉 Wu jingzhong wei | 武警少尉 Wu jingshao wei | 武警学员 Wu jingxue yuan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Usual Translation | General (OF-9) | Lieutenant general (OF-8) | Major general (OF-7) | Senior colonel (OF-6) | Colonel (OF-5) | Lieutenant colonel (OF-4) | Major (OF-3) | Captain (OF-2) | 1st lieutenant (OF-1) | 2nd lieutenant (OF-1) | Officer cadet (OF-D) |
| Shoulder Insignia |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Collar Insignia |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Title | 武警一级警士长 Wu jing yi ji jing shi zhang | 武警二级警士长 Wu jing er ji jing shi zhang | 武警三级警士长 Wu jing san ji jing shi zhang | 武警四级警士长 Wu jing si ji jing shi zhang | 武警上士 Wu jing shang shi | 武警中士 Wu jing zhong shi | 武警下士 Wu jing xia shi | 武警上等兵 Wu jing shang deng bing | 武警列兵 Wu jing lie bing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Usual Translation | Master Sergeant 1st class (OR-9) | Master Sergeant 2nd class (OR-8) | Master Sergeant 3rd class (OR-7) | Master sergeant 4th class (OR-6) | Staff sergeant (OR-5) | Sergeant (OR-4) | Corporal (OR-3) | Private 1st class (OR-2) | Private (OR-1) |
| Shoulder Insignia |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Collar Insignia |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Rank group | General / flag officers | Senior officers | Junior officers | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 PSF-PLA (1955–1965) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | |||||||||||||||||
| General 大将 | Colonel general 上将 | Lieutenant general 中将 | Major general 少将 | Colonel commandant 大校 | Colonel 上校 | Lieutenant colonel 中校 | Major 少校 | Captain 大尉 | Senior lieutenant 上尉 | First lieutenant 中尉 | Second lieutenant 少尉 | Warrant officer 准尉 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Collar insignia (adopted 1958) | .jpg) | .jpg) | .jpg) | .jpg) | .jpg) | .jpg) | .jpg) | .jpg) | .jpg) | .jpg) | .jpg) | .jpg) | .jpg) | |||||||||||||||||
| Non-Commissioned Officers | Enlisted personnel | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| People's Armed Police (1955–1965) | .jpg) | .jpg) | .jpg) | .jpg) | .jpg) | |||||||||||||||
| Staff Sergeant (上士) | Sergeant (中士) | Corporal (下士) | Private 1st class (上等兵) | Private (列兵) | ||||||||||||||||
| Rank group | General / flag officers | Senior officers | Junior officers | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| People's Armed Police (1988–1994) | .gif) | .gif) | .gif) | .gif) | .gif) | .gif) | .gif) | .gif) | .gif) | .gif) | .gif) | .gif) | |||||||||||||||
| General 大将 | Colonel general 上将 | Lieutenant general 中将 | Major general 少将 | Colonel commandant 大校 | Colonel 上校 | Lieutenant colonel 中校 | Major 少校 | Captain 大尉 | First lieutenant 中尉 | Second lieutenant 少尉 | Officer cadet 学员 | ||||||||||||||||
| Rank group | Non-Commissioned Officers | Enlisted personnel | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| People's Armed Police (1988–1994) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Sergeant major (一级军士长) | Master sergeant (二级军士长) | Staff Sergeant (上士) | Sergeant (中士) | Corporal (下士) | Private 1st class (上等兵) | Private (列兵) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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