Editor's  Note

August 1 marks the 86th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). Founded in 1927, the PLA now includes the army, navy, air force and Second Artillery Corps.

Latest  News

China firmly pursues peaceful development: defense minister
China will firmly pursue a path of peaceful development and enhance military cooperation with foreign countries to contribute to world peace and development, Minister of Defense Chang Wanquan said Wednesday.

New generals created
Six military officers were promoted to the rank of general by the Central Military Commission (CMC) on Wednesday, when Chinese President and CMC Chairman Xi Jinping presented the officers with certificates of command.

China's Army Day celebrated in Cambodia
The 86th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) was celebrated in the Cambodian capital on Wednesday by about 300 Chinese and Cambodian military officers as well as foreign diplomats.

Xi advocates efforts to boost China's maritime power
China to start military recruitment

About  PLA

Disarmaments of the PLA:
1950 to 1957	Four times reduced infantry and diversified armed forces
The end of 1975	Addressed imbalance and overstaffed army units
1980 to 1982	Twice reduced the number of non-combat and support troops
1985	Reduced number of troops by one million; Updated ground force to group armies; Reduced number of military area commands from 11 to seven
1997	Reduced number of troops by 500,000
2003	Reduced number of troops by 200,000

Photos

Related  Reports

News  Vocab

国防力量 guófáng lìliàng national defense capability

Example:

巴音朝鲁指出，武警部队是国防力量的重要组成部分，肩负着保卫国家安全、维护社会稳定、保障人民群众安居乐业的重要职责。（Source: 中国政府网）

Bayanqolu (governor of Jilin Province) pointed out that the Armed Police are a crucial part of the nation’s defense capabilities. The Armed Police shoulder the important duty of defending national security, maintaining social stability and ensuring that people can live and work in peace and contentment.

Web editor: yangruoyu@globaltimes.com.cn