# People's Armed Police

The People's Armed Police Force is a paramilitary organization of the People's Republic of China$^{:121}$ primarily responsible for internal security, riot control, counter-terrorism, disaster response, law enforcement and maritime rights protection as well as providing support to the People's Liberation Army (PLA) during wartime.$^{:87}$
Unlike the civilian People's Police, the PAP is a specialized paramilitary force reporting directly to the Central Military Commission (CMC). PAP officers and soldiers wear dark olive green uniforms, different from pine green uniforms of the People'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 the People's Republic of China in 1949. During the Maoist era, the PAP's predecessors were the Chinese People's Public Security Force, initially under the MPS, and later the Public Security Corps which was under the command of the PLA. The PAP has been compared by both Chinese and foreign scholars with the gendarmerie forces found in many countries, most famously the French Gendarmerie, but the main inspiration for the PAP's establishment and operation came from the Internal Troops of the Soviet Union and related paramilitary forces of the Eastern Bloc such as the East German Alert Units, adapted to the specific military-political culture and thinking of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leadership.

## History

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.

### People's Public Security Force

In July 1949, the CMC decided to establish the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) with Luo Ruiqing as its minister to organize the public security forces in the nation. In August 1949, several security and public order units of the Fourth Field Army were consolidated into the Central Column of the Chinese People's Public Security Force (PSF) to guard the Party and State leaders and to keep the public order in the capital. The Central Column provided security for the inauguration ceremony of the People's Republic. From December 1949 to May 1950, regional security forces, along with the now dissolved Central Column, had been consolidated into divisions under the PSF.
The PSF was assigned to the PLA and became the PLA Public Security Force in September 1950, and the PLA Public Security Corps in July 1955, reporting under the Central Military Commission of the CCP and the National Defense Council of the People's Republic. 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.
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.

### People's Armed Police Force

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 and fire brigades. The headquarter was set up in the MPS as a subordinate department. 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,$^{:228–229}$ in the wake of growing unrest.$^{:229}$ The PAP was officially founded on April 5, 1983.
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, CCP general secretary Jiang Zemin significantly expanded and strengthened the PAP, with more than 100,000 new troops. 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 in Xinjiang and Tibet.
Up until 2013, the China Coast Guard was a part of the PAP. In 2013, it was separated and transferred to the direct control of the Ministry of Public Security and the State 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.

### 2017–2018 Reform

Until 31 December 2017, the People's Armed Police had a dual command structure including the Central Military Commission (CMC) and the State Council through the Ministry of Public Security (MPS).$^{:18}$
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.$^{:232}$ 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.$^{:232}$ 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).$^{:232}$
By law however, the PAP operates separately from the PLA.$^{:18}$ 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 the CCP central committee and the Central Military Commission (CMC), with the PAP no longer subordinate to the State Council.
The reform was reportedly carried out in order to deprive the local Chinese Communist Party authorities of the power to use the PAP units to commit abuses or against the leadership in Beijing, especially after the Wang Lijun incident in which the PAP was allegedly abused by provincial party secretary Bo Xilai to surround the US Consulate in Chongqing after a falling out with Wang, the police chief of Chongqing at the time. Under the 2018 reforms, local authorities now need central approval in order to deploy the PAP.
On 10 January 2018, the PAP received a new flag following the design of the branch flags of the PLA 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.
On 21 March 2018, the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party unveiled a reform plan for the People's Armed Police Force. 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. 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. 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 waterworks like dams and levees as well as for water works maintenance. 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.

#### Organizational changes

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.$^{:15}$
The Border Defense Corps and Guards Corps have been absorbed by the Ministry of Public Security (MPS). The Firefighting and Forestry Corps were merged with the fire department of the MPS and reorganized as China Fire and Rescue (CF&R), it was placed under the Ministry 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 and China National Gold Group Corporation and China Aneng Construction Corporation, respectively).$^{:15}$

### Chronology

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, the People's Armed Police, was first used between 1959 and 1963.
* 1949–1950: Chinese People's Public Security Force, under the Ministry of Public Security (MPS)
* 1950–1955: Public Security Force, under the People's Liberation Army (PLA)
* 1955–1959: Public Security Corps, under the PLA
* 1959–1963: People's Armed Police, under the joint leadership of the MPS and the PLA
* 1963–1966: Chinese People's Public Security Force, under the joint leadership of the MPS and the PLA
* 1966–1982: PLA Internal Guard, absorbed into the PLA in an integrated structure. In 1971 and 1973, some units were transferred to the MPS
* 1982–present: People's Armed Police (PAP)

## Mission and operations

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.
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. 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. Some units perform guard duty in civilian prisons and provide executioners for the state. The PAP also maintains tactical counter-terrorism (CT) units such as the Snow Wolf Commando Unit (SWCU) and various Special Police Units (SPUs).
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.$^{:119}$ 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.$^{:123–125}$
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.$^{:87}$

### International operations

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”.$^{:14–15}$
The People's Armed Police sent personnel abroad to receive training or provide training and participates in counter-terrorism exercises, especially across Central Asia in bilateral and multilateral agreements.$^{:65}$$^{:26}$ 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.$^{:15}$
Since 2011, the People's Armed Police has also conducted operations along the Mekong river with the security forces of Thailand, Myanmar and Cambodia. These operations are aimed against organized crime.$^{:13}$
Since 2014, the People's Republic of China established a security cooperation with Tajikistan and Afghanistan on Afghan border, near the Wakhan Corridor and in Gorno-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.$^{:13,84–87}$

## Headquarters and organization

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. 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.
The People's Armed Police Headquarters, placed at Theater Command Grade, include five Departments directly under the Headquarters:$^{:10,32}$
* Staff Department (Deputy Theater Command Grade);
** Training Bureau (Division Leader Grade);
** Intelligence Bureau (Division Leader Grade), led by Zhang Xiaoqi;
* Political Work Department (Deputy Theater Command Grade): led by Director Lieutenant general Gao Wei;
** Propaganda Bureau (Division Leader Grade);
** Soldier and Civilian Personnel Bureau (Division Leader Grade);
* Discipline Inspection Commission (Deputy Theater Command Grade);
* Logistics Department (Corps Leader Grade);
* Equipment Department (Corps Leader Grade).
Being of Theatre Command Grade, the People's Armed Police is led by a full General.

## Training

The People's Armed Police has a number of training institutions, likely overseen by the Training Bureau of the Staff Department.$^{:32}$
* Engineering University of People's Armed Police [zh] (Corps Leader Grade, led by a Major General)
* People's Armed Police Command Academy [zh] (Corps Leader Grade, led by a Major General)
* Logistics University of People's Armed Police Force [zh] (Corps Leader Grade, led by a Major General)
* Officers college of People's Armed Police [zh] (Deputy Corps Leader Grade, led by a Major General)
* People's Armed Police Special Police Academy (Deputy Corps Leader Grade, led by a Major General)
* China Coast Guard Academy
* Non-commissioned Officer School of the People's Armed Police
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.$^{:28}$
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.

### People's Armed Police Academy

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. The People's Armed Police Academy is headquartered in Langfang, of Hebei. 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. The PAP Academy is a Corps Leader Grade command, and thus it is led by a major general who serves as Superintendent.$^{:32}$ All graduates to the academy are commissioned into the PAP as Second Lieutenants (equivalent of Ensigns for those commissioned into the Coast Guard).

### People's Armed Police Logistics Academy

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. The Logistics Academy is a Corps Leader Grade command, and thus it is led by a major general.$^{:32}$

## Mobile contingents

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$^{:12–13}$ commanded by major generals.
The mobile contingents are mainly responsible for dealing with terrorism, violent crime, riots, and public security threats.$^{:233}$

### 1st Mobile Contingent

The 1st Mobile Contingent is based in Shijiazhuang, Hebei, south of Beijing. The Contingent covers northern and central China, including Beijing. The 1st Mobile Contingent consists of:$^{:14}$
* 9 mobile detachments (Panjin, Liaoning; Shenyang, Liaoning; Bayisingtu, Inner Mongolia; Tianjin; Dingzhou, Hebei; Baoding, Hebei; Jinzhong, Shanxi; Zhengzhou, Henan; Pingliang, Gansu);
* 3 Special Operations detachments (Beijing; Tianjin; Shijiazhuang);
* 2 Transportation detachments (Beijing and Xi’an, Shaanxi);
* 1 Engineering/Chemical Defence detachment (Huludao, Liaoning);
* 1 Helicopter detachment with 3 squadrons

### 2nd Mobile Contingent

The 2nd Mobile Contingent is headquartered in Fuzhou, with units concentrated in Fujian and surrounding provinces along the coast (covering eastern and southern China).$^{:13}$ The 2nd Mobile Contingent consists of:$^{:14}$
* 9 mobile detachments (Wuyi, Jiangsu; Putian, Fujian; Guangzhou; Foshan, Guangdong; Mengzi, Yunnan; Nanchong, Sichuan);
* 2 Special Operations detachments (Guangzhou(Snow Leopard Commando Unit) and Huzhou, Zhejiang);
* 3 Transportation detachments (Hefei, Anhui; Mianyang, Sichuan; Linzhi, Tibet);
* 1 Engineering/Chemical Defense detachment (Fuzhou, Fujian);
* 1 Helicopter detachment with 3 squadrons
The incumbent Commander is Major General Chen Hongwu, while the Political Commissar is Major General Yang Zhenguo.

## Internal security forces

The major part of the PAP is the nèiwèi bùduì (Chinese: 内卫部); translations include "internal security forces",$^{:2}$ "internal security troops", and "internal guards corps".$^{:232}$ Internal security forces are divided into provincial-level formations$^{:11–12}$ with geographical areas of responsibility.$^{:2}$ They are subordinated to PAP headquarters;$^{:10}$ the 2017-2018 reforms removed control of PAP units from local government.$^{:11–12}$ 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.$^{:2}$
The zǒngduì (Chinese: 总队) is the provincial formation. They are called "corps" by the PAP; Western analysts have used "contingent",$^{:32}$ "general corps", and "detachment".$^{:234}$ 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.$^{:32}$ Hong Kong and Macau do not have contingents. Contingents have mobile detachments and duty detachments (Chinese: 执勤支队; pinyin: zhíqín zhīduì).$^{:22}$
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".$^{:22}$
Mobile detachments (Chinese: 机动支队; pinyin: jīdòng zhīduì) are rapid reaction units roughly corresponding to PLAGF regiments.$^{:12}$ Some were existing contingent mobile units before the reforms.$^{:36}$ Most were transferred from the disbanded mobile divisions.$^{:12}$ Most contingents have one.$^{:12}$ In general, western provinces with large non-Han population have more than those in China's interior.$^{:16}$
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 and counties. Companies (Chinese: 中队; pinyin: zhōngduì) are found in counties, townships, and villages.$^{:234}$$^{:7}$ All contingents have subordinate elementary command colleges.

### List of contingents

* Anhui Corps [zh]
* Beijing Corps [zh]
** 4 mobile detachments$^{:13}$
* Chongqing Corps [zh]
* Fujian Corps [zh]
* Gansu Corps [zh]
* Guangdong Corps [zh]
* Guangxi Corps [zh]
* Guizhou Corps [zh]
* Hainan Corps [zh]
* Hebei Corps [zh]
* Heilongjiang Corps [zh]
* Henan Corps [zh]
* Hubei Corps [zh]
* Hunan Corps [zh]
* Inner Mongolia Corps [zh]
* Jiangsu Corps [zh]
* Jiangxi Corps [zh]
* Jilin Corps [zh]
* Liaoning Corps [zh]
* Ningxia Corps [zh]
* Qinghai Corps [zh]
** 2 mobile detachments$^{:13}$
* Shaanxi Corps [zh]
* Shanxi Corps [zh]
* Shandong Corps [zh]
* Shanghai Corps [zh]
** 2 mobile detachments$^{:13}$
* Sichuan Corps [zh]
** 4 mobile detachments$^{:13}$
* Tibet Corps
** 3 mobile detachments$^{:13}$
* Tianjin Corps [zh]
* Yunnan Corps [zh]
** 3 mobile detachments$^{:13}$
* Xinjiang Corps [zh]
** 7 mobile detachments$^{:13}$
* Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps$^{:12}$
* Zhejiang Corps [zh]

## Border Defense Corps

Prior to the 2018 reform, the People's Armed Police Border Defense Corps [zh] (Chinese: 边防部队; pinyin: Biānfáng Bùdùi) guarded China's land and sea borders, as well as its ports and airports. Its main responsibilities were the administration of border and coastal public security, ports and border inspection and surveillance, performing patrols and surveillance activities in areas adjacent to Hong Kong and Macao, as well as patrols and surveillance activities along the demarcation line of the Beibu Gulf and the prevention of and crack-down on illegal and criminal acts in border and coastal areas, such as illegal border crossing, smuggling and drug trafficking.
When it was active, The Border Defense Corps was under the command of the defunct Ministry of Public Security Border Control Department [zh], however the personnel were part of the PAP.
After the 2018 reform, Port and Seaport detachments of Border Defense Corps have been transferred into the Ministry of Public Security, whereas responsibility of guarding land borders was completely handed over to PLAGF.$^{:15}$

### History

16 Personnel of the Border Defense Corps were killed in the 2008 Kashgar attack.
Between September 18 and September 19, 2011, the Yadong Battalion and Yadong Border Checkpoint of the Border Defense Corps deployed 90 personnel, 11 vehicles and 30 tents to assist with disaster relief after the 2011 Sikkim Earthquake.
The Border Defense Corps has a history of intercepting armed incursions by drug traffickers on the China-Myanmar border, especially due to smuggling routes across the Shweli River. On March 25, 2007, officers of the Border Defense Corps were ambushed by 10 armed Drug traffickers with sub-machine guns and grenades, killing officers 2nd Lieutenant Gan Zurong and Major Bai Jiangang. A third officer, Captain Xu Shengqian died of wounds a day later.
On August 22, 2011 and October 22, 2011, Border Defense Corps K9 Handler Private Yao Yuanjun and Political Commissar Major Chen Shihua drowned while engaging in melee fighting with drug traffickers in separate incidents, respectively. Private Yao Yuanjun's K9 "Big Wolf" became a center of a lot of attention on Chinese Social Media after he was filmed on national TV wandering around training grounds, unaware his handler had died.

### Organization (Pre-2018)

Each coastal/border province-level subdivision or direct-administered municipality would have had a border defense contingent, every border/coastal prefecture-level divisions would have a border defense detachment, every border/coastal county level subdivision would have a border defense battalion; Township level subdivisions would each have a border defense police station. Prior to the establishment of the CCG in 2013, there would also be Border Defense Corps Coast Guard [zh] squadrons and divisions. The Border Defense Corps additionally operated checkpoints on roads heading towards border crossings along with border checkpoints.

## Forestry Corps

The People's Armed Police Forestry Corps [zh] was a former branch of the PAP which did tasks such as fighting Wildfires and law enforcement in forest areas, along with protecting wildlife and providing first aid to protected animals. When it was active, it was the only military branch on Earth whose task was fighting wildfires. It was nicknamed the "Fearless Red Boys".

### History

The Forestry Corps can trace it's lineage to the Armed Forest Protection Battalions (Chinese: 武装护林大队); There were a total of four battalions; Each of the Hejiang, Songjiang, Longjiang and Jilin provinces consisted of one Armed Forest Protection Battalion. Founded in August 25, 1948, these units were created to conduct counterinsurgency operations against Japanese/Collaborator holdouts (This role was also later expanded to KMT holdouts after the Chinese Civil War), bandits and triads in Northeast 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 used Cavalry. 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. The battalions captured 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.
In May 11, 1953, the Armed Forest Protection Battalions were transferred to the People's Economic Police [zh] and renamed to the Forest Protection Police (Chinese: 护林警察队). It's 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 protecting lumberjacks and logging facilities. The Forest Protection Police continued to use Cavalry, and were seen in photos with Mosin Nagant rifles. In the first few months of it's 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 it's officers. Due to the logistics issues of boots-on-the-ground firefighting, in 1960 the Forest Police received 122 paratroopers and founded the Forest Police Smokejumper Company (Chinese: 森警空降扑火中队) for rapid deployment against wildfires. The Lisunov Li-2 was used by the Smokejumper Company. On 27 May, 1965 the Company saw it's first action, deploying 10 Smokejumpers to assist with fighting a wildfire in Daxing'anling Prefecture. In 1978, the Smokejumper Company was renamed to the Airborne Detachment (Chinese: 森警机降支队). Between it's establishment and 1981, the Airborne Detachment was deployed to fight a total of over 325 wildfires, however it's fate past 1981 is currently unknown.
In April 18, 1978, the Forest Police became a volunteer force with 3 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 the National Forestry Administration. On January 13, 1988, the People's Armed Police Forestry Corps [zh] was officially established. On February 10 1999 the Forestry Corps HQ, Inner Mongolia Contingent, Heilongjiang Contingent, Jilin Contingent and Yunnan Detachment (later upgraded to contingent level) were founded, in 2002 the Sichuan Contingent, Tibet Contingent and Xinjiang Contingent were founded, and in 2007 the Fujian Contingent, the Gansu Contingent and Mobile Detachment [zh] were founded. In July 22, 2009 the People's Armed Police Headquarters Helicopter Detachment [zh] was founded. It was stationed in Daqing and operated Z-8 Helicopters, which were used for search and rescue, personnel transport and firefighting. The Helicopter Detachment had the nickname "Heroic Firefighting Hawks" AC313s were also ordered.
In March 22, 2018, the Forestry Corps was merged into the National Fire and Rescue Administration, becoming a purely civilian firefighting agency and losing it's law enforcement duties. The 13 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 Aviation Battalion, Helicopter Detachment was renamed to the National Fire and Rescue Administration Kunming Aerial Rescue Detachment [zh].
Between 1948 and 2018, the Forestry Corps 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 received 1st Class Medals.

## China Coast Guard

The Chinese People's Armed Police Force Coast Guard Bureau, also abbreviated as China Coast Guard is the agency for maritime search and rescue and law enforcement in the territorial waters of the People's Republic of China. The China Coast Guard was formerly the maritime branch of the People's Armed Police (PAP) Border Security Force under the Ministry of Public Security until 2013. In March 2013, China announced it would form a unified Coast Guard commanded by the State Oceanic Administration. This renewed Coast Guard has been in operation since July 2013. As of July 1, 2018, the China Coast Guard was transferred from civilian control of the State Council and the State 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.$^{:32}$
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.

## Special police units

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.$^{:123}$ In 2002, the Snow Wolf Commando Unit, since 2007 Snow Leopard Commando Unit, was established in Beijing as the second special police unit.$^{:123}$ According to Joel Wuthnow, the Snow Leopard Commando Unit was moved from the Beijing Contingent to the 2nd Mobile Contingent in 2018.$^{:36}$
Special police units have a total of six Regiment-level Detachments. Of these six Detachments, three are under the 1st Mobile Contingent, two detachments are assigned to the 2nd Mobile Contingent. One Regiment-level Detachment is under the Xinjiang provincial command.
The special police units are tasked to carry out counter terrorism missions, riot control, anti-hijacking and bomb disposal.
According to a Chinese Ministry of National Defense article, special operations units in contingents receive Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) training. Special operations units also receive training on counterinsurgency tactics.

### Organization

Special Police Units are organized and placed at the Municipal, Provincial and Provincial level and in Mobile Units.
The national-level Special Police Unit is the People's Armed Police Special Police Academy, reporting to the People's Armed Police Headquarters. The academy has both educational and operational roles. On one hand, it is tasked to provide courses in special reconnaissance and special police operations; on the other hand, it has to carry out counter terrorism missions, riot control, anti-hijacking and bomb disposal. The main operational unit of the People's Armed Police Special Police Academy is the Falcon Unit. In addition, the 1st and 2nd Mobile Contingents maintain a total of 5 Special Operations Detachments.$^{:12–13}$
Each provincial contingent (Chinese: 总队; pinyin: Zǒngduì) establishes and maintains special police units as part of its own territorial organization. The provincial special operations detachment of the Xinjiang Corps [zh] is the Mountain Eagle Commando Unit.

#### Mobile units

* 1st Special Operations Detachment, 1st Mobile Contingent (Falcon Commando Unit [zh], stationed in Beijing)
* 2nd Special Operations Detachment, 1st Mobile Contingent (Overseas Guards Special Operations Detachment, stationed in Tianjin)
* 3rd Special Operations Detachment, 1st Mobile Contingent (stationed in Shijiazhuang)
* 1st Special Operations Detachment, 2nd Mobile Contingent (Snow Leopard Commando Unit, stationed in Guangzhou)
* 2nd Special Operations Detachment, 2nd Mobile Contingent (stationed in Huzhou)

## Communications

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.

## Equipment

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.
| Name | Country of origin | Type | Notes |
| QSZ-92 | China | Semi-automatic pistol | Standard issue sidearm |
| QCW-05 | China | Personal defense weapon | |
| QBZ-95 | China | Assault rifle | |
| QBZ-191 | China | Assault rifle | |
| Norinco CQ | China | Assault rifle | |
| QBU-88 | China | Sniper rifle | |
| Remington M700 | United States | Sniper rifle | |
| CS/LR4 | China | Sniper rifle | |
| Type 69 RPG | China | Rocket launchers | |
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. K9s are also used.

### Vehicles

People's Armed police vehicles can be identified with their Vehicle registration plates which start with WJ.
* NJ2046 armored van
* WZ551 Armored Personnel Carrier
* CSK-181 Infantry mobility vehicle
* Iveco power daily patrol van
* Unmarked Mitsubishi Pajero police car

### Vessels

The PAP Ganzhou Detachment have been seen with speedboats for search and rescue during floods.

### Helicopters

* Harbin Z-20
* Changhe Z-8 - Used by Hunan Corps [zh] and Forestry Corps [zh] (defunct; 8 operated)
* Harbin Z-9 - Used by Hunan Corps [zh]
* Guangdong Corps Shenzhen Detachment Iveco Power Daily police van
* WZ-551 armored personnel carrier
* Beijing Corps NJ2045 patrol van near Tiananmen, Beijing
* An unmarked Sichuan Corps Mitsubishi Pajero in the Sanxingdui Museum parking lot.
* A Sichuan Corps CSK-181 near Sichuan Science and Technology Museum
* Border Defense Corps Foshan Detachment Chengfeng Liebao
* Forestry Corps Changhe Z-8

### Retired Equipment
#### Helicopters

* Avicopter AC313 - used by People's Armed Police Forestry Corps [zh] - presumably transferred to China Fire and Rescue when the Forestry Corps was disbanded and transferred to the China Fire and Rescue; 10 ordered

#### Vehicles

* Changfeng Liebao patrol car- Previously seen in use with People's Armed Police Border Defense Corps [zh], fate unknown
* YD801 firefighting vehicle- Seen in use with defunct People's Armed Police Forestry Corps [zh]
* All terrain vehicle - seen in use with defunct People's Armed Police Forestry Corps [zh]

#### Ships

* Chinese cutter Haijing 1001 - previously part of the defunct People's Armed Police Border Defense Corps Coast Guard [zh], transferred to China Coast Guard (which was later transferred back to the PAP)

## Line of duty deaths

The total amount of fallen personnel is currently unknown due to the PAP's paramilitary nature. Here is a list of recorded instances.
| Name and rank | Chinese name | End of watch | Age | Tenure | Unit | Cause of Death | Notes/Citation |
| Captain Xu Yaxin | 徐亚新 | 1984-02-26 | 26 years, 4 months | 7 years, 11 months | Zhejiang Corps [zh], 2nd Mobile Detachment | Killed by grenade during mass shooting on military base in Jinhua County | Deputy company leader |
| Captain Halik Abriz | 哈力克·阿不力孜 | 1988-08-13 | 24 Years | 5 Years, 7 months | Xinjiang Corps [zh], Bayingolin Detachment, Bohu Company | Gunfire from active shooter | Deputy company leader |
| Unnamed Sergeant | N/A | 1989-03-05 | N/A | N/A | N/A | Beat to death during 1987–1989 Tibetan unrest | |
| Wang Hongyan | 王洪雁 | 1989-04-26 | 32 years | N/A | Tibet Corps, Headquarters Communications Office | Died while getting transfered to the Shigatse Detachment | |
| Pan Qiwen | 潘启文 | 1994-04-16 | 21 years | N/A | Guangdong Corps [zh], Huizhou Detachment, 1st Company | Rammed by car while preventing auto theft | Posthumously awarded Medal of Devotion for National Defense 1st Class and Martyr status along with CCP membership. |
| Colonel Jiang Shikun | 蒋世昆 | 1995-04-04 | 36 years, 5 months | N/A | Guangdong Corps [zh], Shantou Detachment, Political Office | Eletrocuted in accident while fixing lightning rod | Deputy Political commisar of Shantou Detachment. Posthumously awarded Medal of Devotion for National Defense 1st Class and Martyr status |
| Lin Haipeng | 林海鹏 | 1997-11-07 | 20 years, 10 months | 1 year, 11 months | Guangdong Corps [zh], Zhaoqing Detachment, Deqing Company | Killed in traffic accident | |
| Corporal Peng Zheng | 彭正 | 1999 | 32 Years | N/A | Sichuan Corps [zh] | N/A | |
| Hu Dongmin | 胡冬敏 | 2000-12-06 | 22 years, 1 month | N/A | Hubei Corps [zh], Ezhou Detachment, 3rd Company | Drowned while rescuing drowned person | |
| 59 trainees | N/A | 2005-10-04 | N/A | N/A | N/A | Barracks flooded during Typhoon Longwang | |
| Private Chen Wenzu | 陈文祖 | 2006-02-16 | 21 years | N/A | Guangxi Corps [zh], Laibin Detachment | Duty related leukemia | |
| 2nd Lieutenant Gan Zurong | 甘祖荣 | 2007-03-25 | 25 years, 2 months | N/A | Border Defense Corps Yunnan Contingent, Dehong Detachment, Yingjiang Battalion, Zhina township police station | Killed by gunfire from drug traffickers during drug bust on 2007-03-25 near China-Myanmar border | Station Commander of Zhina township border defense police station |
| Major Bai Jiangang | 白建刚 | 2007-03-25 | 35 years, 6 months | 17 years | Border Defense Corps Yunnan Contingent, Baoshan Detachment, Longling Battalion | Killed by gunfire from drug traffickers during drug bust on 2007-03-25 near China-Myanmar border | Deputy commander of Border Defense Corps Longling Battalion |
| Captain Xu Shengqian | 徐胜前 | 2007-03-26 | 31 years, 10 months | 12 years, 1 month | Border Defense Corps Yunnan Contingent, Dehong Detachment, Yingjiang Battalion, Investigations team | Died of gunfire woulds by drug traffickers during drug bust on 2007-03-25 near China-Myanmar border | Investigation officer |
| Wang Zhengjing | 王正景 | 2008-08-04 | 34 years, 6 months | 16 years, 8 months | Border Defense Corps Xinjiang Contingent, Kashgar Detachment | 2008 Kashgar attack | All victims of the attack were given Martyr status. |
| Wang Duqing | 王都庆 | 2008-08-04 | N/A | N/A | Border Defense Corps [zh] | 2008 Kashgar attack | All victims of the attack were given Martyr status. |
| Wan Tiqiang | 万体强 | 2008-08-04 | 32 years | 13 years, 8 months | Border Defense Corps Xinjiang Contingent, Kashgar Detachment, Repair office | 2008 Kashgar attack | All victims of the attack were given Martyr status. Political commissar of the repair office. |
| Li Baoquan | 李保全 | 2008-08-04 | N/A | N/A | Border Defense Corps [zh] | 2008 Kashgar attack | All victims of the attack were given Martyr status. |
| Yang Cainian | 杨才年 | 2008-08-04 | N/A | N/A | Border Defense Corps [zh] | 2008 Kashgar attack | All victims of the attack were given Martyr status. |
| Xu Hongjun | 胥红军 | 2008-08-04 | N/A | N/A | Border Defense Corps [zh] | 2008 Kashgar attack | All victims of the attack were given Martyr status. |
| Liu Shenjian | 刘申建 | 2008-08-04 | N/A | N/A | Border Defense Corps [zh] | 2008 Kashgar attack | All victims of the attack were given Martyr status. |
| Ye Wei | 叶维 | 2008-08-04 | N/A | N/A | Border Defense Corps [zh] | 2008 Kashgar attack | All victims of the attack were given Martyr status. |
| Li Xiaowu | 李晓武 | 2008-08-04 | N/A | N/A | Border Defense Corps [zh] | 2008 Kashgar attack | All victims of the attack were given Martyr status. |
| Han Wenfeng | 韩文峰 | 2008-08-04 | N/A | N/A | Border Defense Corps [zh] | 2008 Kashgar attack | All victims of the attack were given Martyr status. |
| Li Haijun | 李海军 | 2008-08-04 | N/A | N/A | Border Defense Corps [zh] | 2008 Kashgar attack | All victims of the attack were given Martyr status. |
| Sun Dongjun | 孙冬军 | 2008-08-04 | N/A | N/A | Border Defense Corps [zh] | 2008 Kashgar attack | All victims of the attack were given Martyr status. |
| Zhai Chao | 翟超 | 2008-08-04 | N/A | N/A | Border Defense Corps [zh] | 2008 Kashgar attack | All victims of the attack were given Martyr status. |
| Fan Bentao | 范本涛 | 2008-08-04 | N/A | N/A | Border Defense Corps [zh] | 2008 Kashgar attack | All victims of the attack were given Martyr status. |
| Geng Haitao | 耿海涛 | 2008-08-04 | N/A | N/A | Border Defense Corps [zh] | 2008 Kashgar attack | All victims of the attack were given Martyr status. |
| Master Sergeant 2nd Class Feng Jianguo | 冯建国 | 2009-05-13 | 25 years, 11 months | | Ningxia Corps [zh], Logistics Base Refueling Squad | Died of wounds from traffic accident in Tongxin county while assisting in disaster relief during 2009 Ningxia Drought | Squad leader; Awarded Martyr status and title "Anti Drought Role Model" by Wuzhong municipal government |
| Private Yao Yuanjun | 姚元军 | 2011-08-22 | 18 years | 7 Months | Border Defense Corps Yunnan Contingent, Dehong Detachment | Fell into river and drowned while engaging in hand to hand combat with drug traffickers | K9 Handler; His K9, K9 "Big Wolf" became a sensation on the Chinese internet after national TV captured him walking around former exercise grounds, unaware his handler was killed in action |
| Major Chen Shihua | 陈锡华 | 2011-10-22 | 36 Years, 1 month | 16 years, 11 months | Border Defense Corps Yunnan Contingent, Baoshan Detachment, Investigation team | Fell into river while tackling drug dealers | Political Commissar of the Investigation team; Graduate of Guizhou Normal University |
| Sergeant Zhang Nan | 张楠 | 2015-07-26 | N/A | 11 years | Shandong Corps [zh], Linyi Detachment, 1st Company of the Mobile Battalion | Jazeera Palace Hotel bombing | Died while guarding Chinese Embassy in Somalia; PAP Sniper and K9 handler |
| Private Xie Jingzhong | 谢靖忠 | 2016-06-11 | 33 years | N/A | N/A | Drowned while rescuing 3 drowning victims in Chaozhou | Despite being retired when the incident happened, he is often considered a line of duty death by government websites. |
| Sergeant Ouyang Wenjian | 欧阳文建 | 2016-08-18 | 22 Years | 3 years, 7 months | Disputed: Border Defense Corps Hainan Contingent, Lingao Detachment, SWAT team (according to Xinhua) Border Defense Corps Hainan Contingent, Lingao Detachment, Mobile Company, 2nd Squadron(according to People's Daily) | Drowned in Tropical Storm Dianmu during rescue efforts | Posthumously awarded the Medal of Devotion for National Defense Second Class, awarded title of "Excellent Communist Youth" and posthumously awarded CCP party member along with Martyr status. |
| 1st Lieutenant Wang Chenglong | 王成龙 | 2018-09-12 | 23 years | 1 Month | Shandong Corps [zh], Jinan Detachment, Special Operations Company, 1st Platoon | Killed by Out-of-control truck while pushing comrade out of the way | Posthumously awarded Medal of Devotion for National Defense 1st Class. Graduate of Engineering University of PAP [zh]. Awarded Martyr status by PAP Shandong Corps Party Committee, and awarded title of "QiLu region modern role model" by Shandong Provincial Committee publicity department. Platoon commander of the 1st Platoon, Special Operations Company. |
| Corporal Li Linyu | 李林雨 | 2022-07-12 | 22 years | N/A | Hubei Corps [zh], Suizhou Detachment | Drowned while rescuing drowned person in reservoir at Suizhou | Posthumously awarded Medal of Devotion for National Defense 1st Class and given Martyr status, along with the title of "Hubei Role Model". Graduate of Weihai Vocational College. Patrol officer and Cybercrime Surveillence Officer. A path in the Suizhou Detachment barracks was named after him, along with a statue of him in the barracks was erected. |
| Corporal Miao Jian | 苗鉴 | 2024-08-02 | 24 years | 3 years, 11 months | Ningxia Corps [zh], Unknown Detachment, Unknown Battalion | Drowned during rescue operation in Jinfeng district, Yinchuan | Posthumously awarded Medal of Devotion for National Defense 1st class, Martyr Status and CCP Membership. Awarded title of "Good Samaritan" by Jinfeng District government. A road of a barrack of the Ningxia was named after him. |

## Ranks and insignia

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.

### Officers

| Title | 武警上将 Wu jing shang jiang | 武警中将 Wu jing zhong jiang | 武警少将 Wu jing Shao jiang | 武警大校 Wu jing da xiao | 武警上校 Wu jing shang xiao | 武警中校 Wu jing zhong xiao | 武警少校 Wu jing shao xiao | 武警上尉 Wu jing shang wei | 武警中尉 Wu jing zhong wei | 武警少尉 Wu jing shao wei | 武警学员 Wu jing xue 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 | | | | | | | | | | | |

### Non-commissioned officers and enlisted

| 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 | | | | | | | | | |

### Historical rank systems
#### Type 55 PSF-PLA uniform
##### Officers

| Rank group | General / flag officers | General / flag officers | General / flag officers | General / flag officers | General / flag officers | General / flag officers | General / flag officers | General / flag officers | General / flag officers | General / flag officers | Senior officers | Senior officers | Senior officers | Senior officers | Senior officers | Senior officers | Junior officers | Junior officers | Junior officers | Junior officers | Junior officers | Junior officers | Junior officers | Junior officers |
| PSF-PLA (1955–1965) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| PSF-PLA (1955–1965) | General 大将 | General 大将 | Colonel general 上将 | Colonel general 上将 | Lieutenant general 中将 | Lieutenant general 中将 | Major general 少将 | Major general 少将 | Colonel commandant 大校 | Colonel commandant 大校 | Colonel 上校 | Colonel 上校 | Lieutenant colonel 中校 | Lieutenant colonel 中校 | Major 少校 | Major 少校 | Captain 大尉 | Captain 大尉 | Senior lieutenant 上尉 | Senior lieutenant 上尉 | Senior lieutenant 上尉 | First lieutenant 中尉 | First lieutenant 中尉 | First lieutenant 中尉 | Second lieutenant 少尉 | Second lieutenant 少尉 | Second lieutenant 少尉 | Warrant officer 准尉 | Warrant officer 准尉 | Warrant officer 准尉 |
| Collar insignia (adopted 1958) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |

##### Non-commissioned officers and enlisted

| | Non-Commissioned Officers | Non-Commissioned Officers | Non-Commissioned Officers | Non-Commissioned Officers | Non-Commissioned Officers | Non-Commissioned Officers | Non-Commissioned Officers | Non-Commissioned Officers | Non-Commissioned Officers | Non-Commissioned Officers | Non-Commissioned Officers | Non-Commissioned Officers | Enlisted personnel | Enlisted personnel | Enlisted personnel | Enlisted personnel | Enlisted personnel | Enlisted personnel | Enlisted personnel | Enlisted personnel |
| People's Armed Police (1955–1965) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| People's Armed Police (1955–1965) | Staff Sergeant (上士) | Staff Sergeant (上士) | Staff Sergeant (上士) | Staff Sergeant (上士) | Staff Sergeant (上士) | Staff Sergeant (上士) | Sergeant (中士) | Sergeant (中士) | Sergeant (中士) | Sergeant (中士) | Corporal (下士) | Corporal (下士) | Private 1st class (上等兵) | Private 1st class (上等兵) | Private 1st class (上等兵) | Private 1st class (上等兵) | Private 1st class (上等兵) | Private 1st class (上等兵) | Private (列兵) | Private (列兵) |

#### Type 88 PAP
##### Officers

| Rank group | General / flag officers | General / flag officers | General / flag officers | General / flag officers | General / flag officers | General / flag officers | General / flag officers | General / flag officers | General / flag officers | General / flag officers | Senior officers | Senior officers | Senior officers | Senior officers | Senior officers | Senior officers | Junior officers | Junior officers | Junior officers | Junior officers | Junior officers | Junior officers | Junior officers | Junior officers |
| People's Armed Police (1988–1994) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| People's Armed Police (1988–1994) | General 大将 | General 大将 | Colonel general 上将 | Colonel general 上将 | Lieutenant general 中将 | Lieutenant general 中将 | Major general 少将 | Major general 少将 | Colonel commandant 大校 | Colonel commandant 大校 | Colonel 上校 | Colonel 上校 | Lieutenant colonel 中校 | Lieutenant colonel 中校 | Major 少校 | Major 少校 | Captain 大尉 | Captain 大尉 | First lieutenant 中尉 | First lieutenant 中尉 | First lieutenant 中尉 | Second lieutenant 少尉 | Second lieutenant 少尉 | Second lieutenant 少尉 | Officer cadet 学员 | Officer cadet 学员 | Officer cadet 学员 |

##### Non-commissioned officers and enlisted

| | Non-Commissioned Officers | Non-Commissioned Officers | Non-Commissioned Officers | Non-Commissioned Officers | Non-Commissioned Officers | Non-Commissioned Officers | Non-Commissioned Officers | Non-Commissioned Officers | Non-Commissioned Officers | Non-Commissioned Officers | Non-Commissioned Officers | Non-Commissioned Officers | Non-Commissioned Officers | Non-Commissioned Officers | Non-Commissioned Officers | Non-Commissioned Officers | Non-Commissioned Officers | Non-Commissioned Officers | Non-Commissioned Officers | Non-Commissioned Officers | Enlisted personnel | Enlisted personnel | Enlisted personnel | Enlisted personnel | Enlisted personnel | Enlisted personnel | Enlisted personnel | Enlisted personnel |
| People's Armed Police (1988–1994) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| People's Armed Police (1988–1994) | Sergeant major (一级军士长) | Sergeant major (一级军士长) | Sergeant major (一级军士长) | Sergeant major (一级军士长) | Sergeant major (一级军士长) | Sergeant major (一级军士长) | Master sergeant (二级军士长) | Master sergeant (二级军士长) | Staff Sergeant (上士) | Staff Sergeant (上士) | Staff Sergeant (上士) | Staff Sergeant (上士) | Staff Sergeant (上士) | Staff Sergeant (上士) | Sergeant (中士) | Sergeant (中士) | Sergeant (中士) | Sergeant (中士) | Corporal (下士) | Corporal (下士) | Private 1st class (上等兵) | Private 1st class (上等兵) | Private 1st class (上等兵) | Private 1st class (上等兵) | Private 1st class (上等兵) | Private 1st class (上等兵) | Private (列兵) | Private (列兵) |