People's Liberation Army

The People's Liberation Army (or simply PLA) is the armed forces of the Communist Party of China. The army was established (founded) on 1 August 1927. The People's Liberation Army is the largest military force in the world. It has about 2,250,000 personnel or employees (about 0.18% of the population of China) under the Central Military Commission.

Branches
The PLA consists of five main branches: the PLA Ground Force, PLA Navy (PLAN), PLA Air Force (PLAAF), Second Artillery Corps (strategic missile force), and the PLA Reserve Force. In December 2019, an advanced warship (aircraft carrier (辽宁舰)) came into operation.  

Activities

In October 1949, the PLA wanted to take Kinmen but failed. The Battle took place at Guningtou (古寧頭之役).Taiwan’s Tanks Managed to Do What Hitler’s Mighty Panzers Failed to Do at Normandy. Feb 26, 2017


In July 1953, the PLA engaged the Taiwanese and won the battle (东山岛战役). The Republic of China Army failed to take Dongshan Island, Fujian. 

1955 Vietnam War - "Anti-US invasion into Vietnam, meeting in June 1966" (反对美国侵略越南大会)thumb

1958 Taiwan Strait Crisis (金门炮战)

In early 1961, the anti-CCP militants had to move from Burma to Taiwan, after engaging the PLA and Burmese Armed Forces (中缅边境勘界警卫作战 and 江拉基地保卫战). 

1962 Sino-Indian War

1979 Sino-Vietnamese War

1987 Sino-Indian skirmish

1996 Taiwan Strait crisis (台灣海峽飛彈危機)

Somali Civil War (2009–present) (not engaged) (escort missions)  

Yemen Civil War (not engaged) (rescue missions in 2015 only)Yemen crisis: China evacuates citizens and foreigners from Aden. Apri 3, 2015

2020 China–India skirmishes

Military exercise
In the sea, since 2012, in cooperation with the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. 

From 2017 to 2022, the PLA sent many fighter aircrafts to fly near Taiwan.

 This was not welcomed by the Taiwanese, who describe these exercises as "CCP planes harass Taiwan"  (共機擾台).

In early 2025, a large number of warships were present in the international waters near Australia.Australia's Penny Wong challenges Chinese foreign minister over 'unprecedented' live fire drills off Australian coast. Feb 22, 2025
References

Category:Military of China
Category:1927 establishments in Asia
Category:1920s establishments in China
Category:Territorial disputes of China