The people's Liberation Army("PLA")is a unified organization of the land, sea and air forces of China. Initially known as the "Red Army ", and as the "8th Route Army "and "new 4th Army "during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression , The PLA adopted its current name when the National Liberation War broke out in 1946,The history of the PLA is officially traced to the Nanchang Uprising of August1,1927,
when the army started fighting the Kuomintang (KMT)government. To commemorate the uprising, August lst is celebrated as PLA Day.

The constitution of the People's Republic of china states that the sacred duty of every citizen of the People's Republic of China is to defend the motherland from any foreign aggression .In addition, every citizen has the legal duty to perform military service and join the militia. All citizens who have reached the age of 18 have an obligation to enlist in the army regardless of ethnic background, occupation ,family history, religious beliefs or education. Now, however, more young people want to join the army than it can accommodate, which has made enlistment competitive.

The PLA is supplemented by the people's militia, whose members receive substantial military training. China's military force is composed of a regular army, the militia, and the reserves. The PLA practices the system of military ranks.

Chinese soldiers serve three years in land forces and four years in air and sea forces. When the term of service ends. the soldiers may extend their services, depending on the army 's need and the soldiers' willingness to continue. In addition to military service, the PLA soldiers have made contributions in fighting natural disasters, aiding the needy and building China's infrastructure.