China

The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) People’s Liberation Army and the People’s Armed Police (PAP) People’s Armed Police together form the principal uniformed armed forces of the People’s Republic of China. The PLA serves as the country’s military and is responsible for national defense, safeguarding sovereignty, and protecting national security, while the PAP is a paramilitary force primarily tasked with internal security, counter-terrorism, emergency response, and the protection of key facilities and infrastructure. In times of war or national emergency, the PAP may support the PLA in defense operations.