| People's Liberation Army Special Operations Forces | |
|---|---|
| 中国人民解放军特种部队 | |
| Active | 1988 – present |
| Country |  People's Republic of China |
| Allegiance |  Chinese Communist Party |
| Branch |  Ground Force  Navy  Air Force  Rocket Force |
| Type | Special forces |
| Part of |  People's Liberation Army |
| March | 《特种部队之歌》 ("Anthem of the Special Forces") |
| Engagements | |
| Insignia | |
| Sleeve badge |  |
| People's Liberation Army |
|---|
 |
| Executive departments |
| Staff |
| Services |
| Arms |
| Domestic troops |
| Special operations force |
| Military districts |
| History of the Chinese military |
| Military ranks of China |
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In the People's Republic of China, the special operations forces of the People's Liberation Army (PLA SOF) are units that conduct direct action and reconnaissance, including in enemy rear areas, to prepare the advance of friendly forces; they also perform counter-terrorism operations, although that mission is formally assigned to People's Armed Police. PLA SOF does not control, but may support, psychological warfare operations.[1]
Each theater command controls their own SOF units. The units rely on external support to conduct missions.[2] Most ground SOF are organized like conventional light infantry units.[3] In 2022, many units were recently converted from conventional forces and likely had capabilities closer to shock troops than special forces.[4]
In 2022, the PLA SOF consisted of 15 Ground Force (PLAGF) brigades, one Marine Corps (PLANMC) brigade, one Airborne Corps (PLAAFAC) brigade, and the Rocket Force (PLARF) Reconnaissance Regiment.[5]
- ^ United States Department of Defense 2023, p. 82.
- ^ United States Department of Defense 2023, p. 84.
- ^ United States Department of Defense 2023, p. 86.
- ^ Chen & Wuthnow 2022, p. 6.
- ^ United States Department of Defense 2023, p. 85.