The Tang Xianzu Memorial Hall in Fuzhou is a comprehensive cultural venue built to commemorate Tang Xianzu, one of the world’s hundred great cultural figures and a master of Ming‑dynasty drama in China. It is also one of Jiangxi Province’s ten major memorial halls dedicated to historical luminaries.

Army Day | A Tribute to the Chinese People’s Liberation Army

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2023-08-02

Brave and fearless, charging across the battlefield.

This people’s army, steeped in red heritage,

Guarding the motherland’s vast territory

Safeguarding the peace and security of hundreds of millions of families.

Their chests are filled with passion.

The battle flag is inscribed with glory.

August 1st Army Day

A Tribute to the Loveliest People

The Origin of the August 1st Army Day

On July 11, 1933, the Provisional Central Government of the Chinese Soviet Republic, acting on the recommendation of the Central Revolutionary Military Commission dated June 30, designated August 1 as the anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Workers’ and Peasants’ Red Army. On June 15, 1949, the Chinese People’s Revolutionary Military Commission issued an order adopting the characters “August 1” as the principal emblem of the flag and insignia of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army. Following the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, this commemorative day was renamed the Founding Day of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.

The Significance of August 1st, Army Day

The primary significance of the August 1st Army Day is to commemorate the founding of the Chinese Workers’ and Peasants’ Red Army. Through the years of hardship During the War of Resistance, the Chinese Workers’ and Peasants’ Red Army repelled the imperialist Kuomintang’s successive offensives, fundamentally undermining the imperialist Kuomintang’s rule in China. It thus became one of the key levers driving the revolutionary upsurge, the organizer of the revolutionary struggle of the Chinese working masses, and the main force for the thorough unfolding of the national revolutionary war.

Fun Facts About Army Day

August 1 · Military Emblem

On June 15, 1949, the Chinese People’s Revolutionary Military Commission issued an order promulgating the design of the emblem of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, as approved by Chairman Mao Zedong. The PLA emblem consists of a five-pointed red star edged in gold, with the two characters “August 1” in gold set at its center; it is therefore also known as the “August 1” emblem. The red star symbolizes the liberation of the Chinese people, while “August 1” commemorates the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, led by the Communist Party of China, on August 1, 1927, during the Nanchang Uprising.

August 1 · Military Flag

The flag of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army is the emblem of the armed forces of the People’s Republic of China and a symbol of the PLA’s honor. Its design features a red field, with a large five-pointed star representing the characters “August 1,” which signify that, since the Nanchang Uprising on August 1, 1927, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, through arduous and extraordinary long-term struggle, ultimately achieved the great victory of the Chinese revolution under the leadership of the Communist Party of China.

August 1 · Military Song

The national anthem of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, titled “March of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army,” was written by Zhang Songru and composed by Zheng Lücheng in 1939. On July 25, 1988, it was officially designated as the PLA’s official military song by the Central Military Commission of the Communist Party of China. The lyrics of this anthem reflect the nature, mission, revolutionary spirit, and combat style of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.

Military branch classification

1. Army

The People’s Liberation Army Ground Force today consists primarily of specialized units, including infantry (motorized infantry and mechanized infantry), artillery (field artillery and anti-aircraft artillery), armored forces, engineers, signal corps, chemical defense troops, reconnaissance units, electronic warfare forces, motor transport troops, surveying and mapping units, and meteorological units.

On December 31, 2015, China established the leadership body of the PLA Army.

2. Navy

The People’s Liberation Army Navy is the maritime armed force of the People’s Republic of China and its naval service. Primarily composed of surface combatants and naval aviation, its principal missions are to defend against enemy sea-based incursions—either independently or in coordination with the Army and Air Force—safeguard territorial sea sovereignty, and uphold China’s maritime rights and interests. Its operational forces, apart from those directly under the Navy Headquarters, are organized into three fleets: the North Sea Fleet, the East Sea Fleet, and the South Sea Fleet. As the mainstay of maritime operations, the Navy possesses capabilities for surface, underwater, and air warfare.

3. Air Force

The People’s Liberation Army Air Force was officially established on November 11, 1949. Through continuous development and modernization, the Chinese Air Force has evolved into a high‑tech, multi‑service force comprising fighter aviation, surface‑to‑air missile units, anti‑aircraft artillery, radar units, airborne troops, electronic warfare, meteorology, and other specialized branches, equipped with a diverse array of aircraft types, including fighters, attack aircraft, bombers, and transport planes.

Its primary missions are homeland air defense, supporting land and naval operations, conducting air strikes against the enemy’s rear areas, and carrying out airlift and aerial reconnaissance.

4. Rocket Force

The People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force is a new branch of the PLA, renamed from the Second Artillery Corps and officially established on December 31, 2015. It serves as a strategic pillar of China’s status as a major power and a vital cornerstone for safeguarding national security. Over more than fifty years, China’s strategic missile forces have forged ahead, their resolute march echoing the majestic roar of a great nation’s sword in tandem with the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and bearing witness to the glorious achievements of Rocket Force officers and soldiers dedicated to building a strong military. Deep within the earth’s strata, China’s strength is nurtured; upon their iron shoulders rests the dignity of a great power.

5. Armed Police Force

The People’s Armed Police Force of the People’s Republic of China was established on April 5, 1983. Its predecessor was the Central Column of the People’s Public Security, which was founded in August 1949. The People’s Armed Police Force is an important component of the armed forces of the People’s Republic of China and is under the centralized and unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee and the Central Military Commission.

Effective from 00:00 hours on January 1, 2018, the People’s Armed Police Force of China has been placed under the centralized and unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee and the Central Military Commission, operating under a command-and-control structure that links the CMC–PAP–units. The PAP’s functional attributes remain unchanged, and it is not incorporated into the PLA sequence.

Effective August 1, 2021, the emblem of the People’s Armed Police Force of China was officially put into use.

6. Strategic Support Force

The Strategic Support Force of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army is a new type of combat force dedicated to safeguarding national security and a key driver of our military’s advanced operational capabilities. It was established through the functional integration of various support forces that are highly strategic, foundational, and supportive in nature. The creation of the Strategic Support Force will help optimize the structure of our military forces and enhance our comprehensive support capabilities.

7. Joint Logistics Support Force

The PLA Joint Logistics Support Force is the principal force for conducting joint logistics support and strategic‑operational campaign‑level logistical support, and it constitutes an important component of China’s modern military force structure with Chinese characteristics. The establishment of the Central Military Commission Joint Logistics Support Force marks the formal creation of a modern joint logistics support system that bears the distinctive features of the People’s Liberation Army.

The PLA Joint Logistics Support Force is a newly established unit formed as part of the military’s restructuring and reform. It reports directly to the Central Military Commission and, in terms of organizational structure, stands on an equal footing with the Army, Navy, Air Force, Rocket Force, and Strategic Support Force, holding the rank of a deputy theater‑level command.

Soldiers are the most lovable.

Also the most worthy of respect.

They are cheetahs of the turbulent years.

A White Dove in Times of Peace

They dedicate themselves silently and remain indomitable.

Do everything possible to protect the people.

If there is a soldier in your life

Remember to send him my regards on Army Day.

Event Information | Continuing the Red Legacy, Carrying Forward the August 1st Spirit

Event Update | The sixth session of the “Young Docent” Summer Cultural Workshop has successfully concluded!

Event Information | Continuing the Red Legacy, Carrying Forward the August 1st Spirit

Event Update | The sixth session of the “Young Docent” Summer Cultural Workshop has successfully concluded!