The People’s Armed Police Force (PAPF) is a paramilitary force in China that falls under the command of the Central Military Commission. It has around 1.5 million personnel and is responsible for maintaining domestic security, responding to emergencies, and performing other non-combat duties. The PAPF is divided into various units, including border defense, firefighting, and security, among others.
In addition to the PAPF, China also has a reserve component within its regular armed forces. The reserve force is comprised of former soldiers who have completed their mandatory military service and have been placed in a reserve pool for future use. These individuals may be called upon to serve in times of war or national crisis, and are required to undergo periodic training to maintain their readiness.
It’s worth noting that China has a mandatory military service requirement for able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 22, although exemptions are available in certain circumstances. After completing their service, these individuals may be placed in the reserve force or discharged from military duty altogether.