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WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
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China
Index
The People's Armed Police Force (PAPF), after a trial period in
selected jurisdictions, was officially established at the national
level in 1983. In line with the general policy of reducing the size
of the armed forces and transferring responsibilities to the
civilian sector, the newly established force was formed from
internal security units reassigned from the PLA to the Ministry of
Public Security and from border defense (customs) and fire-fighting
units
(see Military Modernization
, ch. 14). In 1985 the PAPF
consisted of approximately 600,000 volunteers and conscripts. With
a general headquarters at the national level and subordinate
division-level provincial or specialized units, regimental-level
detachments, and battalion-level brigades, it retained its military
organization.
PAPF units assigned to internal security were responsible for
guarding party and state organizations and foreign embassies and
consulates, as well as for responding to emergencies and
maintaining law and order. Border defense units performed standard
customs duties, such as inspecting vehicles and ships entering and
leaving the country, and maintained surveillance against smugglers
and drug traffickers. PAPF firefighting units were responsible for
fire-prevention education as well as for fighting fires. PAPF units
at every level worked in close cooperation with the armed forces
and other public security organizations.
Data as of July 1987
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