People's Liberation Army of China - Pictures
The People's Liberation Army is the armed forces of the People's Republic of China, consisting of land, sea, strategic missile and air forces.
The PLA is the world's largest military force, with approximately 3 million members, and has the world's largest (active) standing army, with approximately 2.25 million members. The PLA comprises five main service branches, consisting of the PLA Ground Force, PLA Navy (PLAN), PLA Air Force (PLAAF), Second Artillery Corps (strategic missile force), and the PLA Reserve Force.
China's official defence spending rose by 11.2% in 2012, pushing it above $100bn, the world's second-biggest, only behind the US.
Foreign experts have estimated that Beijing's actual military spending could be as much as double the official budget.
Chinese homemade weaponry accounts for more than 90% of her arsenal.