When torrential rains submerged Rongjiang County in China's Guizhou Province this June, a rapid mobilization of 23,300 military personnel and volunteers became a lifeline for 385,000 residents. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) and People's Armed Police Force deployed 90 heavy machinery units within hours, clearing debris and evacuating 48,000 people from rising floodwaters.
This emergency response exemplifies the PLA's evolving role as both national guardian and global peace contributor. As the force approaches its 98th anniversary in 2025, President Xi Jinping reaffirmed its dual mandate: 'The PLA maintains absolute capability to protect sovereignty while advancing world development through concrete actions.'
Beyond disaster relief, analysts note the military's growing participation in UN peacekeeping missions and regional security initiatives. The Guizhou operation's scale – equivalent to deploying a small city's population for rescue work – demonstrates China's institutional capacity to address climate-related challenges through coordinated civil-military action.
