CHINA POLlCING
SYSTEM
CONTENTS
People’s Liberation
Background
Army
Branches of the Qualifications and
system Disqualifications
Organizational Recruitment and
Structure Selection
Ministry of Public Training and
Security Promotion
People's Armed Police Ranks
Force
People’s Republic of China
• A sovereign state located in East Asia.
• Have a population of over 1.411 billion (2023)
• PRC is a single-party state governed by the
Communist Party.
• The seat of government is in the capital city of
Beijing.
• Policing in China is centralized
• exercises jurisdiction over 22 provinces, five
autonomous regions, four direct-controlled
municipalities (Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, and
Chongqing), and two mostly self-governing
special administrative regions (Hong Kong
and Macau).
• Xi Jinping (President of the People's Republic of
China)
Historical Background
• After the demise of the Qing Dynasty, the government of China
in 1912-1949 continued the efforts in developing a policing
system.
• The police system was abolished when the Chinese Communist
Party took control of the nation in 1949.
The People's Republic of China (1949-Present):
Establishment of the People's Police: After the
Communist Party came to power in 1949, it established
the People's Police under the control of the Ministry of
Public Security (MPS). This force was modeled after the
Soviet police system.
Historical Background
Cultural Revolution (1966-1976): The Cultural Revolution
significantly disrupted the policing system. The People's
Police were purged, and the People's Liberation Army
(PLA) took over many security functions.
Post-Cultural Revolution Reform: After the Cultural
Revolution, the policing system underwent reforms, aiming
to restore professionalism and centralize control.
The People's Armed Police (PAP) was established in 1983,
taking over some security roles from the PLA.
BRANCHES:
The legislative branch, the National People's Congress.
Formulates and revises the Constitution and supervises its
implementation; enacts and revises basic laws and other laws
of the state.
Congress of the Philippines- Senate and the House of Representatives
The executive branch, the State Council. The State Council of
the People's Republic of China, namely the Central People's
Government, is the highest executive organ of State power, as
well as the highest organ of State administration.
Executive Department- headed by the President assisted by the Vice
President and the Cabinet.
BRANCHES:
The judicial branch, the Supreme People's Court and the
Supreme People's Procuratorate
Supreme Court- the highest judicial body
The military branch, People's Liberation Army (PLA) via the
Central Military Commission Ministries and Commission
under the State Council
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)
A. Ministry of Foreign Affairs
It is an executive agency responsible for foreign relations between the
People's Republic of China and other countries in the world. The agency
is led by the Foreign Minister. The current minister is Wang Yi. The
agency has its headquarters in Chaoyang District, Beijing
- It is comparable to the Department of foreign affairs(DFA)
here in the Philippines
B. Ministry of National
It is headed by the Minister of National Defense. It deals with
foreign militaries in military exchange and cooperation.
- Comparable to the Department of National Defense(DND)
C. Ministry of Public Security
Headed by Minister of Public Security.
The principal police authority of the mainland of the PRC
Oversights and responsible for day-to-day Law enforcement, Operations,
Prison security.
D. Ministry of State Security
it is the security agency of the People's Republic of China. It is also
probably the Chinese government's largest and most active foreign
intelligence agency, though it is also involved in domestic security
matters.
- Comparable to National Intelligence Coordinating Agency(NICA)
E. Ministry of Justice
Itis a ministry of the Chinese central government which is responsible for legal
affairs
The ranges of responsibilities include judicial process, drafting legislation,
developing legal framework, participating in national and international treaties,
prosecution and sentencing
- Comparable to Department of Justice(DOJ)
Ministry of Public Security (MPS)
In 1987, the MPS was the principal police authority. The Ministry had functional
departments for areas such as intelligence, police operations, prisons, and
political, economic and communications security.
Headed by a Minister OF Public Security. (Wang Xiaohong)
It superseded the Ministry of Public Security of the Communist Party's Central
Military
Commission, a traditional body created in July 1949.
-Comparable to DILG
Organizational structure
Bureaus under the Ministry of Public
Security
1. Provincial Public Security Bureaus
County and municipal public safety bureaus Police
Stations.
2. Autonomous Region Public Safety Bureaus (5
regions)
County and municipal public safety bureaus Police
stations
3. Municipality
- Directly under the Central Government Public Security
Bureaus
Under the Ministry of Public Security
The People's Police (Chinese: 人民警察 ; pinyin: rénmín
jǐngchá) is the national civilian police force of the
People's Republic of China. It is distinct from the
paramilitary People's Armed Police (PAP), which reports
to the Central Military Commission (CMC).
They are responsible for maintaining social stability ( 维稳 ;
wéiwěn), which often goes beyond traditional law enforcement
and includes managing public gatherings, controlling dissent,
and ensuring the smooth functioning of society.
In China, the People's Police serve a political function as
well, upholding the authority of the Communist Party and
ensuring the stability of the regime.
The majority of national police forces in China fall under
the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Public Security (MPS).
Expanded Powers:
Over time, the power of the People's Police has expanded
to include:
Border Control: Under the auspices of the China
Immigration Inspection (CII).
Household Registration: Administering the hukou
system.
National ID Card Issuance: Issuing resident identity
cards.
Cybersecurity: Monitoring and controlling internet activity
through the 11th Bureau of the MPS.
Branches
1. Prison Police
- responsible for incarcerated offenders
- Bureau of Corrections (BUCOR)
2. Judicial Police
- law enforcement officers who work within the judicial system,
primarily under the People's Procuratorates and People's
Courts.
- Their primary role is to assist prosecutors and judges in
investigations and legal proceedings.
- have similarities with the duties of PNP and NBI
3. Special Police
A. Railway Police
-committed in maintaining order on transportation and in train
stations and investigating crimes committed in relation to railway
transportation.
- comparable to Philippine National Railway, they are trained to
provide efficient and effective rail security for the commuters.
B. Civil Aviation Police
Maintain order in airports and provide security for civilian air
transportation.
- comparable to Philippine National Police Aviation Security
Group(PNP- AVSEGROUP)
C. Transportation Police
Are responsible for providing security in waterway/ land
transportation.
- Highway Patrol Group(HPG)
D. Forest Police Patrols national forests to prevent forest fires,
poaching, illegal cutting and other
activities provided the state forest law
- Department of Environment and Natural Resources(DENR)
E. Anti-smuggling Police
-Are responsible for preventing smuggling
- Bureau of Customs in the Philippines
3 types of police officers in a police
station
Household
Registration Public Security Internal Affairs
Officers Officers Officers
They have the household
registration system
In charge of Administrative officers
which provided the
maintaining law and who stays in police
police with the tools of
order of the locality. station to handle all
restricting people's
office-related police
travel and monitoring
work.
people's ople's
movement.
People's Armed Police Force
this was oficially 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.
- the Special Action Force(PNP-SAF)
People’s Liberation
Army(PLA)
• The People’s Liberation Army(PLA) is the
world’s largest military force by active
duty personnel, with 2.18 million active
soldiers.
• China's military also has the second
largest defense budget in the world,
spending US\$296 billion in 2023.
Branches
1. Ground Force (PLA Ground Force - PLAGF)
The PLA Ground Force is the largest and oldest branch of
the Chinese military. It is responsible for land-based
military operations, including conventional warfare,
defense of territory, and internal security. The PLAGF
operates a wide range of equipment, including infantry,
artillery, tanks, and missile systems.
The Philippine Army (PA) is significantly smaller than the
PLA Ground Force. As of 2024, the Philippine Army has
around 150,000 active personnel, compared to the in the
PLA Ground Force having 965,000 active personnel.
The Philippine Army focuses on counterinsurgency
operations, territorial defense, and peacekeeping, while
the PLA Ground Force has a much broader range of
capabilities, including large-scale warfare and advanced
artillery.
2. Navy (PLA Navy - PLAN)
The PLA Navy is the naval branch of the PLA and is one
of the most important military forces in China due to the
country’s strategic position and growing maritime
interests.
The PLAN is responsible for safeguarding China’s
territorial waters, conducting power projection, and
ensuring control over vital sea lanes. It operates a
modern fleet, including aircraft carriers, submarines,
destroyers, and amphibious assault ships.
- The Philippine Navy (PN) is much smaller, with fewer
assets and a limited budget for naval expansion. As of
2024, the Philippine Navy has around 25,000
personnel, compared to over 350,000 in the PLA Navy.
- The Philippine Navy focuses primarily on coastal
defense, maritime security, and counter-piracy
operations, whereas the PLA Navy is more focused on
blue-water operations, with greater emphasis on
expanding naval power projection capabilities.
3. Air Force (PLA Air Force - PLAAF)
- The PLA Air Force is the branch responsible for
defending Chinese airspace and providing air support for
ground and naval operations. The PLAAF operates a wide
variety of aircraft, including fighters, bombers, transport
planes, and surveillance aircraft. It is also heavily
involved in missile defense and has a growing focus on
long-range strike capabilities.
- The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is much smaller and less
advanced than the PLA Air Force. The PAF focuses on
regional air defense, humanitarian assistance, and
counterinsurgency operations, with a fleet that includes
multi-role fighters like the FA-50 and older transport
aircraft.
- The PAF's capabilities are concentrated on territorial
defense, and it lacks the ability to project power or
maintain sustained air operations over long distances,
whereas the PLAAF hasglobal reach and advanced
capabilities, including long-range bombers and
sophisticated radar systems.
Qualifications
and
Disqualification
s
Qualifications for Joining the PLA
1. Age: For enlisted soldiers (volunteers), the age range is typically 18
to 22 years old. However, thereare certain exceptions for those with
special skills or higher education (up to 24 years for certain
categories).- For officers, candidates are usually required to be
between 18 and 30 years old, with exceptions for specialized roles.
2. Citizenship: Only Chinese nationals are eligible to join the PLA.
Foreigners or those with dual nationality are not allowed to enlist.
3. Physical Fitness: Applicants must pass strict medical and physical
exams, including requirements for height, weight, and overall health.
Physical fitness tests are more rigorous for combat roles.- Basic
vision standards are required (correctable vision with glasses may be
acceptable for non-combat roles).
Qualifications for Joining the PLA
4. Educational Requirements: For enlisted personnel, a high school diploma is
usually required. For officer candidates, a higher level of education (e.g.,
university degree) is often necessary, particularly for specialized fields like
engineering, IT, or medical services.
5. Moral and Legal Standing: Candidates must have no criminal record, and their
personal behavior must be in line with PLA standards, emphasizing loyalty to the
Communist Party of China (CPC) and national security.- A clean social record is
required; any association with anti-government activities could disqualify a
candidate.
Disqualifications
1. Non-Chinese Nationality: Only Chinese nationals are eligible to join the
PLA. This is a fundamental requirement, as the PLA is a national defense
force.
2. Age Outside the Range: The age limit for joining the PLA is typically
between 18 and 24 years old. Individuals outside this range would generally
be disqualified.
3. Criminal Record: Having a criminal record, even if it's a minor offense,
would likely disqualify an applicant. The PLA seeks individuals with a clean
history and strong moral character.
4. Poor Physical Fitness: Failing to meet the PLA's rigorous physical fitness
standards would result in disqualification. This includes failing to pass the
physical examination or demonstrating a lack of physical aptitude.
5. Mental Instability: Individuals with mental health issues or psychological
conditions that could impair their ability to serve in the military would likely
be disqualified.
6. Lack of Political Loyalty: Demonstrating a lack of loyalty to the
Communist Party or its ideology could be a significant disqualification. The
Failing Background Checks: Failing to pass the background check
process could be a major disqualification. This could include issues with
criminal records, social conduct, or financial stability.
Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as severe
eyesight problems, hearing impairments, or serious health issues, could
disqualify an applicant.
Qualifications for Joining the AFP
1. Age:
- For enlisted personnel, the age range is typically 18 to 23 years
old. For the officer corps(Reserve or Regular), the age requirement
is usually 21 to 29 years old, depending on the specific service
branch.
2. Citizenship:
- Only Filipino citizens are eligible to join the AFP. Dual citizens must
renounce foreign citizenship before enlistment.
3. Physical Fitness:
- Applicants must pass a physical fitness test, including endurance,
strength, and agility components.
- Applicants must meet medical standards, including vision, hearing,
and general health.
- There are height requirements: typically 5 feet for male and 5
feet for female recruits.
4. Educational Requirements:
- For enlisted personnel, at least a high school diploma is
required, although a higher level of education may be
needed for specialized roles.
- For officers, a bachelor's degree is typically required,
and for the Philippine Military Academy(PMA),
candidates must pass a rigorous selection process and
academic standards.
5. Moral and Legal Standing:
- Applicants must have no criminal record, and they must
demonstrate good moral character.
- Loyalty to the country and its democratic institutions is
a crucial factor.
Disqualification
Medical Disqualifications:
Vision: Poor eyesight, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and
astigmatism, can be disqualifying, especially for certain branches like
the Air Force.
Hearing: Significant hearing loss or other ear conditions can be
disqualifying.
Dental: Missing teeth, severe dental problems, or untreated cavities
can be disqualifying.
Physical Conditions: Certain physical conditions, such as heart
problems, asthma, epilepsy, or chronic illnesses, can be disqualifying.
Mental Health: Untreated mental health conditions, such as anxiety,
depression, or PTSD, can be disqualifying.
Drug Use: A history of drug use, even if it was in the past, can be
disqualifying.
Tattoo Policy: The AFP has a strict tattoo policy, and certain types of
Criminal History:
Convictions: A criminal conviction, even for a minor offense, can be
disqualifying.
Pending Charges: Having pending criminal charges can also be
disqualifying.
Educational Requirements:
Minimum Education: Applicants must have at least a high school
diploma or its equivalent.
Specific Branches: Certain branches, like the Air Force or the Navy,
may require higher educational qualifications, such as a college degree.
Citizenship and Residency:
Citizenship: Applicants must be Filipino citizens.
Residency: Applicants must have been a resident of the Philippines for
a certain period of time.
Age Limits:
Minimum Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
Maximum Age: The maximum age limit varies depending on
the branch and the specific position.
Character and Conduct:
Moral Character: Applicants must have a good moral
character and a history of responsible behavior.
Background Checks: Thorough background checks are
conducted to verify the applicant's history and ensure they are
suitable for military service.
THE PEOPLE’S POLICE
RECRUITMENT
1. Citizenship: Applicants must be Chinese citizens with a valid hukou
(household registration).
2. Age: The maximum age limit for recruitment varies depending on
the specific position and rank. Generally, applicants should be under
25 years old for entry-level positions .
3. Education: Applicants must have at least a high school diploma,
with preference given to graduates of police universities or
academies .
4. Physical Fitness: Applicants undergo rigorous physical fitness tests
to assess their strength, endurance, and agility.
5. Political Loyalty: Applicants must demonstrate unwavering loyalty
to the Communist Party and its ideology.
6. Moral Character: Applicants are vetted for their moral character,
with a focus on honesty, integrity, and adherence to social norms.
7. Background Check: A thorough background check is conducted to
ensure that applicants have no criminal history or other disqualifying
factors.
SELECTION
1. Initial Screening: Applications are reviewed based on the above criteria,
with a focus on education, age, and political background.
2. Physical Fitness Tests: Applicants undergo physical tests to assess their
strength, endurance, and agility. These tests may include running, push-ups,
pull-ups, and other exercises.
3. Psychological Evaluation: Applicants are subjected to psychological tests to
assess their mental stability, emotional maturity, and suitability for law
enforcement work.
4. Interviews: Candidates undergo multiple rounds of interviews with police
officials to assess their communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and
overall suitability for the role.
5. Background Check: A detailed background check is conducted to verify
information provided by applicants and to ensure they have no criminal history
or other disqualifying factors.
6. Political Vetting: Applicants undergo a political vetting process to assess
their loyalty to the Communist Party and their understanding of its ideology.
7. Final Selection: Based on the results of all assessments, a final selection is
made, and successful candidates are admitted to police academies for
Training
1. Police Academies: Recruits undergo a rigorous training program at
police academies, which typically lasts for two years. People's Public
Security University of China (PPSUC)
2. Curriculum: Training covers a wide range of subjects, including law,
criminal procedure, police tactics, firearms handling, first aid, and
physical fitness.
3. Ideological Indoctrination: Training also includes a significant
component of ideological indoctrination, emphasizing loyalty to the
Communist Party and its policies.
4. Practical Training: Recruits undergo practical training in various law
enforcement scenarios, including crime scene investigation, patrol
duties, and arrest procedures.
5. Specialized Training: After completing basic training, officers may
receive specialized training in areas such as criminal investigation,
traffic enforcement, or counterterrorism.
Promotion
General Promotion:
- Officers up to Supervisor Second Class are promoted
based on their post level, following specific timeframes
and qualifications.
- Promotion intervals are three years for officers from
Constable Second Class to Superintendent First Class,
and four years for officers from Superintendent First
Class to Supervisor First Class.
- Time spent in police training schools is included in the
promotion interval.
- To be promoted, officers must demonstrate:
- Adherence to state laws and policies
- Competence in their current role
- Strong community ties, honesty, and integrity
Selective Promotion:
- Officers at Supervisor First Class and above are promoted
based on their political integrity, ability, and performance.
Special Cases:
- - Officers promoted to a new post with a higher minimum rank
requirement will be automatically promoted to that rank.
- - Promotions to Supervisor and Commissioner require
completion of relevant training at a police academy.
- - Promotions ahead of schedule require approval from the
Director of the Political Department of the Public Security
Ministry.
Ranks
POLICE RANKS OF THE PEOPLE'S
POLICE
The police ranks of the people's police are classified into the following
five ranks with thirteen classes:
(1) Commissioner-General, Deputy Commissioner-General;
(2) Commissioner: First Class, Second Class, Third Class;
(3) Supervisor: First Class, Second Class, Third Class;
(4) Superintendent: First Class, Second Class, Third Class;
(5) Constable: First Class, Second Class.
The police ranks corresponding to the different levels of administrative posts
held by the people's police
(1) Post at the level of minister: Commissioner-General; (Wang Xiaohong)
(2) Post at the level of vice-minister: Deputy Commissioner-General;
(3) Post at the level of director of department: Commissioner First Class or
Commissioner Second Class;
(4) Post at the level of deputy director of department: Commissioner Second
Class or Commissioner Third Class;
(5) Post at the level of director of division: from Commissioner Third Class
down to Supervisor Second Class;
(6) Post at the level of deputy director of division: from Supervisor First
Class down to Supervisor Third Class;
(7) Post at the level of chief of section: from Supervisor First Class down to
Superintendent First Class;
(8) Post at the level of deputy chief of section: from Supervisor Second Class
down to Superintendent Second Class;
(9) Post at the level of section staff (Sergeant): from Supervisor Third Class
down to Superintendent Third Class;
(10) Post at the level of office clerk (Constable): from Superintendent First
Class down to Constable Second Class.
THANKS!
Group members:
Paac, Guy Adrian
Penodchong, Iann
Banaken, Ryan
CREDITS: This presentation template was
created by Slidesgo, and includes icons by
Nanglihan, Kenneth
Flaticon and infographics & images by
Freepik
Please keep this slide for attribution
Sources: Chinese Policing in a Time of Transition, 1978-2008 | Office of Justice Programs. (n.d.).
[Link]
Codings. (n.d.). HUKOU SYSTEM IN CHINA. [Link]
People’s Police (China). (n.d.). DBpedia. [Link]
REGULATIONS OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA ON THE POLICE RANKS OF THE
PEOPLE’S POLICE. (n.d.). [Link]
Ma, Y. (2000). A research note on the history of the Chinese police. International Journal of Comparative
and Applied Criminal Justice, 24(1), 115–123. [Link]
Cyrus, K. (2024, February 24). People’s Liberation Army Recruitment Programs – Apply now. Daosblog.
[Link]
Chang, S., & Bonavia, D. M. (2024, November 14). Beijing | Province, city, History, Map, & Facts.
Encyclopedia Britannica. [Link]