QBZ-191 with a silencer/sound moderator

In a recent China Central Television feature for International Women’s Day, viewers were introduced to a standout figure: a female political commissar leading a company of the People’s Armed Police (PAP) through a tactical drill. It’s the kind of segment that blends celebration with a subtle reminder that the PAP wants to look both modern and disciplined on camera.

It is interesting to note is that every officer under her command is carrying a QBZ‑191 rifle each one topped with a suppressor. For a law‑enforcement‑oriented force like the PAP, the choice isn’t entirely surprising. Suppressors help tame muzzle blast and flash, which makes communication easier and keeps indoor operations from turning into an impromptu flashbang festival. In tight spaces, anything that reduces the “my ears are ringing” factor is a welcome upgrade. 

"Your gun is long, dude"

But here’s the thing: most PAP duties aren’t high‑tempo CQB raids. They’re more about presence, patrols, and keeping public order (hahahahaha). In that context, the extra length isn’t a deal‑breaker. If anything, the long silhouette of a suppressed QBZ‑191 adds a certain “don’t test me” visual authority. And while the PAP’s day‑to‑day tasks often involve managing street vendors rather than storming buildings (hahahahaha), the optics of a modern, well‑equipped unit play an important role in projecting professionalism.

In short: the suppressors may not be perfect for every scenario, but they certainly make for good television and an even better headline featuring a woman political commissar (女教导员) of 2nd Mobile PAP Corps.

 

 

Policing via firepower in Xinjing

 Photos of the 187th People Armed Police (PAP) Mobile  Division, 1st Mobile PAP Corps in a fire drill.

Monday, March 25, 2019

PR photo the day: manhunt.....with flamethrower

In this drill, the People's Armed Police, Gansu Corps simulated a manhunt to catch 6 terrorists. Yup, if PR pictures below is a correct depiction, one of the tools available to the PAP in this hunt is flamethrower.  Really begs the question on how to get positive identification on those suspects afterward.

 

 

Sunday, May 17, 2020

CCTV Capture Of The Day: Xinjing PAP 2nd Mobile Corps now has an organic heliborne SpOps

Xinjiang PAP 2nd 总队 Mobile Corp is now confirmed with an organic heliborne SpOps team.  2nd Mobile Corp Helicopter Detachment has been operating a fleet of five Z-8 helicopters for over Since 2015, attaching a small SpOps team to it seems to be a logical next step.

Xinjing PAP 1st Mobile Corp operates a similar fleet of Z-8 helicopters, it would not be a surprise if it also commands a SpOs team as well. 

 WJ = PAP

Why does the PLA still issue rectangular shields?

Given that the Chinese rectangular shield seems cumbersome on today’s fast‑moving, high‑tech, drone‑dominated battlefield, one might wonder why the PLA continues to issue it at the infantry level? The explanation is likely very simpler: these shields can be bundled together as a windbreaker.

 

Monday, November 04, 2024

PLA heavy infantry update

Finally, the PLA frontier defense heavy infantry is now receiving much-needed equipment standardization and enhanced armor, including leg and elbow guards.   Yes, after more than 2000 years, the poor PLA infantry is now headed in the correct way in terms of adequate armor protection, closing the gap with  their Han Dynasty counterparts. 

I am not crying, just have sands in my eyes......

 

 

More Photos For Your Modern Infantry ToE Nerds Out There

Good to see that the Mandarin Duck formation is alive and well.  With that being said, a plate armor upgrade would be a great next step upgrade.

Wednesday, October 02, 2024

The PLA still has a much to learn about modern warfare, particularly infantry tactics and related Table of Equipment in 2024

 What's wrong this this PLA Phalanx?   For starter, their spears are too short, lacking standards.  What?  no shield?  Yikes, only four rank deep.   

I am telling you, they would not stand a chance against Little Alex’s Macedonian phalanx of 323 BC.  No not a chance.

Man, oh man, the PLA Hastati border guard is carrying a cheap, Chinese knockoff gladius that isn't even sharp to start.  Their scuta also appears to be of low quality.

Group photo of this 13-member  Contubernium

Two Type 89 120mm Pilum for range attack before close-quarters melee at Contubernium level

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Naval Aviation Aircraft Of The Day: Y-5 Transport

While the PLAAF’s operation of the Y‑5 transport is well known, it may come as a surprise that the PLAN Naval Aviation also continues to field this updated variant of the Antonov An‑2 ‘Colt.’ A remarkably enduring aircraft, it’s still going strong.

 

 At the same time J-35 as well.  Talking about an age gap

 

Sunday, December 01, 2024

Y-5 biplane said good bye to another crew

Yesterday, the PLAAF airborne said goodbye to this year's retired crew members of a Y-5 unit.  The Y-5, which initially entered service on December 23rd, 1957, under direct Soviet supervision, is still operational, awaiting a new crew to continue flying.

Y-5B, a search and rescue variant on display at the recent 2024 Zhuhai Airshow, yes it is still going strong

Thursday, April 30, 2020

Yes, they are still making An-2 Colt / Y-5 biplane in China

The latest Y-5BG model completed her first flight on March 3rd, 2020 (here).  As a point of reference, the original An-2 completed her first on 1947.

Engine is Honeywell PE-331 turboprop and all civilian to boot.  Cheap to operate, easy to handle and can land anywhere, why not?  Great for agriculture applications

 

Saturday, February 06, 2021

Forever Y-5, still in service with the China Air Force for anti desertification aerial seeding

 China Air Force Unit: 3rd Transportation and SAR Regiment, Western Theater Command