Chinese Counter-SOF Doctrine Shaped by Legacy and Augmented by Robust Security Services

The Chinese military regards special operations as a cornerstone element of modern informationized operations and has greatly expanded its own special operations forces. PLA special operations forces (SOF) have historically focused on what USSOCOM defines as the SOF core activities of direct action and special reconnaissance with limited capacity for unconventional warfare or counterterrorism. Each PLA Army group army now has a brigade-echelon SOF unit. The PLA Navy Marine Corps has two similar units, the PLA Air Force Airborne Corps has one brigade, and the PLA Rocket Force has at least one unit at the regiment echelon. These provide a robust special operations capability at the theater and service levels, but the PLA lacks a unified command to integrate SOF activities.

China has built a multiservice and interagency approach to counterinfiltration and countersabotage operations, including PLA regular forces and SOF, the People’s Armed Police, and local law enforcement. These actions are primarily defined in terms of internal security, but elements of these roles cross other well-defined remits including domestic law enforcement, stability operations, maritime security, and international stability operations.