Starting March 1, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) began issuing a new unified identity document — the “PLA Reserve Personnel Certificate” — following approval from the Central Military Commission.
According to China Central Television’s military channel, the new certificate serves as an official form of identification for reserve personnel. Each card carries a unique, system-generated identity number and is issued to reserve officers, sergeants, and soldiers who are serving in the PLA under the country’s Reserve Personnel Law.
Zhang Yaokui, a professor at the PLA’s National Defense University Joint Operations College, explained that the new certificate formally recognizes the status of reserve personnel by both the Chinese government and military. It provides unified proof of enrollment in reserve forces and replaces the previously issued “PLA Reserve Officers Certificate,” which has now been officially abolished.
Zhang noted the certificate serves practical purposes in both peacetime and wartime. In peacetime, it facilitates participation in military training, readiness duties, and non-combat military operations. In wartime, it enables the swift mobilization and deployment of reserve personnel. It also helps reserve members access relevant welfare benefits, compensation, and preferential treatment as provided by law.
Zhang further emphasized that PLA reserve personnel hold a dual identity — they are both civilians and soldiers. In ordinary times, they work across various sectors of society as regular citizens. However, when called upon, they are required to put on their uniforms and fulfill their military obligations.
The rollout of this new credential is seen by analysts as a meaningful step in streamlining the mobilization process and strengthening the institutional framework governing China’s reserve forces.
Source: Central News Agency (Taiwan), March 3, 2026
https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acn/202603030108.aspx