Chairman of the Central Military Commission Xi Jinping recently signed an order to release the flag designs for the Military Space Force, Cyberspace Force, Information Support Force, and Joint Logistics Support Force. On the occasion of the upcoming Army Day, he extended festive greetings to all officers and soldiers of the People’s Liberation Army, armed police forces, civilian personnel, reservists, and militia.

The newly released branch flags are designed based on the August 1st Army Flag, fully demonstrating the Party’s absolute leadership over the military and reflecting the unity and coordinated progress of the armed forces. The designs follow the basic layout of service flags with a golden ratio, incorporating distinctive patterns and colors representing each branch’s domain. These flags emphasize strategic positioning and inspire a sense of honor and mission. The introduction of these flags marks the establishment of a new-era flag system for the People’s Army, comprising the August 1st Army Flag, flags of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Rocket Force, Military Space Force, Cyberspace Force, Information Support Force, and Joint Logistics Support Force. This system will motivate officers and soldiers to strive tirelessly toward the centennial goal of building a world-class military, adding new glory to the flags. The branch flags will officially come into use on August 1, 2025.

To accommodate the development of the flag system, the Central Military Commission also issued a decision to amend the “Regulations on the Management of Military Flags (Provisional),” revising provisions on flag categories and usage scenarios to provide legal safeguards for standardizing flag management and upholding their dignity.

Military Space Force

The **Military Space Force** refers to a branch of a nation’s armed forces focused on operations in outer space, such as satellite defense, space surveillance, and potential combat in orbit. The most well-known example is the **United States Space Force (USSF)**, established in 2019 as the first new independent military service since 1947, tasked with protecting U.S. interests in space. Other countries, like Russia and China, also have military space units, reflecting the growing strategic importance of space in modern warfare.

Cyberspace Force

The Cyberspace Force is a branch of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) established in 2015, tasked with defending China’s national security in the digital domain. It focuses on cyber warfare, electronic countermeasures, and safeguarding critical infrastructure from cyber threats. The force reflects China’s emphasis on modernizing its military capabilities to address emerging challenges in cyberspace.

Information Support Force

The Information Support Force is a strategic branch of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), established in 2024 as part of military reforms to modernize China’s armed forces. It focuses on cyber warfare, electronic intelligence, and information operations to enhance battlefield communication and strategic capabilities. The unit reflects China’s emphasis on integrating advanced technology and information dominance in modern military strategy.

Joint Logistics Support Force

The Joint Logistics Support Force (JLSF) is a key component of China’s military reforms, established in 2016 to centralize and modernize logistical support for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). It integrates transportation, supply, maintenance, and medical services to enhance operational efficiency across all branches of the military. The JLSF reflects China’s broader strategy to streamline its armed forces and improve readiness for modern warfare.

August 1st Army Flag

The **August 1st Army Flag** is a symbol of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China, commemorating its founding on **August 1, 1927**, during the **Nanchang Uprising**—a pivotal event in the Chinese Communist Revolution. The flag features a red background with a golden star and the characters *”八一”* (August 1st), representing the PLA’s origins and loyalty to the Party. It is a prominent military emblem, displayed during national celebrations and at historical sites like the **Nanchang August 1st Memorial Museum**.

Army

The term “Army” typically refers to a nation’s organized military force responsible for land-based defense and warfare. Historically, armies have existed since ancient times, evolving from early tribal warriors to modern, highly structured forces with advanced technology. Different cultures and eras have shaped armies in unique ways, such as the Roman legions, medieval knights, or contemporary professional armies, reflecting their society’s values and strategic needs.

Navy

The **U.S. Navy** is the maritime service branch of the United States Armed Forces, established in **1775** during the American Revolutionary War to protect the nation’s seas and project military power globally. Over its history, it has played crucial roles in major conflicts, including World War II, and today maintains a fleet of advanced ships, submarines, and aircraft. The Navy also upholds traditions, such as the iconic **”Anchors Aweigh”** song, and operates key bases like **Naval Station Norfolk**, the world’s largest naval complex.

Air Force

The **Air Force** typically refers to a nation’s branch of the military responsible for aerial warfare, including aircraft, missiles, and space operations. Many countries established formal air forces in the early 20th century, with the British Royal Air Force (founded in 1918) being the first independent air service. Today, air forces play a critical role in defense, strategic operations, and humanitarian missions worldwide.

*(If referring to a specific cultural site like the U.S. Air Force Memorial or a museum, let me know for a more tailored summary!)*