Chinese People’s Volunteers Force

Chinese armed forces

Also known as: CPVF

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Last updated

July 23, 2026

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The Chinese People's Volunteer Force (CPVF) was a designation for the Chinese armed forces that fought in the Korean War. In October 1950, Chinese Communist Party Chairman Mao Zedong ordered the CPVF to enter Korea, commanded by General Peng Dehuai. The CPVF's initial objective was to test the fighting capabilities of UN and South Korean forces and slow their advance. They employed tactics such as attacking at night, cutting supply lines, and ambushing counterattacking forces.

The CPVF's intervention significantly impacted the war, forcing UN troops to retreat and leading to the re-occupation of Seoul in January 1951. Despite suffering heavy casualties, the CPVF's actions demonstrated a formula for engaging UN forces. The appearance of Soviet-piloted MiG-15 jet fighters also challenged UN air superiority. The CPVF's involvement prolonged the conflict, with fighting eventually stabilizing along the 38th parallel.12

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Battle of the Chosin Reservoir
Crossing into North Korea
…after considerable debate, ordered the Chinese People’s Volunteers Force (CPVF), under the command of General Peng Dehuai, to move against the Eighth Army, whose lead elements had advanced beyond P’yŏngyang and were marching along two separate routes toward the border with China at the Yalu River.
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…after considerable debate, ordered the Chinese People’s Volunteers Force (CPVF), under the command of General Peng Dehuai, to move against the Eighth Army, whose lead elements had advanced beyond P’yŏngyang and were marching along two separate routes toward the border with China at the Yalu River.
Read More