Scott No: 2782-86
Serial number: 1997-12
Values in set: 5
Date of issue: August 1,1997
Designers: Ji Hongmin; Yao Bin;
Luo Genxing; Li Xian
Size: 50*30mm
Perforation: 12
Sheet composition: 40
Printing process: offset

The commemorative stamp set 70th Anniversary of the Founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, catalog number 1997-12, was issued on August 1, 1997. It consists of five stamps, produced using the photogravure process. The stamps measure 50×30 mm, with a perforation gauge of 11.5 degrees. Each sheet contains 40 stamps. The stamps were designed by Ji Hongmin, Yao Bin, Luo Genxing, and Li Xiang and printed by Shenyang Post and Telecommunications Printing Factory in Liaoning Province.

The Nanchang Uprising of 1927 marked the birth of the people's army under the independent leadership of the Communist Party of China. 1997 marked the 70th anniversary of the founding of the army. This stamp set breaks from the previous approach of military anniversary stamps that focused on historical scenes with figures. Instead, it takes modern weapons and equipment as its main subject, presenting the army, navy, air force, strategic missile force, and joint exercises of the three services in sequence, comprehensively showcasing the achievements of the People's Army's modernization and highlighting the powerful strength of this mighty force in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Army

The main subject is a main battle tank, with armored vehicles speeding across the land, tracks kicking up dust. The army is the foundation of the People's Army. From being primarily infantry during the revolutionary era, it has developed into a modern ground combat force with multiple branches, serving as the backbone of territorial defense.

Navy

The image presents a guided-missile destroyer cutting through the waves, with a majestic hull and surging sea spray. Naval equipment is continuously updated, guarding the vast sea frontiers and shouldering the missions of coastal defense patrol and safeguarding maritime rights and interests.

Air Force

The image shows fighter jets soaring through the sky, with aircraft sweeping across the vast heavens. The air force has achieved equipment upgrades, building the motherland's aerial defense line with capabilities in air combat and air defense interception, safeguarding territorial airspace.

Strategic Missile Force

The image shows a missile being erected, ready for launch. The strategic missile force is the core of China's strategic deterrence, undertaking strategic defense missions and serving as an important shield for national security.

Joint Army-Navy-Air Force Exercise

The image presents a scene of coordinated drills by the three services, with amphibious tanks, aircraft, and naval vessels operating in coordination. Joint combat exercises demonstrate the integrated combat capability of multiple branches, marking the PLA's march toward modern coordinated operations.

Artistic and Design Features

The set uses a realistic painting style, with a powerful and majestic atmosphere and solid, robust tones. The five stamps are arranged by service branch in sequence, from individual services to joint exercises of the three services, with a progressive logical structure. The images focus on highlighting the sense of power of the equipment, with blue skies, blue seas, and open fields as backgrounds, enhancing the character of a strong military and intuitively showcasing the brilliant achievements of seventy years of military construction through modern equipment.