The 31st Group Army (GA), headquartered in Tong'an, Fujian Province, is one of the three group armies subordinated to the Nanjing Military Region (MR). Directly facing the Taiwan Strait, the group army plays a key role in a major conflict with Taiwan. It was reported that since the mid-1990s the 31st GA has been allocated with newer weapon equipments. Its troops also receives regular training in amphibious warfare.
The 31st GA was formed in 1985 on the basis of the PLA 31st Corps, which consisted of three infantry divisions (91st, 92nd, and 93rd). Upon its establishment, the group army received the 86th Infantry Division previously organic to the 29th Corps, a tank brigade, an artillery brigade and an AAA brigade.
In 1996, the 93rd Motorised Infantry Division were transferred to the People’s Armed Police (PAP).
In 1998, the 92nd Motorised Infantry Division was downsized to a brigade. The tank brigade was reorganised into an amphibious armoured brigade. The AAA brigade was reorganised into an air defence (SAM/AAA) brigade.
Since the mid-1990s, the 31st GA has taken part in a series of high-profile military exercises that aim against Taiwan, including "Success 5" in Nov 1995, "United 96" in March 1996, and "Liberation 1" in June 2000.
