Legal basis: People's Republic of China (PRC) Military Service Law.
Twelfth male citizens who have reached the age of 18 years before1February 3 1 every year shall be recruited for active service. Those who have not been recruited in that year can still be recruited for active service before the age of 22, and the recruitment age of ordinary college graduates can be relaxed to 24. According to the needs of the army, female citizens may be recruited for active service in accordance with the provisions of the preceding paragraph. According to the needs of the army and on my own initiative, citizens who have reached the age of1February 3 1 day, but have not reached the age of 17 18 can be enlisted for active service.
Article 13 The State practices the military service registration system. Before December 31st each year, male citizens who have reached the age of eighteen shall, in accordance with the arrangements of the military service organs of counties, autonomous counties, cities and municipal districts, conduct military service registration before June 30th of that year. Those who pass the preliminary examination in military service registration are called eligible citizens.
Article 14 During conscription, citizens eligible for enlistment shall, in accordance with the notice of the military service organs of counties, autonomous counties, cities and municipal districts, go to the designated physical examination stations for physical examination on time. Citizens who meet the conditions for active service shall be enlisted for active service with the approval of the military service organs of counties, autonomous counties, cities and municipal districts.