“中国人民志愿军军歌” · Song of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army

As winter approached, China joined the Korean War in late October 1950 to counter the perceived threat of U.S. forces near its border and to support its ally, North Korea. With United Nations forces advancing into North Korea, China feared the possibility of a foreign invasion into its territory and sought to prevent a pro-Western regime from forming on its doorstep. The flag of the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army (CPVA) was a plain red banner, primarily because it allowed the CPVA to align with communist ideals without directly displaying China’s formal military insignia. This choice emphasized their role as “volunteers” rather than as an official army.