| Unit Name: | 46th Corps (1948–60) 46th Army Corps (1960–85) |
| Dates: | 1948.11–1985.10 |
| Country: |  |
| Command Structure: | Jinan Military Region |
| Garrison: | Linyi, Shandong |
| Battles: | Chinese Civil War, Korean War, Sino-Soviet border conflict |
The 46th Army Corps was a military formation of China's People's Liberation Army existed from 1948 to 1985.
The 46th Corps was activated on November 15, 1948,[1] under the Regulation of the Redesignations of All Organizations and Units of the Army, issued by the Central Military Commission on 1 November 1948,[2] basing on the 9th Column of the Northeastern Field Army.
As of its formation, the Corps was composed of four divisions: the 136th, 137th, 138th and 159th. The corps was deployed in several major battles during the Chinese Civil War, including the Liaoshen Campaign, Pingjin Campaign(namely the Battle of Tianjin), and the Hengbao Campaign.
From 1949 to 1951 it participated in bandit suppression operations in southern Guangxi.[3]
In August 1949, the 159th Division detached from the corps to transfer to Hunan Provincial Military District's control.[4]
From January 1951 to August 1952, the corps was deployed to eastern Guangdong.[5]
In July 1952, 138th detached from the corps to join the 45th Corps; the 133rd Division attached to the corps from the 45th Corps.
From August 1952 to October 1955 the corps was deployed to North Korea as a part of the People's Volunteer Army.[6] The corps HQ was redeployed in Jilin City after it withdrew to China.
On February 4, 1956, Artillery Cadre Regiment, 46th Corps was activated.[7]
In April 1960, the corps was redesignated as the 46th Army Corps . By then the corps was composed of:
On March 2, 1969, a reconnaissance unit from the 133rd Army Division participated in the first clash in the Zhenbao Island conflict.[8] In August 1969, all number designations were dropped for artillery and anti-aircraft artillery regiments. In December 1969, the 133rd Army Division was redesignated as the 138th Army Division.
In May 1975, the 46th Army Corps exchanged its garrison with the 68th Army Corps. The corps moved to Xuzhou with its three divisions. The 1st and 2nd Garrison Division of Jinan Military Region were put under the corps' control.[9]
In February 1976, the Tank Regiment of 46th Army Corps was activated from the 4th Independent Tank Regiment of Jinan Military Region. By then the corps was composed of:
In 1978, the army corps repositioned to Linyi, Shandong. 1st Garrison Division of Jinan Military Region detached from the corps. 2nd Garrison Division of Jinan Military Region was disbanded.
In December 1982, the 8th Tank Division attached to the corps.
In October 1985, the 46th Army Corps was deactivated: