BEIJING, July 20 (Xinhua) -- The armed police standing guard on Beijing's Tiananmen Square will be sporting a sharper look from August 1, as their uniforms undergo a style change to keep up with the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

    Members of the Chinese People's Armed Police Force will cast aside uniforms now dismissed as baggy and unfashionable in their first uniform change in two decades.

    Similar to the PLA's new uniforms, the key tone of the new armed police attire, dubbed the "07 style", is darker than the "87style" and the shape of new outfits is changed from the "letter H" to "letter T" for men and "letter X" for women.

    In addition to more a stylish cut, the new uniforms will also include a new chest insignia to reveal the wearers' rank and length of service, an arm badge, a name plate and a collar insignia.

    Established on April 5, 1983, the Chinese People's Armed Police Force is composed of former guard forces from the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and armed police, frontier guards and fire police.

    Its task is to safeguard public security and the security of people's life and property, and guard Party and government institutions and other important establishments including foreign embassies and consulates in China.

    The uniform change of the armed police will start in Beijing and is expected to be completed in 2008.

    The PLA has already announced its uniform change. Soldiers and officers will also start wearing new uniforms from Aug. 1, 2007, the 80th anniversary of the founding of the PLA.