The JS tanks were named after Joseph Stalin. The JS-2 had a 122mm D-25T main gun and 6 road wheels to improve soft ground track performance. In 1944 new specifications included new armour tempering, a 60-degree glacis replaced the 30-degree and the driver's front hatch was removed. Also a relocated wider porthole, improved mantlet, increased lower hull side armor and a new periscope sight. The commander's cupola moved to the left and a 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun attached. In 1944 2,250 JS-2's were produced and no further improvements were made until 1954.
 
The People's Liberation Army was established August 1, 1927 under another name but in 1946 it became official. China received several JS-2's in the early 1950's, some for the PLA and others for the newly formed People's Volunteer Army. This allowed the PLA to remain independent while the PVA assisted North Korea. The US assisted South Korea as part of a UN police force. These two actions avoided official war between China and the US. During the war 20 JS-2's were reported to have been used.