The 218th Division was created in November 1949 under the Regulation of the Redesignations of All Organizations and Units of the Army, issued by Central Military Commission on November 1, 1948, basing on the 3rd and 7th Division, 3rd Corps, 1st Army Group of the People's Liberation Army of the Nationalist Party of China. Its history can be traced to the 1st and 3rd Security Division, 1st Army Group of Republic of China Army defected in August 1948.

The division is part of 53rd Corps. Under the flag of 218th division it took part in the Chinese Civil War. The division was disbanded in October 1950.