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PLA 99th Anniversary
As the People’s Liberation Army marks its 99th anniversary on August 1, one year from the deadline for its centenary goals, its evolution highlights the past, present and future of China’s military strategy.
Updated: 12 Aug, 2026
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[1]
The PLA at 99: how China’s military went from ragtag rifles to world-class force
From revolutionary group to hi-tech machine, the PLA’s transformation has been a long pursuit of strength and self-reliance.
31 Jul, 2026
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[2]
The numbers game: why the US is losing ground to China in the first island chain
The PLA is rapidly progressing towards its 2027 ‘world-class military’ goal in ways that could challenge US defence lines, analysts say.
01 Aug, 2026
[3]
Why is China’s Communist Party intent on control over the military?
Beijing’s anti-corruption clean-up of the military reflects a historic commitment to party control, ensuring the armed forces strictly serve party goals.
02 Aug, 2026
[4]
Open Questions | China’s military goal is to stand neck and neck with US: ex-PLA colonel Zhou Bo
Prominent commentator shares insights on the PLA’s 2027 goal, competition with the US, the Taiwan issue and the peacetime dilemma.
03 Aug, 2026
[5]
Open Questions | ‘Surprising’ how fast China’s military is closing US gap: analyst Lyle Goldstein
Beijing’s challenge is to resist temptation to build the PLA into a ‘hammer looking for a nail’, former US Naval War College professor says.
04 Aug, 2026
[6]
In Focus | Why China’s military is laser-focused on ‘disruptive’ technologies
From artificial intelligence to quantum technology and hypersonic weapons, the PLA is in a race to define the next era of warfare.
05 Aug, 2026
[7]
Chinese military unveils AI system to plan and coordinate mass air strikes
The support system is designed to support exercises involving ‘hundreds of targets and dozens of formations’, according to state media.
03 Aug, 2026
[8]
Xi urges Chinese armed forces to ‘strengthen military application’ of AI
Comments made ahead of the PLA’s 99th anniversary offer a rare insight into how military modernisation is progressing.
31 Jul, 2026
[9]
Can China’s expanding hypersonic missile fleet alter the global naval balance?
Successful launch poised to ‘improve the navy’s combat capabilities’ and create ‘nightmare’ for US Navy, military commentator says.
31 Jul, 2026
[10]
New batch of officers quietly takes helm of PLA after anti-corruption drive
New cohort of lieutenant generals has stepped up to lead key PLA bodies, SCMP analysis of state media footage from key meetings reveals.
05 Aug, 2026
[11]
Is China’s DF-17 hypersonic glider ready to strike from anywhere at any time?
PLA anniversary series suggests the world’s first operational weapon of its kind may have achieved a ‘constant state of readiness’.
04 Aug, 2026
[12]
Why did a Chinese bomber carry a nuclear-capable missile in an anti-ship exercise?
PLA documentary showcases enough air power in its combination of the Jing Lei-1 on board an H-6N to cover ‘almost the entire Pacific Ocean’.
05 Aug, 2026
[13]
In Focus | China’s Palantir? Private tech firms surge into defence AI, aiming to match US giants
Some mainland companies’ tech proficiency may be closing gaps with American counterparts, but challenges remain, analysts say.
06 Aug, 2026
[14]
Has China’s missile force got America’s Kadena base in Japan in its sights?
Satellite image of facility that appeared to be the Okinawa airbase seen in state television documentary as PLA officer discussed drills.
06 Aug, 2026
[15]
In Focus | Beyond the numbers: why China’s carrier force won’t copy the US model
Defence experts say PLA carrier fleet is expected to complement land-based forces and extend reach into the western Pacific and beyond.
12 Aug, 2026
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