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China’s military

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China’s military
Latest news, features and opinion on the military in China, including the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), the development of warships, aircraft carriers and fighter jets, spending on the armed forces and reforms and modernisation. US-China and mainland-Taiwan military tensions and the deployment of China’s armed forces overseas are also covered.
New procurement rules for the Chinese military dictate that troops should receive weapons and equipment that are combat-oriented, high quality and offer advanced performance. Photo: Xinhua
China's military weapons

Chinese military tightens review of weapons pricing to fight corruption

CMC Equipment Development Department releases new rules amid push for quality equipment and ‘professional ethics’.

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US-China relations

US arms deal supports Taiwan’s effort to reassure Trump on defence burden

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US-China relations

Opinion | Mark 2025. It’s the year China became a peer power to America

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China's military weapons

Why China’s rapid military build-up is ‘hardly the whole story’

The PLA has been moving fast to modernise its arsenal and warfare strategy, but it’s seen as ‘seriously deficient’ in some areas.

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Illustration: Henry Wong
Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign

Newcomers in charge at PLA’s corruption-hit command overseeing Taiwan

State media shows Yang Zhibin and Zhang Jichun at official event, suggesting they are heading the Eastern Theatre Command.

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China's military weapons

Chinese tank, upgraded for high altitudes, could be sent to border with India

The Type 99B has been designed for ‘rapid and sustained combat operations’ in areas like the Himalayas, according to state media.

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China-South Korea relations

Why South Korea poses a major challenge to China’s Middle East arms export drive

Both neighbours hope to expand exports to the region, but the Koreans may be better placed due to systems integration and political concerns.

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
China-Japan relations

China ‘did tell Japan about air drills but not in enough detail to avoid danger’

Both sides have been trading barbs following a stand-off between fighters during Saturday’s training exercise involving the Liaoning carrier.

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China-New Zealand relations

7 Chinese warships followed our navy vessel in East Asia, New Zealand says

Wellington says ship was to carry out surveillance and deterrence activities to bolster UN Security Council sanctions against North Korea.

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US-China relations

US Congress unveils bill with curbs on China tech investment and biotech ties

NDAA package revives stalled measures on US outbound investment and biotech, signalling Capitol Hill’s hardened stance towards Beijing.

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Lawmakers in both the US House of Representatives and Senate have two weeks left before they go out of session until January. Photo: Reuters
China’s military drills

PLA holds urban warfare drill as Taipei looks to boost ‘asymmetric capabilities’

State television report showing operation in war-torn city airs soon after Taiwanese leader proposed extra US$40 billion in defence spending.

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State broadcaster CCTV aired footage of PLA troops conducting a drill aimed at seizing part of a war-torn city. Photo: Handout
China-Australia relations

Australia on high alert as PLA Navy fleet in Philippine Sea sails south

Type 075 amphibious attack ship triggers concern in Canberra after Chinese navy’s unprecedented circumnavigation of Australia this year.

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China's military weapons

China’s unmanned Moyujian strike helicopter is ready for plateau combat tests

At Aero Asia in Zhuhai, developer says it put high-altitude drone with missiles through live-fire target tests above 4,000 metres.

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China military reform

Chinese military issues new rules to ‘prioritise strict political discipline’

Effective in January, latest revisions come amid Beijing’s anti-corruption campaign that has led to recent downfall of several top generals.

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Military delegates walk in Tiananmen Square in Beijing as they arrive for a meeting of the National People’s Congress, China’s top legislature, on March 8. Photo: EPA-EFE
Science

‘Real Steel’: PLA unveils motion-controlled combat robot to 13 countries

Chinese and foreign military cadets test bomb disposal robot using voice commands and discuss ethical boundaries of AI in war: state media.

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Cadets from China and foreign militaries view a robot at the PLA Army Engineering University during the 12th International Army Cadets Week from November 3 to 9. Photo: Handout
China's military weapons

China’s scandal-hit arms firms drag down regional sales in record-breaking year

SIPRI Top 100 reveals stark divide in performance for the only region to record a drop in the midst of rising revenues globally.

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China’s military drills

Could the PLA use long-range rockets against ships in an attack on Taiwan?

State TV footage shows PHL-03 launchers hitting moving maritime targets during drill.

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China-Japan relations

What US-Japan military exercises can tell us about their Taiwan conflict plans

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent remarks started a major row with Beijing and shone a fresh spotlight on Japan’s strategic thinking.

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US Typhon missile launchers were stationed in Japan as part of this year’s Exercise Resolute Dragon. Photo: Reuters
Open Questions series

Open Questions | Ex-PLA colonel on Taiwan, the Ukraine war, China-US ties

Zhou Bo ponders Japanese PM Takaichi’s recent remarks, lessons from the Ukraine conflict and why China won’t be world’s policeman.

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Taiwan

Taiwan’s William Lai accused of stoking fear with 2027 countdown confusion

Critics question where the money will come from to finance Lai’s plans for a massive increase in military spending.

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China military reform

China has minimal nuclear arsenal, seeks no arms race with US: white paper

Document criticises Trump’s planned Golden Dome system, saying it would ‘pose a serious threat to outer space security’.

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In a white paper published on Thursday, China says it “has long exercised extreme restraint in the scale and development of its nuclear arsenal”. Photo: Xinhua
War and conflict

Opinion | Why advances in conventional weapons tech should worry China, Russia and US

Washington, Beijing and Moscow must realise that rapid expansion of precision non-nuclear strike capabilities does not deter war, but instead invites miscalculation.

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Illustration: Craig Stephens
China military reform

China’s private defence companies see opportunities amid growing conflicts

Ukraine war and Kashmir conflict highlight ‘broad stage’ for firms to meet demand for affordable and reliable equipment, insiders say.

Science

Chinese civilian firm starts mass production of Mach 7 missiles at low cost

Beijing-based Lingkong Tianxing Technology releases video showing the YKJ-1000 striking a target in a desert testing range.

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China's military weapons

China’s military eases physical requirements for pilots based on new cockpits

Changes have been made to height, weight and limb length criteria, taking into account factors like aircraft upgrades, PLA Daily says.

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The PLA has widened pilot recruitment in the past few years to meet the needs of its rapidly expanding aircraft carrier fleet and air force. Photo: Xinhua
Science

Chief scientist at China’s top warship-building research institute detained

Jiangsu University of Science and Technology says it has fired Guo Wei over the accusations of academic misconduct.

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Guo Wei has been detained by police. Photo: Handout
China's military weapons

China-US-Russia rivalry for Middle East stealth fighter sales on show in Dubai

Analysts say China’s increasingly competitive J-35 is the one to watch among non-US allies as market splits on geopolitical lines.

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US-China relations

China sees progress while US sees threat in industrial success

A US Congressional commission highlights advances made by China under an industrial programme, as well as laying out recommendations to curb national security risks.

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