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China military reform

China military reform
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.
‘Two sessions’ webinar
Two Sessions 2025

‘Two sessions’ webinar

Experts from the Asia Society Policy Institute’s Center for China Analysis joined an SCMP Plus website to discuss China’s biggest political event of the year.

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CPPCC

Video | China removes 3 generals from national advisory body

Two Sessions 2026

Language as a weapon? PLA academics seek training overhaul, cite Ukraine war

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Two Sessions 2026

‘Two sessions’, Trump tariffs, JD.com earnings

This week: Lawmakers ready for China’s ‘two sessions’, Trump imposes new global tariffs, Germany’s Merz meets Xi. Next week: JD.com reports earnings, toughened trade measures kick in, manufacturing PMI comes outs, Honor debuts robot, and more.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang. Photo: AP
US-China relations

Ex-US Air Force fighter pilot accused of secretly training Chinese military

Gerald Eddie Brown Jr allegedly provided ‘defence services’ after 24-year Air Force career training US pilots on advanced combat aircraft.

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China's military weapons

China’s 155mm naval gun on test vessel signals boost to amphibious landing power

The weapon – reportedly capable of firing guided munitions – represents a significant upgrade for PLA Navy.

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China's military weapons

Can China find a market for its fifth-generation J-35 warplanes?

Analysts are uncertain how much demand there will be for the fighter in the face of competition from the US F-35 or cheaper alternatives.

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A J-35A stealth fighter at the Zhuhai Airshow in 2024. Photo: Xinhua
China's military weapons

With first missile of its kind, China overtakes US in hypersonic defence: report

A big reason is the long-range CJ-1000, the world’s first and so far only operational land-based scramjet-powered hypersonic missile.

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China's military weapons

Why the growing network of American MQ-9 drones is a challenge for China

Reapers can carry out both reconnaissance and strike missions and an increasing number of US allies and partners are buying them.

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China’s Communist Party

What is China’s Central Military Commission and how does it function?

The downfall of two more members of the top command body has left just Xi Jinping and one other member active.

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Zhang Shengmin is the last uniformed general remaining on the commission. Photo: Handout
China’s military

Xi’s new year greeting reveals PLA Cyberspace Force post in South China Sea

Analyst says deployment signals Chinese military’s cyber warfare capabilities ‘are no longer confined to the mainland’.

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CCTV shows a section of China’s cyberspace force stationed on Fiery Cross Reef. Photo: Xinhua
Corruption in China

China expels defence officials from legislature amid corruption crackdown

Three senior executives removed from National People’s Congress without explanation could face disciplinary action or criminal charges.

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China's military weapons

China’s growing military power

Chinese President Xi Jinping is boosting the nation’s defence capabilities ahead of the 2027 centenary of the People’s Liberation Army. He has overseen improvements in hardware, including the expansion of the nuclear weapons programme, and tightened his control through high-level purges of generals.

China's military weapons

China’s new YJ-18C missile: a logistics killer for US Navy?

Subsonic land-attack cruise weapon can be repurposed for anti-ship use, Chinese military magazine says.

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YJ-18C cruise missiles are unveiled during a military parade in Beijing on September 3 last year. Photo: VCG via Getty Images
China’s military

China’s PLA tightens fuel rules as US investigates cause of twin air crashes

New regulations aim to improve oversight and transparency to ensure its supplies are properly accounted for and improve combat readiness.

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Logistics are a key element of combat readiness. Photo: Xinhua
China's military weapons

Has China’s game-changer PL-17 long-range missile finally been seen up close?

Photo on Chinese social media appears to show full-size model of missile that may pose threat to US air dominance in Pacific, analysts say.

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Central Military Commission

‘Communist warrior’: China’s leaders pay tribute to late general Liao Xilong

Liao praised for his party loyalty just days after the downfall of the country’s top uniformed officer.

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China's military weapons

The US is working on cheaper munitions. Should China follow its lead?

China’s massive industrial chain and ability to control production costs are clear advantages over the US, article says.

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A Chinese military magazine cites the L3Harris Wolf Pack weapon system as a path the US may take to increase its low-cost munitions. Photo: Handout
China's military weapons

Shandong’s use of PLA dry dock near South China Sea suggests carrier milestone

China may avoid a ‘carrier gap’ and could support carrier operations along the Indian Ocean to the Middle East and beyond, analysts say.

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US-China relations

‘Wartime footing’: US Navy chief unveils Trump’s Golden Fleet shipbuilding push

John Phelan says it is essential that America matches China’s superior production capacity and manufacturing workforce.

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China's military weapons

China set to supercharge radar, engine and AI in fifth-gen J-20 stealth fighter

Analyst tells state media Mighty Dragon’s airborne weapons are expected to have a longer range and stronger anti-interference capabilities.

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A military analyst interviewed by state broadcaster CCTV indicates that China’s J-20 stealth fighters are set for avionics upgrades on its radar, engines and AI integration. Photo: CCTV
China’s military

Opinion | How China’s history links military strength to fighting corruption

Lessons from the first Sino-Japanese War in 1895 shape Beijing’s drive to build a PLA defined by not just advanced weapons, but also institutional integrity.

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Illustration: Craig Stephens
China's military weapons

China’s Hurricane 3000 microwave weapon can ‘sweep and kill’ drone swarms at 3km

The Hurricane 3000 has a longer range than its US Army equivalent and can carry out ‘diverse air defence missions’, developer Norinco says.

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China-Latin America relations

Will Beijing look to US capture of Nicolas Maduro for lessons on Taiwan?

Analysts say US operation should serve as warning to separatist forces in Taiwan following PLA drills targeting the island’s leadership.

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China's military weapons

Is China’s truck-mounted catapult system enabling merchant aircraft carriers?

Scalable truck-based launch track pictured on modified cargo ship raises questions about drone war potential.

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Three trucks linked to form what appears to be a launch track for large drones have been spotted at a dock in China. Photo: Handout
China's military weapons

China’s ‘carrier killer’ hypersonic missile YJ-20 in final testing: video

Chinese military’s recently unveiled longest-range missile appears to be nearing mass production.

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The Chinese military released footage on Sunday of the YJ-20 hypersonic missile in a test launch from a Type 055 destroyer. Photo: China Military Bugle
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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China’s air force

China’s military calls for tip-offs as it targets corruption in air force

Notice urges public to come forward with information about ‘irregular’ activities, the first such request for a specific military branch.

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