TOPIC

China’s military drills

China’s military drills
Latest news and updates on military drills involving the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), including manoeuvres near Taiwan and joint exercises with other nations.
PLA aircraft take part in “Joint Sword” blockade drills around Taiwan in October 2024, days after Beijing hit out at a defiant speech by Taiwanese leader William Lai. Photo: Weibo/ Eastern Theatre Command
Taiwan

Explainer | Decoding PLA manoeuvres around Taiwan: 3 categories, 3 levels of signalling?

Aerial near-daily patrols, combat-readiness patrols and large-scale joint forces drills vary in scale, intensity and purpose, analysts say.

videocam
7
US-China relations

Explainer | What is the US’ island chain strategy and what does it mean for China?

videocam
China-Philippines relations

Chinese aircraft carriers’ Pacific presence sparks warnings for Philippines

9
China’s military

What does China’s PLA gain from operating 2 carriers in second island chain?

PLA is coordinating carriers in the blue-water arena, a tactic it would likely use to deter US forces in a Taiwan conflict, analysts say.

videocam
45
The Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong was one of two deployed to the western Pacific for coordinated exercises, which military observers say will help the PLA develop open-ocean skills and tactics. Photo: Thepaper
Aukus alliance

Trump puts submarine pact in rough waters as China touts strength

The Trump administration is reviewing the Aukus submarine accord with the UK and Australia, while Chinese aircraft carriers are charting new courses.

China's military weapons

Massed drone deployments part of military modernisation: China’s PLA Daily

Article urges innovative use of unmanned systems and highlights their ‘decisive and dominant’ role in future conflicts.

14
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
China's military weapons

China’s Liaoning and Shandong aircraft carriers sail beyond second island chain

The two carrier groups have been spotted in the western Pacific Ocean, with the Liaoning’s passage taking it past Guam.

videocam
32
The Shandong was one of the two Chinese carriers involved in the exercise. Photo: Thepaper
US-China relations

US spotlights Taiwan risks as China’s 2027 defence goal nears

US Admiral Samuel Paparo said Chinese drills around Taiwan are “rehearsals,” as a looming 2027 target for China’s military modernisation heightens focus on the island.

China military reform

China adds aerial refuelling to pilot training in move to boost combat readiness

Critical skill for fighter pilots is now being taught at an earlier stage, according to report on state television.

4
South China Sea

Chinese forces patrol Scarborough Shoal to ‘defend sovereignty’

Show of force comes a day after state broadcaster airs rare footage of Chinese military drills on a contested reef of the Spratly Islands.

videocam
30
Footage aired by state broadcaster CCTV on Friday shows an island defence drill on a disputed reef in the South China Sea. Photo: CCTV
China-Asean relations

China and Thailand boost strategic ties with new military cooperation plans

Visit to Beijing by Thailand’s top defence official Songwit Noonpackdee is latest in a series of diplomatic activities with China.

videocam
Troops pose in front of aircraft during the Falcon Strike drill in Thailand in July 2023. Photo: Facebook/ Royal Thai Air Force
China’s air force

PLA helicopter in close encounters with foreign aircraft over East China Sea

‘Provocations’ take place 11 times in 10 days, with two aircraft coming as close as 10 metres.

videocam
19
Taiwan

PLA runs amphibious landing drill in strait as Taiwanese leader marks first year

The 73rd Group Army exercises tactics and skills of near-shore driving and landing operations with armoured amphibious vehicles.

22
Taiwan

Taiwan more likely to face economic warfare from Beijing than invasion: panel

Still, witnesses testifying before influential US House committee urge America to prepare for all scenarios.

videocam
16
A People’s Liberation Army jet takes off from the Shandong aircraft carrier east of Taiwan on April 2, 2025. Photo: CCTV
Taiwan

Taiwan sees spike in PLA military activity as island stages defence drills

PLA sorties around Taiwan hit a recent peak as Taipei rolls out a series of annual live-fire self-defence exercises.

videocam
8
Fighter aircraft are seen in a still from a PLA video last year. Various PLA sorties around Taiwan were detected over the past few days, many of which crossed the median line in the Taiwan Strait, according to Taipei. Photo: CCTV
Artificial intelligence

PLA Navy’s first AI-aided magnetic field reduction drill shows 60% better result

AI-assisted ‘degaussing’ expected to help Chinese submarines better evade magnetic sensors and sea mines, increasing stealth capacity.

5
China's military weapons

China-Cambodia drills to showcase more tech and troops as military ties grow

Annual joint exercise expected to feature PLA warships, drones and robotic dogs, signalling move towards defence modernisation, analysts say.

videocam
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
China's military weapons

China’s military expands use of low-cost AI-powered drones in ‘phased leap’

Multiple state media reports have highlighted the PLA’s modern warfare technology, from micro drones to those guided by fibre-optic cables.

videocam
A micro drone featured on state television looks like a thermal flask and weighs less than a kilogram. It is designed for use across the PLA’s infantry units, according to the report. Photo: CCTV
China's military weapons

China’s KJ-500 radar aircraft overseas for first time in joint drill with Egypt

It follows confirmation that Egyptian military is using Chinese HQ-9B missile system, as Beijing pursues closer defence ties with the region.

13
Taiwan

‘Surprising’ PLA helicopter training signals evolving Taiwan strategy: experts

State media reports show Central Theatre Command 81st Group Army unit rehearsing complex naval coordination exercises.

videocam
44
China-Middle East relations

Chinese Y-20 transport planes arrive in Egypt ahead of joint air drills

At least five planes are known have landed in Cairo ahead of the Eagle of Civilization 2025 exercises.

videocam
A Y-20 featured at last year’s Egypt International Airshow. Photo: Xinhua
US-China relations

US weapons to Taiwan at risk from weak supply chains but Ukraine ‘not to blame’

Think tank audits 25 items, finds only seven with a strong defence industrial base and calls for significant improvements.

videocam
19
According to a US think tank report, the Harpoon AGM-84 anti-ship missile supply chain is regarded as “weak”. Photo: AFP
US-China relations

China’s rise ‘unstoppable’ as US grows tired of policing the world: Zhou Bo

A book of essays by the retired PLA senior colonel examines the question of whether the world should fear China.

videocam
14
Taiwan

Taiwan’s military simulates worst-case scenario: PLA drill turns into attack

Computer-assisted war game will run for 14 days, with US military personnel reportedly expected to observe the exercise.

videocam
Taiwan

Taiwan fears PLA drills could escalate into real attack ‘with no time to react’

Regular large-scale exercises from mainland China’s military have prompted warnings that the island’s military must stay alert to the risk.

videocam
64
Taiwan has warned its armed forces to remain alert during PLA exercises. Photo: EPA-EFE
Taiwan

PLA warship may have explored alternative route to Taiwan’s east before drill

The Shandong appears to have transited narrower waterways of the Philippines instead of taking Bashi Channel, according to military experts.

videocam
13
PLA aircraft carrier the Shandong conducted joint manoeuvres with its naval and aerial units to the southeast of Taiwan on Tuesday and Wednesday. Photo: Handout via Reuters
Taiwan

With tensions rising in Taiwan, civil defence becomes a high-wire act

Recalling ‘White Terror’ martial law, many regard government-backed civil defence sceptically even as Taipei moves to bolster readiness.

videocam
US-China relations

PLA puts US military on notice over ‘dangerous’ activities near China

Warning follows maritime security meeting in Shanghai between US and Chinese personnel.

videocam
15
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Help preserve 120 years of quality journalism.
SUPPORT NOW
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement