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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.
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
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.

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Aukus alliance

Trump puts submarine pact in rough waters as China touts strength

China's military weapons

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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PLA amphibious armoured vehicles on exercise in Fujian province on Tuesday. Photo: CCTV
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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Chinese troops line up during last year’s Golden Dragon military exercise in Kampong Chhnang province, Cambodia on May 16, 2024. Photo: AP
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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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There are fears in Taiwan that PLA activities around the island could escalate into a real attack that might be too sudden for Taiwanese forces to counter. Photo: EPA-EFE
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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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US military activities in the waters near China are raising the risk of miscalculation, the Chinese military says. Photo: US Navy
Taiwan

How is the PLA making progress with its drills near Taiwan and what is next?

PLA is testing tactics, including blockade and anti-access strategies, and getting closer to the island each time, experts say.

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The Shandong aircraft carrier, which took part in its second PLA drills near Taiwan, approaching from the island’s east. Photo: CCTV
Taiwan

Beijing’s surprise blockade drill around Taiwan continues

The drills come days after US defence chief Pete Hegseth wrapped up an Asian tour during which he pushed for a stronger alliance to oppose ‘China’s aggression’ and Taiwan leader William Lai’s recent reference to the mainland as a ‘foreign hostile force’.

China's military weapons

Are Beijing’s hypersonic anti-ship missiles in Taiwan Strait a warning for US?

Two YJ-21 missiles were on board an H-6K strategic bomber as it took off from an unidentified airfield in PLA video on opening day of drills.

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