Wang Yang, a member of the top leadership body, says containing separatism and promoting integration are key priorities for the Communist Party’s centenary.

Overhaul of rules to treat officers in remote commands more fairly is also likely to see them given more advanced weapons.

Observers believe the disorientation caused by mountain sickness is to blame but warn that serious symptoms can lead to death.

Beijing sees little prospect of a conflict in the Himalayan area over winter, according to source close to Chinese military.

Spokeswoman tweets that Europe tour will be his final as secretary of state and says China’s ‘nervous panic diplomacy is unwarranted and dangerous’.

Dozens of destroyers and frigates are thought to be in the works but it will take more than hardware to make the plan work, observers say.

Chinese engineers directed to modify the WS-25 engine until it matches America’s F-22 Raptor, says insider.

CCTV series shows 10 types of short and intermediate-range missiles designed for a possible war with self-ruled island.

Temporary post has been turned into a shelter and lookout, Chinese military says, as observers from both sides say their country is equipped for more clashes.

A floating dock and the expansion of Jiangnan Shipyard will boost China’s commercial and military shipbuilding capacity.

Legislative amendments in force from New Year’s Day, remove policy and decision making from State Council.

Two guided-missile destroyers make 13th US passage through the contested waterway in 2020, after China begins three 10-day exercises off its southern coast.

One military source says the PLA believes the Americans are using the visits as an excuse to monitor its ships.

Servicemen and women from South Sea Fleet, which monitors the South China Sea, had tours extended by up to 110 days, navy says.

Military analysts say the timing was a coincidence because it is not possible to put a carrier to sea with only a day’s notice.

Satellite images show facility at Yulin Naval Base in Sanya will be able to accommodate the giant warships, the first of which is set to launch next year.

Wearable machines make it easier for workers to trudge through Inner Mongolian snows, set up communication centre.

CCTV footage highlights the PLA’s understanding that urban combat would be inevitable after landing on the island.

Report of satellite images of submarine with vessel could signal positive results on the water, analyst says.

New recruits using VR for parachuting training as part of PLA’s plans to switch from a Russian model to American-style methods.

Next phase of modernisation process is to build ‘more aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates and other ships to narrow the gap with the US’, former instructor at Taiwan’s Naval Academy says.

The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists estimates that the PLA has increased the number of ballistic missile brigades by around a third.

The vessel, China’s largest amphibious assault ship, could be used as a landing platform for air strikes against Taiwan, observers say.

Beijing’s crisis management plans to deal with rising US-China tensions include its artificial structures in the disputed area.

Nations announce plans to work together, giving China access to Russia’s deep-space expertise and Russia the Chinese research funding it needs, observer says.

A new PLA training guideline tries to close the gap between today’s Chinese troops and the rapid move towards advanced weapons systems.

Analysts say it’s part of push to strengthen combat training and get troops used to hi-tech weapons and equipment.

Retired professor Shih Cheng-ping given four-year term after ‘TV confession’ in October.

Think tank commentary says perception that ADIZ will be declared is ‘misinterpretation’, while analysts say China doesn’t see the need to make such a controversial move.

Beijing is best advised to avoid being baited by US president, to prevent escalation into conflict, according to military insider.