Analyst attributes scale of growth to ‘uninterrupted increase’ in military spending since 1995 as China pushes its modernisation drive.
Chinese defence ministry says it is in talks to resume suspended dialogues ‘on the basis of equality and respect’, but warns against American military aid to Taiwan.
China’s hi-tech, low-cost drones are increasingly popular in the Middle East, but aligning systems with dominant Western weaponry and balancing regional ties present challenges, observers say.
The meeting in Busan will address preparations for a three-nation summit, expected to be held by early next year.
Aman Youyi-2023 exercises held in Guangdong province aim to further deepen ‘mutual trust and pragmatic cooperation’, according to Chinese state media.
South Korea’s growing military ties with US and Japan could drive deterrence efforts in Taiwan Strait, analysts say.
US meanwhile lifts Xinjiang-related sanctions on lab affiliated with Chinese police. It follows agreement between Beijing and Washington to work together on narcotics control.
As South Korea zeros in on China’s reported repatriation of defectors, it may become a roadblock to improving ties.
Manila accuses China’s coastguard of firing a water cannon ‘in an illegal though unsuccessful attempt’ to force Philippine ships to alter course.
In a letter to Kim Jong-un, Xi writes that China-North Korea ties are ‘becoming stronger as time passes’, state media reports
It comes two weeks after a similar confrontation over the uninhabited island chain in the East China Sea.
At the Beijing Xiangshan Forum, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu says Beijing-Moscow relations are growing in allure as a model for ‘circle of friends’ and ‘like-minded’ countries.
Senior defence officials, including from the Pentagon, will attend the three-day security conference in the Chinese capital. Beijing and Washington are set to restart talks, but their geopolitical rivalry will likely be a focus at the gathering.
Exercises to focus on ‘jointly responding to maritime security threats’, the Chinese defence ministry said.
Over next decade China ‘will continue to rapidly modernise, diversify and expand its nuclear forces’, US Department of Defence report released on Thursday says.
Over time, though, export restrictions on chips and tools that support advanced weapon systems could affect China’s military modernisation.
The country has the second biggest military budget in the world after the US, but Washington is taking a range of measures to maintain its advantage.
The foreign ministry says a CP-140 reconnaissance plane undermined national security during a flight over the East China Sea, lodges ‘stern representations’ with Canada.
The South Korean unification ministry said it believes that recent reports that defectors had been repatriated were true.
US Navy’s 7th Fleet says P-8A Poseidon transited strait via international airspace on Thursday, upholding ‘navigational rights and freedoms of all nations’.
20th round of commander-level meetings agrees to seek ‘mutually acceptable’ solution, the Chinese foreign ministry said.
Blue Sword-2023 focuses on overseas maritime counterterrorism operations and comprises basic training, professional training and comprehensive exercises.
US to help upgrade Filipino airport and naval base amid rising Taiwan Strait and South China Sea tensions
Chinese navy carries out ‘tit-for-tat’ exercises to show displeasure over joint naval training last week by US, South Korea and Canada, according to analyst.
Washington and regional allies will only strengthen resolve after Pyongyang’s launch of a tactical ‘submarine based on anxiety’, experts say
PLA modernisation has spurred America to begin a major overhaul of its Air Force and Space Force
An agency whistle-blower claims CIA personnel were offered incentives to change their mind on the origin of the virus.
China Coast Guard says it issued ‘stern warning’ to Philippine vessels after ‘unapproved entry’ to Second Thomas Shoal. Philippines says resupply mission was completed despite ‘harassment, dangerous manoeuvres and aggressive conduct’.
Defence official accuses Beijing of turning communications ‘on and off like a light switch’ for political reasons.
Choice of the lower ranked officials to lead the Chinese delegations this year may imply Beijing is downplaying its relations with the hermit kingdom, says analyst.
