Beijing’s increased patrols near Quemoy were part of its “systematic use of grey zone [non-military] tactics to undermine the sovereignty” of the island, according to a Taipei -based think tank. Photo: Reuters

Taiwan’s concerns grow over Quemoy waters as Beijing steps up patrols

Taiwanese authorities have warned off several mainland coastguard vessels amid worries an incident could spark stand-off.

18 Mar 2024 - 8:54PM

US defence turns up heat on China as it increases budget in Indo-Pacific

Submarine building and nuclear deterrence are expected to be core concerns of US defence in the coming year, experts say.

Submarine building and nuclear deterrence are expected to be core concerns of US defence in the coming year, experts say.

16 Mar 2024 - 8:14AM

China, Russia and Iran stage anti-piracy drills as Red Sea attacks escalate

Joint exercises in Gulf of Oman focus on rescuing hijacked merchant ships and feature Chinese and Iranian special ops teams and PLA guided-missile destroyer.

Joint exercises in Gulf of Oman focus on rescuing hijacked merchant ships and feature Chinese and Iranian special ops teams and PLA guided-missile destroyer.

15 Mar 2024 - 5:30PM

China’s military disqualifies contractor over ‘serious risks’ of leaked secrets

PLA cuts ties with China Far East International Tendering Co, saying the company violated confidentiality rules by forwarding information via WeChat and email and storing documents on unprotected computers.

PLA cuts ties with China Far East International Tendering Co, saying the company violated confidentiality rules by forwarding information via WeChat and email and storing documents on unprotected computers.

13 Mar 2024 - 10:45PM

Beijing hits back as Biden team seeks US$100 million to help Taiwan military

Request for 2025 budget is ‘historic investment in Taiwan’s security’, US State Department says, as Pentagon seeks US$500 million in arms support for island.

Request for 2025 budget is ‘historic investment in Taiwan’s security’, US State Department says, as Pentagon seeks US$500 million in arms support for island.

12 Mar 2024 - 10:22PM

MORE STORIES

China, Iran and Russia will hold a joint military exercise from March 11 to 15 in the waters near the Gulf of Oman in the Indian Ocean. Photo: CCTV

China, Russia and Iran hold military exercise as Red Sea attacks rise

Maritime Security Belt – 2024 is second time China has conducted joint drills in Indian Ocean following Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel and start of Gaza war.

12 Mar 2024 - 3:31PM

China cuts arms imports to rely more on its own weapons tech: SIPRI report

Ukraine remains a big source of gas turbines and engines for Chinese destroyers and aircraft.

Ukraine remains a big source of gas turbines and engines for Chinese destroyers and aircraft.

11 Mar 2024 - 7:01AM

China’s growing defence budget targets combat readiness, ‘preparation for war’

PLA says increased military spending aims to ‘improve strategic capacity’ to defend sovereignty, security and development interests amid ‘instability and uncertainty’ and ‘complex and grim’ anti-separatist struggle.

PLA says increased military spending aims to ‘improve strategic capacity’ to defend sovereignty, security and development interests amid ‘instability and uncertainty’ and ‘complex and grim’ anti-separatist struggle.

10 Mar 2024 - 10:00PM

Beijing’s military budget isn’t a surprise, but Taiwan is taking no chances

While Taiwan says it does not want an ‘arms race’ with Beijing, it is taking steps to prepare its troops for a potential war.

While Taiwan says it does not want an ‘arms race’ with Beijing, it is taking steps to prepare its troops for a potential war.

9 Mar 2024 - 3:58PM

Chinese general calls for crackdown on ‘fake combat capabilities’ in military

He Weidong’s message seen to be related to weapons procurement and problems with training.

He Weidong’s message seen to be related to weapons procurement and problems with training.

11 Mar 2024 - 5:47PM

Xi issues hi-tech military call in push for integrated armed forces

Xi Jinping says the People’s Liberation Army needs to innovate and explore new types of combat force models.

Xi Jinping says the People’s Liberation Army needs to innovate and explore new types of combat force models.

8 Mar 2024 - 10:37PM

Amid Taiwan tensions, Beijing reveals it is building aircraft carrier No 4

Update on NPC sidelines by PLA Navy admiral and political overseer Yuan Huazhi represents first official confirmation of Beijing’s efforts to build a fourth aircraft carrier.

Update on NPC sidelines by PLA Navy admiral and political overseer Yuan Huazhi represents first official confirmation of Beijing’s efforts to build a fourth aircraft carrier.

6 Mar 2024 - 9:38PM

China’s defence budget signals military readiness, not imminent war, experts say

Military focus on reserve forces reflects lessons learned from Ukraine war, expert says

Military focus on reserve forces reflects lessons learned from Ukraine war, expert says

6 Mar 2024 - 3:08AM

US general raises alarm over ‘breathtaking’ growth in China’s space tech

China will be world-class in most space technology areas by 2030, US Space Command’s Stephen Whiting says.

China will be world-class in most space technology areas by 2030, US Space Command’s Stephen Whiting says.

3 Mar 2024 - 10:00AM

Joining Nato ‘will bring opportunities’ for Sweden’s arms makers in Asia-Pacific

It comes as Sweden and the Philippines have been negotiating on a deal for the procurement of defence equipment that could include fighter jets amid tensions with China.

It comes as Sweden and the Philippines have been negotiating on a deal for the procurement of defence equipment that could include fighter jets amid tensions with China.

2 Mar 2024 - 6:38AM

China’s military has been warned of ‘stormy seas’ ahead. What will the budget reveal?

Analysts expect growth in defence spending to remain ‘moderate’ in 2024, in line with the last eight years.

Analysts expect growth in defence spending to remain ‘moderate’ in 2024, in line with the last eight years.

4 Mar 2024 - 10:14AM

Fresh sightings of J-35 progress on deck of China’s Liaoning aircraft carrier

The aircraft is still in the development phase and will have to be able to handle ski-jump and electromagnetic catapult systems, analyst says.

The aircraft is still in the development phase and will have to be able to handle ski-jump and electromagnetic catapult systems, analyst says.

23 Feb 2024 - 9:35PM

China claims it drove off Philippine ship from disputed Scarborough Shoal

But Philippine coastguard calls this ‘inaccurate’ and says fisheries vessel is ‘actively ensuring the security of Filipino fishermen in that area’.

But Philippine coastguard calls this ‘inaccurate’ and says fisheries vessel is ‘actively ensuring the security of Filipino fishermen in that area’.

22 Feb 2024 - 2:52PM

China debuts upgraded Z-10ME attack helicopter at Singapore Airshow

Export version on display until Sunday said to feature ‘fire support’ for ground forces, and improved resistance and attack power.

Export version on display until Sunday said to feature ‘fire support’ for ground forces, and improved resistance and attack power.

21 Feb 2024 - 9:42PM

PLA sends forces to monitor US-Philippines air patrols over South China Sea

Beijing accuses Manila of ‘roping in non-regional countries’ to stir trouble in the region as allies hold second drill this month.

Beijing accuses Manila of ‘roping in non-regional countries’ to stir trouble in the region as allies hold second drill this month.

20 Feb 2024 - 5:16PM