https://www.scmp.com/rss/323143/feed Kristin Huang is a correspondent for the China Desk, and focuses on diplomacy and defence. She joined the Post in 2016. Kristin is interested in security issues, with a special focus on Chinese military. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com China wants to boost naval cooperation with Pakistan to increase its presence in the Indian Ocean, as both countries seek to more effectively contain India, analysts said. They said that with China expected to help modernise the Pakistani armed forces through weapons sales and training, the move was also likely to irk India, given it frowns upon military aid to rival Pakistan. The assessment came as Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu told the Pakistani chief of naval staff that their navies... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3219974/china-plans-boost-naval-ties-pakistan-how-will-india-respond?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3219974/china-plans-boost-naval-ties-pakistan-how-will-india-respond?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 May 2023 12:30:09 +0000 China’s next-generation drones could adopt a “flying wing design” to make them stealthier, a Chinese aeronautics expert said after a US drone collided with a Russian fighter and crashed into the Black Sea. In mid-March, an American MQ-9 spy drone that has a traditional wing design, collided with a Russian SU-27 causing the drone to crash, according to the US military’s European Command. Russia has denied a collision occurred. Wang Zhengping, a professor with the aeronautics department at... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3219567/china-should-draw-lesson-downing-us-drone-expert-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3219567/china-should-draw-lesson-downing-us-drone-expert-says?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 06 May 2023 22:00:09 +0000 An influential Chinese military magazine has strongly criticised Japan’s moves to adopt a more offensive posture in a bid to become a major regional military power, as relations between the two nations become increasingly fractious. In its latest defence budget, Japan has for the first time shown how its military could carry out long-range strikes against enemy ground troops and surface vessels, according to Modern Ships, a magazine published under the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3218766/china-says-japans-military-pivot-will-have-serious-impact-regional-stability?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3218766/china-says-japans-military-pivot-will-have-serious-impact-regional-stability?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 30 Apr 2023 10:00:12 +0000 China should speed up the development of laser weapons to keep pace with the swift progress made by the United States, Chinese military analysts have said. The US Government Accountability Office said last week that the Pentagon is spending US$1 billion a year on developing directed energy weapons to counter threats such as drones and missiles. It said much recent research has focused on making laser weapons small and light enough to be used by one person, but is still facing a challenge in... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3218040/china-urged-step-laser-weapons-development-keep-pace-us?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3218040/china-urged-step-laser-weapons-development-keep-pace-us?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 23 Apr 2023 14:00:11 +0000 The People’s Liberation Army’s latest drills around Taiwan reflect the ways it has honed its ability to seal off the island or use gray zone tactics to put pressure on its leadership, military analysts have said. Although the drills did not involve real missiles – unlike a major exercise carried out last year – the rocket force confirmed that it had carried out simulated attacks against moving targets at sea, a possible test for targeting aircraft carriers. During the three-day exercise , the... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3217184/what-mainland-chinas-latest-taiwan-drills-tell-us-about-its-military-capabilities?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3217184/what-mainland-chinas-latest-taiwan-drills-tell-us-about-its-military-capabilities?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 15 Apr 2023 12:00:08 +0000 China and Cambodia wrapped up two weeks of joint drills this week in what analysts said was Beijing’s latest effort to mitigate American influence in Southeast Asia. During the “Golden Dragon 2023” drill between March 23 and April 5, troops from both countries conducted a range of exercises, from blockade and control, to hostage rescue, epidemic disinfection, mine clearance and explosive removal, according to China’s defence ministry. It was the fifth such exercise between China and Cambodia,... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3216329/military-drills-cambodia-china-aims-counter-shift-towards-us-say-analysts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3216329/military-drills-cambodia-china-aims-counter-shift-towards-us-say-analysts?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 08 Apr 2023 04:00:18 +0000 The People’s Liberation Army’s Hong Kong garrison says it has carried out its first joint exercise involving land, air and sea forces this year. The PLA practised maritime interception, battlefield rescue and emergency repairs, with the aim of improving coordination among the three service branches, a statement published on the garrison’s social media accounts on Wednesday said. The one-day exercise began with a corvette and landing vessel practising intercepting a “suspicious” vessel in... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3215596/hong-kongs-pla-garrison-carries-out-first-joint-drill-year?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3215596/hong-kongs-pla-garrison-carries-out-first-joint-drill-year?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 01 Apr 2023 01:00:25 +0000 China and Australia have moved a step away from their testy relations with the first defence talks in four years but there is still some fence-mending to do, according to analysts. Defence officials from both countries met for a half-day meeting in Canberra on Wednesday, with a “frank exchange of opinions on regional and international issues of mutual interest”, the Chinese defence ministry said. The ministry said the meeting improved mutual understanding and was conducive to the healthy and... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3214827/revived-china-australia-defence-talks-step-right-direction-analysts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3214827/revived-china-australia-defence-talks-step-right-direction-analysts?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 25 Mar 2023 15:00:11 +0000 China is expected to shore up its defences to restrict other forces off its coast as the US prepares to expand its military presence in other countries in the region, according to one analyst. Beijing might also try to pressure some Southeast Asian countries to keep their distance from the United States, two analysts said. The assessment came after US President Joe Biden, citing China as a “pacing challenge”, requested a US defence budget of US$866 billion for 2024, of which US$842 billion would... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3214056/how-will-china-respond-us-pivots-bigger-asia-pacific-presence?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3214056/how-will-china-respond-us-pivots-bigger-asia-pacific-presence?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Mar 2023 16:05:11 +0000 Ukraine’s use of drones to repel Russian advances is changing the course of the war and provides a lesson for China’s military, analysts say. In the latest incident, the Kremlin last week said Ukraine had sent drones deep inside Russian territory, prompting President Vladimir Putin to tighten border protection. The use of drones in the war – which has now entered its second year – is being closely watched by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army. A commentary in its mouthpiece PLA Daily on... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3212502/drones-are-changing-course-ukraine-war-china-watching?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3212502/drones-are-changing-course-ukraine-war-china-watching?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 Mar 2023 07:12:56 +0000 The Chinese navy plans to recruit women and recent university graduates to become aircraft carrier-based pilots as the country faces a shortage of qualified aviators to operate its ship-borne planes. A recruitment notice posted on the navy’s official WeChat account on Monday called on young men and women to “devote their youth to building a world-class navy and contributing to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation!” According to the notice, candidates must be recent graduates holding a... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3211582/china-recruits-women-fly-carrier-based-warplanes-navy-faces-pilot-shortage?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3211582/china-recruits-women-fly-carrier-based-warplanes-navy-faces-pilot-shortage?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 26 Feb 2023 12:00:15 +0000 China’s H-6K bomber coordinated with fighter jets and early warning aircraft in simulated attacks over the South China Sea, according to a state media report. The report, published by the Chinese military’s mouthpiece the PLA Daily on Tuesday, said the bomber flew more than 5,000km (3,100 miles) in a drill that lasted more than seven hours. Chen Jiale, captain and squadron leader of an unnamed air force regiment in the Southern Theatre Command, was quoted as saying it was the longest drill he... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3210616/china-military-pla-sends-h-6k-bomber-long-range-joint-drill-over-south-china-sea?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3210616/china-military-pla-sends-h-6k-bomber-long-range-joint-drill-over-south-china-sea?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Feb 2023 22:00:14 +0000 Japan is fostering closer military and diplomatic ties with major Western countries due to its concerns about China, but analysts say the increased uncertainty this has caused means it should try to reassure its neighbours about its intentions. Last month, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida finished a eight-day tour of other Group of Seven members – France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States – to confirm further collaboration and deepen security cooperation with these... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3209872/how-fears-over-china-are-spurring-japans-efforts-strengthen-military-power?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3209872/how-fears-over-china-are-spurring-japans-efforts-strengthen-military-power?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 11 Feb 2023 10:00:14 +0000 The United States is boosting its military presence across Asia, with more troops and assets to be deployed to counter Beijing. Observers said the moves would affect China’s defensive posture within the first island chain, which runs from Japan to the Malay peninsula and includes Taiwan, and offer US allies in the region more certainty when resisting Beijing. In a breakthrough on Thursday, the US and the Philippines agreed that the US would have access to four new bases in the Southeast Asian... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3209093/us-philippines-military-bases-deal-seen-reaction-chinas-moves-south-china-sea-over-past-decade?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3209093/us-philippines-military-bases-deal-seen-reaction-chinas-moves-south-china-sea-over-past-decade?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 04 Feb 2023 22:00:08 +0000 The political goodwill China will gain in Africa from a naval drill with South Africa and Russia next month will outweigh any military benefits, according to analysts. South Africa’s Defence Department announced on January 19 that the country would host Exercise Mosi II off its coast from February 17 to 27. South Africa will send 350 naval personnel to participate alongside Russian and Chinese counterparts with the aim of sharing operational skills and knowledge. The preparations for the drill... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3208021/chinas-naval-drill-south-africa-and-russia-more-about-political-symbolism-military-benefits?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3208021/chinas-naval-drill-south-africa-and-russia-more-about-political-symbolism-military-benefits?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Jan 2023 22:00:17 +0000 A Chinese military magazine has highlighted the vital role drones would play in the event of a war across the Taiwan Strait. It said drones could be used to “assassinate enemy leaders” and that their use could minimise casualties by shortening the conflict. They could also be used to target Taiwan’s mobile missile launchers and heavy weaponry. The article in Ordnance Industry Science Technology outlines how a People’s Liberation Army attack on Taiwan might unfold. After launching “the final... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3207780/drones-could-play-key-role-plas-final-unification-war-taiwan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3207780/drones-could-play-key-role-plas-final-unification-war-taiwan?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Jan 2023 10:00:12 +0000 Recent drills by China’s advanced J-20 stealth fighters and nuclear-capable H-6 bombers highlighted the air force’s improved operational combat abilities, according to state media reports. The People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern and Southern theatre commands carried out their first flight training of the new year last week, as the Chinese military continues training and equipment upgrades under its swift modernisation drive. An Eastern Theatre Command brigade deployed several J-20 fighters for... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3206827/chinese-bombers-fighter-jets-new-year-military-drills-seen-display-boosted-combat-capacity?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3206827/chinese-bombers-fighter-jets-new-year-military-drills-seen-display-boosted-combat-capacity?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Jan 2023 22:00:11 +0000 The Chinese military is seen to have increased its capacity to project naval power deeper into the Pacific, following displays of improved operational skills and survivability of its aircraft carrier strike groups beyond the South China Sea. The assessment from analysts came as the Chinese navy completed two massive drills led by its Liaoning and Shandong aircraft carriers in the western Pacific and the South China Sea, respectively. China’s Liaoning carrier strike group makes show of force in... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3205906/chinese-navy-drills-reveal-greater-ability-project-power-deeper-pacific-analysts-say?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3205906/chinese-navy-drills-reveal-greater-ability-project-power-deeper-pacific-analysts-say?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 Jan 2023 14:00:18 +0000 The vice-captain of a warship has yet to complete a key training test, China’s military has revealed, in an indirect but rare acknowledgement of its shortage of highly skilled troops. The admission, in a recent media report, highlights a core problem as China speeds up the modernisation of the People’s Liberation Army – a lack of hi-tech expertise limiting state-of-the-art equipment from use to its full extent, especially in the navy. The vice-captain of the Zhangye – a Type 056 corvette – had... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3205251/chinese-military-short-troops-trained-hi-tech-operations-pla-daily-reveals-rare-show-candour?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3205251/chinese-military-short-troops-trained-hi-tech-operations-pla-daily-reveals-rare-show-candour?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 01 Jan 2023 22:00:16 +0000 China faced a growing threat of close-in reconnaissance in 2022, especially from the United States, with a sustained number of flights conducted nearer to Chinese shores, according to a Beijing-based think tank. The US sent 589 large warplanes from January to November to conduct close-in intelligence gathering over the South China Sea alone, according to data from the South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative (SCSPI). While flight data for December is not yet available, the US... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3204442/us-spy-planes-edge-closer-chinas-shores-2022-think-tank?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3204442/us-spy-planes-edge-closer-chinas-shores-2022-think-tank?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 24 Dec 2022 22:00:08 +0000 America’s newest stealth bomber, the B-21 Raider, was unveiled at an air force base in California this month after years of secret development. While the planes have yet to enter service, defence analysts are already debating whether Australia should – or could – buy the cutting-edge bombers in an attempt to contain China’s growing military presence in the Indo-Pacific. Speculation about Australia’s B-21 ambitions has grown since Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles acknowledged in August... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3203773/australia-eyes-b-21-contain-china-will-us-sell-its-most-advanced-stealth-bomber?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3203773/australia-eyes-b-21-contain-china-will-us-sell-its-most-advanced-stealth-bomber?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 19 Dec 2022 03:00:16 +0000 America’s newest stealth bomber, the B-21 Raider, will pose a challenge for China’s air defence systems but the country’s long-range missiles may help close the strike gap, according to analysts. America unveiled its first strategic bomber in more than three decades at an air force base in California earlier this month, after years of secret development. Seen as part of the answer to rising concerns over a possible future conflict with China, the bomber “is proof of the [defence] department’s... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3202714/new-us-b-21-stealth-bomber-heightens-strike-gap-china-missiles-may-help-close-it?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3202714/new-us-b-21-stealth-bomber-heightens-strike-gap-china-missiles-may-help-close-it?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 11 Dec 2022 06:00:16 +0000 An exponential increase in China’s nuclear arsenal and military power would trigger concerns among its neighbours, even though Beijing has valid reasons for security build-up, military analysts said. This came as the United States in its latest China Military Power Report called China “the most consequential and systemic challenge to our [US] national security and to a free and open international system”. The annual Pentagon report on Chinese military might and strategy, published on Tuesday,... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3201856/huge-nuclear-arms-push-china-would-worry-neighbours-analysts-warn-us-report-sees-1500-warheads-2035?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3201856/huge-nuclear-arms-push-china-would-worry-neighbours-analysts-warn-us-report-sees-1500-warheads-2035?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 03 Dec 2022 01:00:13 +0000 China sent several coastguard ships to patrol disputed islands also claimed by Japan, days after agreeing to deepen bilateral maritime dialogue and manage territorial issues. The official social media account of China Coast Guard and Japanese media reports both said Chinese patrol vessels were cruising on Friday in waters off the Diaoyu Islands, a set of uninhabited islets controlled and claimed by Japan as the Senkakus. There were four ships, Kyodo reported, saying it was the 32nd such... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3201097/china-sends-coastguard-ships-near-disputed-diaoyus-days-after-maritime-talks-japan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3201097/china-sends-coastguard-ships-near-disputed-diaoyus-days-after-maritime-talks-japan?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 26 Nov 2022 10:05:11 +0000 Friendly gestures at the first in-person meeting between the Chinese and US leaders might prompt more restraint over the South China Sea, but tensions would persist, observers said. Presidents Xi Jinping and Joe Biden met on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit in Bali on Monday, their first face-to-face talks since Biden took office in January 2021. The three-hour meeting reportedly featured blunt exchanges on thorny issues such as Taiwan, human rights, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, trade... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3200250/south-china-sea-xi-biden-meeting-g20-margins-will-not-ease-tensions-observers-say?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3200250/south-china-sea-xi-biden-meeting-g20-margins-will-not-ease-tensions-observers-say?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 19 Nov 2022 22:00:15 +0000 This year’s Zhuhai air show – China’s largest aviation event and aerospace trade expo – also offered a rare glimpse into its latest unmanned maritime vehicles. Albeit less eye-catching than unmanned aerial vehicles, like the newly revealed Wing Loong 3, these maritime systems can also perform reconnaissance and surveillance duties, as well as precision strikes, and therefore play a significant military role. The Wing Loong 3 UAV, which debuted on Tuesday at the 14th China International Aviation... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3199399/china-showcases-never-seen-range-unmanned-maritime-vehicles-zhuhai-air-show?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3199399/china-showcases-never-seen-range-unmanned-maritime-vehicles-zhuhai-air-show?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 13 Nov 2022 06:00:17 +0000 China has further fortified its artificial islands in the South China Sea, with more buildings, radars and aircraft hangars to help project power across the Indo-Pacific, analysts said. Images taken by Philippines-based photographer Ezra Acayan revealed docks, radars, airports, military camps and large aircraft hangars on the seven Chinese artificial islands. The photos, released by Acayan on social media last week, also showed multi-storey buildings, paved roads, sports fields, and basketball... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3198504/fortified-south-china-sea-artificial-islands-project-beijings-military-reach-and-power-say-observers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3198504/fortified-south-china-sea-artificial-islands-project-beijings-military-reach-and-power-say-observers?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 06 Nov 2022 06:02:43 +0000 The twin-seater version of the J-20 fighter jet could be used as a tactical electronic jammer and an enhanced early warning aircraft in information warfare, according to a Chinese military magazine. It was previously thought that the two-seat stealth fighter would mainly be used to command a swarm of drones. “In recent years, experts’ views on the position of fifth-generation aircraft in information warfare have changed, as the aircraft can perform more duties than in the past,” the article in... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3197877/could-chinas-twin-seat-stealth-fighter-become-weapon-information-warfare?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3197877/could-chinas-twin-seat-stealth-fighter-become-weapon-information-warfare?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 31 Oct 2022 22:00:10 +0000 Beijing will stick to its own timetable on Taiwan, regardless of increasing pessimism in Washington about a possible attack on the island, Chinese analysts said. During last week’s 20th Communist Party congress, President Xi Jinping reiterated that Beijing would do its utmost to achieve peaceful reunification with Taiwan, but would not rule out the use of force. “This is directed solely at interference by outside forces and the few separatists seeking ‘Taiwan independence’ and their separatist... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3197139/beijings-taiwan-timetable-will-not-be-rushed-us-china-analysts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3197139/beijings-taiwan-timetable-will-not-be-rushed-us-china-analysts?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 25 Oct 2022 09:00:12 +0000 China’s air force has overhauled its tertiary training to focus on combat readiness and joint operations, according to state media reports. Military mouthpiece PLA Daily reported on Tuesday that the Air Force Logistics University in the eastern city of Xuzhou had altered its teaching curriculum, cutting classes and content not related directly to the two areas. The report did not say what classes were cut but they were replaced with courses like emergency planning. Another PLA Daily report in... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3196044/chinas-air-force-overhauls-college-training-combat-readiness?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3196044/chinas-air-force-overhauls-college-training-combat-readiness?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 14 Oct 2022 22:00:10 +0000 China’s fourth aircraft carrier will probably be nuclear-powered, analysts have predicted. China State Shipbuilding Corporation has previously said that it needs to achieve a breakthrough in nuclear-powered technology by 2027. But an article in the Wave of South China Sea, a military affairs social media account, said there had still been no official announcement that the shipyards responsible for building carriers have been given the necessary permission, and it was debatable whether China... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3195306/chinas-next-aircraft-carrier-nuclear-power-speculation?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3195306/chinas-next-aircraft-carrier-nuclear-power-speculation?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 08 Oct 2022 22:00:15 +0000 China’s influence in, and access to, the Arctic will increase over the coming decade if Beijing fosters closer ties with Moscow, according to a new research report by the US think tank Rand Corporation. However, this closer relationship would create uncertainties in the Arctic, said the report, which was released on Wednesday. Cooperation between China and Russia has deepened over the past decade, with the two nations signing several commercial and shipping agreements along the Northern Sea... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3194524/warm-russian-ties-are-key-chinas-arctic-aspirations-report?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3194524/warm-russian-ties-are-key-chinas-arctic-aspirations-report?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 02 Oct 2022 06:00:15 +0000 The twin-seat version of China’s most advanced fighter jet, the J-20, could be paired with drones to boost its firepower, a Chinese military magazine has suggested. “As Yang Wei, the chief designer of the aircraft, has already said the purpose of building such a twin-seat J-20 is not to treat it simply as a trainer, its major role then will almost certainly be to coordinate with drones,” the article in Ordnance Industry Science Technology said. US Air Force general says more fighter jets are... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3193688/could-drone-pairing-be-future-chinas-twin-seater-j-20-fighter?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3193688/could-drone-pairing-be-future-chinas-twin-seater-j-20-fighter?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 25 Sep 2022 04:00:20 +0000 The territorial dispute over the Diaoyu Islands and Beijing’s increased patrols in the area are set to add to tensions in China-Japan relations, experts say. However, economic cooperation might help circumvent sensitive political issues and reduce hostilities between the two countries, one added. The comments came at a time when the two nations are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the normalisation of diplomatic ties. However, their thorniest maritime dispute – over the Diaoyus, which are... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3192864/diaoyus-dispute-casts-shadow-over-china-japan-relations-50?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3192864/diaoyus-dispute-casts-shadow-over-china-japan-relations-50?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 19 Sep 2022 08:27:42 +0000 Unmanned surface vessels have emerged as a new battleground between China and the United States as both countries seek to develop driverless ships that could potentially change maritime warfare, according to one observer. Late last month, the US Navy launched the unmanned surface vessel Mariner as a test vehicle for the service’s manned/unmanned ship programme. The US Navy is considering sending crewed warships into battle with one or more unmanned escorts to help reduce the time needed to make... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3192080/unmanned-surface-vessels-next-frontier-china-us-military?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3192080/unmanned-surface-vessels-next-frontier-china-us-military?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 10 Sep 2022 22:00:23 +0000 India is carrying out major infrastructure works along its contested border with China, according to local media reports. The development is the latest indication of the parlous state of relations between the two countries after India announced joint military exercises with the United States and made a rare criticism of Beijing’s stance on Taiwan. With eye on China, India launches second aircraft carrier Last month, an Indian Army spokesman said the work was being carried out to improve... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3191233/india-carries-out-major-works-along-contested-border-china?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3191233/india-carries-out-major-works-along-contested-border-china?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 04 Sep 2022 01:00:21 +0000 The Chinese research ship Yuan Wang 5 left Sri Lanka’s Hambantota port on August 22, sending diplomatic ripples across the Indian Ocean. The vessel left China on July 12 to carry out routine tracking missions to support the launch of Wentian, a core component of China’s space station, according to China’s state media Science and Technology Daily. After the successful launch of Wentian on July 24, the vessel planned to dock at Hambantota on August 11, a port call that was previously deferred... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3190320/chinas-dual-use-surveillance-ship-sri-lankan-port-underscores?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3190320/chinas-dual-use-surveillance-ship-sri-lankan-port-underscores?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 28 Aug 2022 04:00:13 +0000 The latest unmanned vehicle to join China’s intelligence gathering network has had its maiden flight, according to state broadcaster CCTV. In a report on Monday, CCTV said the vehicle, the AR-500CJ, a lightweight shipborne helicopter developed by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China, could be used for both military and civilian applications, such as maritime search and rescue. During its maiden flight in China’s eastern Jiangxi province, the AR-500CJ performed manned take-off, landing and... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3189463/chinas-drone-force-grows-number-force-and-potential-pushing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3189463/chinas-drone-force-grows-number-force-and-potential-pushing?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 19 Aug 2022 22:00:16 +0000 As nationalist sentiment runs high amid cross-strait tensions, Beijing has rolled out a People’s Liberation Army recruitment programme that relaxes age limits and gives priority to university students majoring in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. In the second phase of this year’s recruitment programme, starting this month, the age limit for postgraduate students has been lifted from 24 to 26, according to the PLA’s Eastern Theatre Command, which oversees operations around... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3188610/pla-recruitment-relaxes-age-limits-focuses-stem-skills?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3188610/pla-recruitment-relaxes-age-limits-focuses-stem-skills?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 12 Aug 2022 22:00:18 +0000 A big lesson for China from the Russia-Ukraine conflict is the need to strengthen the air defence capabilities of the nation’s marine corps, especially when conducting operations against Taiwan, according to a Chinese military magazine. In mid-April, the Ukrainians sank Russia’s Black Sea flagship, the missile cruiser Moskva, with a ground-based anti-ship missile. Less than a month later, Ukrainian officials announced the sinking of a second Russian ship in the Black Sea after a drone... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3187789/lessons-ukraine-chinese-marines-need-better-air-defence?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3187789/lessons-ukraine-chinese-marines-need-better-air-defence?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 08 Aug 2022 01:00:23 +0000 Unprecedented military exercises staged by mainland China in waters around Taiwan provide valuable insight into the capabilities of the Chinese military and could help the island better assess Beijing’s military strategy following years of military modernisation efforts, defence experts said. The People’s Liberation Army fired 11 ballistic missiles directly over Taiwan, sent warplanes and vessels across the median line that divides the strait, flew drones over Taiwanese airspace and deployed at... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3187844/live-fire-drills-around-taiwan-provide-insight-pla-capabilities?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3187844/live-fire-drills-around-taiwan-provide-insight-pla-capabilities?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 07 Aug 2022 12:00:25 +0000 Beijing should keep a close eye on a new naval combat concept demonstrated by the US that can turn amphibious ships into small aircraft carriers, adding power and flexibility to the nation’s navy, say analysts. The “Lightning carrier concept” was demonstrated by the US Navy and Marine Corps in an exercise from March 30 to April 8 when 20 of its F-35B Lightning II jets were operated from an amphibious assault carrier – the America-class USS Tripoli – for the first time, according to a release by... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3187042/lightning-carrier-concept-lessons-china-us-navys-use-amphibious?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3187042/lightning-carrier-concept-lessons-china-us-navys-use-amphibious?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 01 Aug 2022 09:00:26 +0000 The two recent successes in the United States programme to develop hypersonic weapons are expected to push other countries to step up their research into more sophisticated weapons. On Monday, the US successfully tested a Raytheon air-breathing hypersonic weapon capable of flying faster than five times the speed of sound for the second time. A statement from the contractor said the flight test met all objectives, including demonstrating tactical range capabilities. US developing satellites to... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3186405/us-hypersonic-missile-test-expected-spur-chinas-programme?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3186405/us-hypersonic-missile-test-expected-spur-chinas-programme?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 24 Jul 2022 14:00:16 +0000 Mainland China has adopted a more aggressive military posture towards Taiwan, holding more combat-readiness drills near the self-ruled island since the beginning of the year, according to analysts. The assessment came after the Chinese Eastern Theatre Command of the People’s Liberation Army conducted several large-scale joint combat-readiness exercises in the waters and airspace around Taiwan on July 8. While details on the drills were not released, Eastern Theatre Command spokesman Shi Yi told... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3185537/military-drills-sign-beijings-increasingly-aggressive-stance?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3185537/military-drills-sign-beijings-increasingly-aggressive-stance?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 17 Jul 2022 03:00:24 +0000 Experts warn that an emerging hypersonic arms race raises the danger of miscalculation and retaliatory strikes. The assessment comes as several countries, including the United States, China and Russia, are developing the highly destructive weapon whose high speed and greater range make them difficult to intercept. In an anti-ship or land-attack role, hypersonic weapons – which can travel at more than five times the speed of sound – could be a significant threat and give a decisive advantage to... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3184617/hypersonic-arms-race-set-change-power-dynamics-between?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3184617/hypersonic-arms-race-set-change-power-dynamics-between?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 09 Jul 2022 22:00:25 +0000 Hong Kong is emptying out, warn the surveys, as people flee prolonged pandemic-related restrictions and a strict but ambiguous national security law imposed in 2020. The destination – regional rival cities like Singapore or Dubai for the expats and professionals, and Western nations like Britain or Canada for Hong Kong families or youth under expanded visa schemes. But there are also droves of others, for whom Hong Kong is forever home. “I once thought Hong Kong was my second hometown, but now... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3183714/hong-kong-25-where-mainland-drifters-have-made-their-home?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3183714/hong-kong-25-where-mainland-drifters-have-made-their-home?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 02 Jul 2022 10:30:11 +0000 Tension between Asia’s two biggest economies is heating up as both countries build up their militaries and boost maritime activity. On Tuesday, Japan again criticised China for sending ships into waters around the disputed Senkaku Islands, which China calls the Diaoyu Islands, in the East China Sea. Tokyo said it was the 11th time this year “Chinese government ships have been spotted entering Japanese territorial waters off the islands”. But compared with the long-running island dispute, in... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3183100/heat-turned-china-japan-relationship-maritime-disputes-over?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3183100/heat-turned-china-japan-relationship-maritime-disputes-over?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 26 Jun 2022 14:00:10 +0000 Beijing is expected to pile even more pressure on Taiwan to achieve its goal of taking control of the self-ruled island, analysts say, as Washington moves closer to Taipei. The assessment comes after two US senators on Thursday introduced a bill to boost support for the island with billions of dollars in security assistance and changes to the law underpinning Washington’s unofficial ties with Taiwan. It followed remarks by Chinese Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe on Sunday that Beijing would... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3182168/beijing-likely-step-its-campaign-reunify-taiwan-analysts-say?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3182168/beijing-likely-step-its-campaign-reunify-taiwan-analysts-say?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Jun 2022 14:00:21 +0000 The exercise in October was typical. Along with a Japanese helicopter carrier, Britain’s HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier joined two American carriers, the USS Ronald Reagan and USS Carl Vinson, to patrol the waters around Taiwan. The patrol by multiple aircraft carriers came amid a spike in tensions between China and the United States and served to show the participants’ resolve to maintain a “free and open” Indo-Pacific. In addition to patrols and exercises by the vessels, more countries... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3181430/say-it-aircraft-carriers-why-countries-send-big-ships?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3181430/say-it-aircraft-carriers-why-countries-send-big-ships?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Jun 2022 23:00:36 +0000 A key lesson mainland China has learned from the Ukraine war is how to conduct urban warfare that might one day be used in a conflict with Taiwan, a leading Chinese military magazine has said. An analysis of Russia’s military operations published in Naval and Merchant Ships said this was a particularly important issue for China. “Ukraine has exploited Russia’s weaknesses … and successfully forced Russia to change its strategies,” the article said. “How this success was achieved can hardly... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3180340/russias-urban-warfare-struggles-ukraine-key-lesson-china?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3180340/russias-urban-warfare-struggles-ukraine-key-lesson-china?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Jun 2022 23:00:10 +0000