https://www.scmp.com/rss/517972/feed The latest news on Chinese politician Zhang Youxia, including political stories and updates. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Amber Wang Amber Wang Major General Feng Yufang, a leading missile scientist with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Rocket Force, died on Monday at the age of 63, according to state media and the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE). The official CAE website confirmed that Feng, one of its academicians, died on April 13. Although it did not give a cause of death, an article by state media outlet China Daily on Tuesday stated that he died of illness. With a career spanning nearly 40 years in military equipment... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3350064/chinese-rocket-force-scientist-major-general-feng-yufang-dies-aged-63?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3350064/chinese-rocket-force-scientist-major-general-feng-yufang-dies-aged-63?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Apr 2026 04:00:10 +0000 Yuanyue Dang Yuanyue Dang Ma Xingrui, a member of China’s Politburo and the former Communist Party boss of Xinjiang, is being investigated by the anti-corruption watchdog, state news agency Xinhua reported on Friday. He is the third member of the ruling party’s elite political body to come under investigation in the current term that began in 2022, a situation unseen in decades. He Weidong, former vice-chairman of the powerful Central Military Commission (CMC), is also being investigated and was expelled from the party... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3348968/ma-xingrui-third-politburo-member-investigated-chinas-anti-corruption-bodies?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3348968/ma-xingrui-third-politburo-member-investigated-chinas-anti-corruption-bodies?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Apr 2026 10:05:08 +0000 Mark Magnier Mark Magnier Beijing is unlikely to attack Taiwan next year, given security and economic deterrents, including its belief that an amphibious assault could fail and that the technological, supply chain and investor costs would be huge, according to a US threat assessment released on Wednesday. The intelligence overview appeared to walk back a projection by the Pentagon last year that Beijing wanted to take the self-governing island by force as early as 2027 and comes as US President Donald Trump takes a more... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3347083/us-assesses-mainland-china-not-planning-attack-taiwan-2027?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3347083/us-assesses-mainland-china-not-planning-attack-taiwan-2027?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Mar 2026 18:12:46 +0000 Alcott Wei Alcott Wei The chief designer on the J-20 stealth fighter jet has been removed from the website of China’s national research institute, amid a sweeping campaign to stamp out corruption in the defence sector. Yang Wei, 62, had been listed as a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the top academic body for science and technology. But as of Monday, his name was no longer on the site, according to a snapshot from Internet Archive, which seeks to preserve online content. Yang has not appeared in public... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3346972/j-20-fighter-jet-designer-scrubbed-chinese-academy-sciences-website?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3346972/j-20-fighter-jet-designer-scrubbed-chinese-academy-sciences-website?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Mar 2026 09:00:09 +0000 Holly Chik Holly Chik The profile of one of China’s top nuclear weapons scientists has been scrubbed from the website of the nation’s engineering brains trust. Zhao Xiangeng, 72, was a member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), the nation’s highest academic body for engineering science and technology, but his profile page has disappeared from the CAE’s site. It is not known when the page was removed, but Chinese media reports noted the change on Saturday. Similar online references to other CAE academicians,... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3346672/top-nuclear-radar-and-missile-experts-vanish-chinese-academy-engineering-site?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3346672/top-nuclear-radar-and-missile-experts-vanish-chinese-academy-engineering-site?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 Mar 2026 12:44:43 +0000 Yuanyue Dang Yuanyue Dang Chinese President Xi Jinping has again sought to shore up the military’s ideological defences, demanding absolute loyalty to the Communist Party from all ranks, just weeks after the country’s top general came under investigation for corruption. “There must be no room within the military for those harbouring disloyalty towards the party, nor any shelter for corrupt individuals,” Xi told a meeting of military and armed police lawmakers on the sidelines of the National People’s Congress (NPC) on... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3345830/xi-jinpings-zero-fail-mission-chinas-military-total-loyalty-no-corruption?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3345830/xi-jinpings-zero-fail-mission-chinas-military-total-loyalty-no-corruption?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 Mar 2026 14:00:07 +0000 Phoebe Zhang Phoebe Zhang The last uniformed man standing on China’s top military body has called for further “political rectification” of the armed forces, following a wave of high-profile corruption investigations. At a panel discussion in Beijing on Thursday as part of the country’s annual “two sessions”, Zhang Shengmin, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), said this year was “crucial for fulfilling the goal for the centenary” of the People’s Liberation Army. “We must deepen political rectification,... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3345700/chinas-last-cmc-general-urges-more-political-rectification-pla-centenary-countdown?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3345700/chinas-last-cmc-general-urges-more-political-rectification-pla-centenary-countdown?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Mar 2026 09:52:03 +0000 Laura Zhou Laura Zhou Beijing laid out a list of priorities for the economy, innovation and the military for this year at the opening session of the National People’s Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People on Thursday. Here are the major takeaways from this year’s government work report and budget report: Major targets for 2026 Gross domestic product growth of 4.5-5 per cent A consumer price index increase of around 2 per cent A fiscal budget deficit of around 4 per cent of GDP Addition of 12 million... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3345503/takeaways-chinese-premier-li-qiangs-government-work-report?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3345503/takeaways-chinese-premier-li-qiangs-government-work-report?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Mar 2026 03:22:09 +0000 Yuanyue Dang,William Zheng Yuanyue Dang,William Zheng In the run-up to this year’s ‘two sessions’ – the annual meetings of China’s top legislature and political advisory body – high-level policymakers have stressed the need to defuse financial risks and root out political corruption, two of President Xi Jinping’s long-term priorities. As part of a series, Yuanyue Dang and William Zheng look at why the fight against graft is the new normal. As early as the start of President Xi Jinping’s second term in 2018, the Chinese leadership declared an... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3345287/chinas-war-corruption-just-end-beginning?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3345287/chinas-war-corruption-just-end-beginning?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Mar 2026 22:00:12 +0000 Alcott Wei Alcott Wei The PLA has been told to close the funding loopholes and tackle the deep flaws in combat readiness exposed by an anti-corruption drive in the aftermath of the downfall of China’s top general. In a brief Lunar New Year speech via video link to the People’s Liberation Army on Tuesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping called on the PLA to bolster combat training and maintain a state of combat readiness, according to state broadcaster CCTV. “The past year has been unusual and extraordinary. The PLA has... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3343348/make-every-penny-count-combat-chinas-military-told-countdown-lunar-new-year?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3343348/make-every-penny-count-combat-chinas-military-told-countdown-lunar-new-year?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Feb 2026 03:00:16 +0000 Liu Zhen Liu Zhen The Central Military Commission, the top decision-making body overseeing the People’s Liberation Army, is set for a leadership reshuffle after the downfall of most of its members. President Xi Jinping is now in his third term as chairman of the commission. But now five of the other six members of the commission – who were all originally expected to serve a five-year term, ending in 2027 – are no longer active. Last month Zhang Youxia, first-ranked vice-chairman of the CMC and China’s most senior... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3343361/what-chinas-central-military-commission-and-how-does-it-operate-amid-anti-graft-drive?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3343361/what-chinas-central-military-commission-and-how-does-it-operate-amid-anti-graft-drive?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Feb 2026 00:00:32 +0000 William Zheng William Zheng China’s top military command body has moved to tighten Communist Party control over the armed forces with updates to disciplinary rules for party members in the People’s Liberation Army. The PLA Daily, the military’s official newspaper, reported on Saturday that the revisions were to “actively respond to key concerns” in disciplinary enforcement practice. It did not specify the changes, but the report came just two weeks after the announcement that top general Zhang Youxia, first vice-chairman... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3342755/chinas-military-command-tightens-discipline-top-generals-wake?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3342755/chinas-military-command-tightens-discipline-top-generals-wake?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 Feb 2026 11:00:09 +0000 Amber Wang Amber Wang The People’s Liberation Army said it would redouble efforts to crack down on “fakery that undermines combat capability” and improve scrutiny of training and drills to tackle “deep-seated problems”. The pledge was made in an article in official newspaper PLA Daily on Tuesday outlining anti-corruption priorities for the year. It came soon after last month’s announcement that top general Zhang Youxia, first vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission, was under investigation for corruption,... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3342631/chinas-military-vows-improve-scrutiny-training-after-fall-zhang-youxia?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3342631/chinas-military-vows-improve-scrutiny-training-after-fall-zhang-youxia?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Feb 2026 11:00:11 +0000 Alcott Wei Alcott Wei China has removed three senior defence industry executives, including a nuclear weapons expert, from the national legislature as part of a deepening anti-corruption campaign. The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress on Wednesday said it had expelled Liu Cangli, former president of the China Academy of Engineering Physics, Luo Qi, chief engineer of the China National Nuclear Corporation, and Zhou Xinmin, former chairman of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China. It did not say... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3342411/china-expels-defence-industry-officials-legislature-amid-corruption-crackdown?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3342411/china-expels-defence-industry-officials-legislature-amid-corruption-crackdown?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Feb 2026 13:49:39 +0000 Yuanyue Dang,William Zheng,Jun Mai Yuanyue Dang,William Zheng,Jun Mai Beijing’s bold move to remove top generals accused of corruption reflects its strategic assessment that overhauling the armed forces is more urgent, and that the issue of Taiwan can wait, according to military analysts. The investigation into China’s top commanders, Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli, has left the Central Military Commission (CMC), the country’s highest military command body, with just two members at present – President Xi Jinping, who is chairman of the CMC, and vice-chairman Zhang... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3342224/what-does-fall-pla-top-brass-zhang-youxia-say-about-beijings-taiwan-plans?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3342224/what-does-fall-pla-top-brass-zhang-youxia-say-about-beijings-taiwan-plans?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Feb 2026 22:00:48 +0000 William Zheng William Zheng The PLA’s anti-corruption investigations into top general Zhang Youxia and others will eliminate a watered-down combat capability resulting from corruption and give new momentum to the armed forces, the official paper of the Chinese military has said. “The resolute investigation and punishment of corrupt officials such as Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli removes obstacles and stumbling blocks that hinder the development of our cause,” the PLA Daily said in a front-page editorial on Monday. “It... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3342072/zhang-youxia-investigation-end-watered-down-capability-chinas-military?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3342072/zhang-youxia-investigation-end-watered-down-capability-chinas-military?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Feb 2026 07:01:12 +0000 Josephine Ma Josephine Ma China’s unrelenting anti-corruption drive will improve – not compromise – the military’s fighting strength, two signed commentaries published in the PLA Daily have argued. The articles – one on Friday and the other on Saturday – in the People’s Liberation Army mouthpiece called corruption the “number one killer” of battle effectiveness and cautioned against both “unrealistic optimism” and “harmful pessimism” about the anti-graft campaign – suggesting the crackdown on corruption will not end any... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3341947/chinas-military-redoubles-corruption-fight-wake-zhang-youxias-downfall?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3341947/chinas-military-redoubles-corruption-fight-wake-zhang-youxias-downfall?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 31 Jan 2026 12:56:49 +0000 Cao Jiaxuan Cao Jiaxuan China has accused the Philippines of “deliberately stoking maritime tensions” following reports Manila had warned it would stage military exercises across a large area of the disputed South China Sea for more than two months. The move represents the first external military challenge facing China after two senior generals were placed under investigation on suspicion of corruption, and could serve as a test of Beijing’s ability to handle such tests at a highly sensitive time. The Philippine civil... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3341859/china-says-philippines-stoking-tensions-large-scale-scarborough-shoal-drill?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3341859/china-says-philippines-stoking-tensions-large-scale-scarborough-shoal-drill?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 30 Jan 2026 13:00:15 +0000 Meredith Chen,William Zheng Meredith Chen,William Zheng A former Communist Party chief of the resource-rich Inner Mongolia autonomous region, who was also China’s first veterans affairs minister, is under investigation amid the country’s continuing anti-corruption campaign. Sun Shaocheng, 65, is being investigated by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection for “suspected serious violations of discipline and law”, a euphemism for corruption, the top disciplinary body said on Thursday. Sun serves as vice-chairman of the Social Development... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3341764/former-inner-mongolia-party-chief-veterans-minister-investigated-corruption?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3341764/former-inner-mongolia-party-chief-veterans-minister-investigated-corruption?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 30 Jan 2026 06:00:12 +0000 Meredith Chen Meredith Chen China’s leadership has paid tribute to Liao Xilong, praising the late general for his loyalty to the Communist Party and military service. Liao, 85, who was in charge of overhauling military logistics, died on January 23, state news agency Xinhua reported on Thursday, the day of his funeral. “[Liao was] a time-tested and loyal communist warrior, an outstanding military commander, and an exemplary leader in advancing the comprehensive modernisation of military logistics,” the report said. The... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3341735/communist-warrior-chinas-leaders-pay-tribute-late-general-liao-xilong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3341735/communist-warrior-chinas-leaders-pay-tribute-late-general-liao-xilong?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 29 Jan 2026 15:00:22 +0000 Meredith Chen Meredith Chen Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun urged closer strategic coordination between Beijing and Moscow and bolstering joint capacity to respond to risks and challenges in a video call with his Russian counterpart on Tuesday. Dong told Andrei Belousov that Beijing was willing to “enrich the substance of cooperation, improve communication and exchange mechanisms, jointly enhance the ability to respond to various risks and challenges and work hand in hand to inject positive energy into global security... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3341451/china-and-russia-bolster-defence-ties-counter-risks?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3341451/china-and-russia-bolster-defence-ties-counter-risks?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 27 Jan 2026 13:13:55 +0000 Brian Rhoads,Raymond Ma Brian Rhoads,Raymond Ma China placed its most senior military officer and another top general under investigation for suspected “serious” disciplinary violations, extending a corruption push that has hollowed out the leadership of the nation’s military. Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli are “suspected of serious violations of discipline and law”, the defence ministry said in a short announcement on Saturday. Both generals sit on the Central Military Commission (CMC), China’s top military body, with Zhang, 75, only ranking... https://www.scmp.com/plus/news/china/politics/article/3341261/chinas-top-general-ousted-corruption-investigation?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/plus/news/china/politics/article/3341261/chinas-top-general-ousted-corruption-investigation?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 26 Jan 2026 09:18:34 +0000 SCMP SCMP We have put together stories from our coverage last weekend to help you stay informed about news across Asia and beyond. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. China’s top uniformed officer Zhang Youxia is among 2 generals under investigation Top Chinese military leaders Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli are under investigation for suspected “serious” disciplinary violations, according to the Ministry of National Defence. 2. Chinese scientists shrink... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/article/3341199/chinese-military-leaders-under-probe-blackpink-hong-kong-5-weekend-reads-you-missed?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/article/3341199/chinese-military-leaders-under-probe-blackpink-hong-kong-5-weekend-reads-you-missed?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 26 Jan 2026 04:30:09 +0000 Alyssa Chen Alyssa Chen The sudden removal of China’s two most senior generals is believed to be a stark warning underscoring President Xi Jinping’s zero-tolerance focus on Communist Party discipline and political purity ahead of two landmark events next year. Beijing announced on Saturday that Zhang Youxia, first-ranked vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) and China’s top uniformed officer, was under investigation for serious disciplinary violations, as was Liu Zhenli, chief of the CMC’s Joint Staff... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3341173/why-chinas-rapid-ousting-2-top-generals-sharp-warning-party-purity?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3341173/why-chinas-rapid-ousting-2-top-generals-sharp-warning-party-purity?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 25 Jan 2026 14:00:10 +0000 William Zheng William Zheng The Chinese and Russian militaries have pledged to deepen cooperation in sensitive areas including missile defence, following high-level talks in Moscow involving China’s top general. General Zhang Youxia, the first-ranked vice-chairman of China’s Central Military Commission, met with his Russian counterpart Andrei Belousov on Thursday, according to China’s defence ministry. The visit – Zhang’s first in two years – signals a continued strengthening of defence ties between the two countries. In a... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3333688/china-russia-generals-pledge-deeper-military-ties-eye-missile-defence-cooperation?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3333688/china-russia-generals-pledge-deeper-military-ties-eye-missile-defence-cooperation?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 21 Nov 2025 09:28:17 +0000 Yuanyue Dang,William Zheng Yuanyue Dang,William Zheng Even for the anti-graft era of President Xi Jinping, the wave of investigations into alleged corruption in the Chinese military over the past three years has been exceptional. Last month, nine senior People’s Liberation Army (PLA) officers were expelled from the Communist Party and the military, including He Weidong, formerly China’s second-highest-ranking military officer. They are accused of having “violated party discipline and allegedly committed serious crimes related to their duties” –... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3332692/top-pla-heads-have-rolled-chinas-hunt-corrupt-military-officials-may-be-here-stay?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3332692/top-pla-heads-have-rolled-chinas-hunt-corrupt-military-officials-may-be-here-stay?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 13 Nov 2025 22:00:23 +0000 Alcott Wei Alcott Wei A senior Chinese general has called for the military to be prepared to “live a tight life” and cut costs on multiple fronts in an elaboration of the 15th five-year plan. The remarks by Qiu Yang, deputy director of the General Office of the Central Military Commission, were made in an article published last week and included in a supplementary reader for the Communist Party’s policy recommendations on the five-year plan covering 2026-2030. The recommendations were issued following the closing of... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3331673/pla-urged-live-tight-life-top-officials-elaborate-chinas-5-year-plan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3331673/pla-urged-live-tight-life-top-officials-elaborate-chinas-5-year-plan?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 Nov 2025 21:00:09 +0000 Alcott Wei Alcott Wei The Chinese military’s top general has pledged to crack down on “fake loyalty” and “two-faced men” and to speed up weapons development in the next five years. General Zhang Youxia, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and a Politburo member, made the remarks in an article published as part of a collection supporting the Communist Party’s policy recommendations for the 15th five-year plan from 2026 to 2030. The articles – written by dozens of senior officials from all policy areas –... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3331516/chinas-top-general-vows-crack-down-fake-loyalty-and-two-faced-men?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3331516/chinas-top-general-vows-crack-down-fake-loyalty-and-two-faced-men?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 Nov 2025 04:00:12 +0000 Liu Zhen Liu Zhen China will work with Singapore to maintain regional stability and maritime order, Beijing’s top-ranked military officer told Singapore’s defence minister on Wednesday. General Zhang Youxia, a vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), offered the commitment during talks with Chan Chun Sing on the sidelines of the Beijing Xiangshan Forum. “China is willing to work with Singapore to … strengthen regional security cooperation, support each other’s core interests, maintain maritime... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3325909/china-ready-work-singapore-regional-stability-top-military-officer-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3325909/china-ready-work-singapore-regional-stability-top-military-officer-says?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 17 Sep 2025 14:21:10 +0000 Enoch Wong Enoch Wong Images circulating online suggest Pakistan’s military has received a shipment of Chinese-made advanced attack helicopters, a version of which has been deployed by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) near China’s mountainous border with India. In the past week, photos and videos of the Z-10ME, the export version of the Chinese multirole attack helicopter, have appeared on Pakistani social media accounts. On Tuesday, a social media user believed to be an active-duty member of the Pakistan Army... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3320541/will-chinese-z-10me-attack-helicopters-now-power-pakistan-air-force?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3320541/will-chinese-z-10me-attack-helicopters-now-power-pakistan-air-force?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 02 Aug 2025 14:00:09 +0000 Phoebe Zhang Phoebe Zhang Indonesia is considering buying Chinese-made J-10 fighters, the model that downed a French-built Rafale warplane during the recent conflict between India and Pakistan. Antara, Indonesia’s national news agency, reported on Wednesday that the country’s deputy minister of defence, Donny Ermawan Taufanto, had said that China had offered to sell the jets during a recent visit to an arms fair in China by Mohamad Tonny Harjono, the country’s air chief marshal. “When we evaluated it, the plane was good,... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3313227/indonesia-considers-buying-chinese-j-10-jets-played-leading-role-kashmir-clashes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3313227/indonesia-considers-buying-chinese-j-10-jets-played-leading-role-kashmir-clashes?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Jun 2025 11:30:07 +0000 Top Chinese military officials pledged to fight corruption and strengthen war readiness while visiting People’s Liberation Army troops ahead of Lunar New Year. General Zhang Youxia, first-ranked vice-chairman of the powerful Central Military Commission (CMC), China’s top military decision-making body, recently inspected a unit of the Information Support Force in the northeastern city of Shenyang, state news agency Xinhua reported on Sunday. General He Weidong, the second-ranked vice-chairman of... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3296469/chinese-military-leaders-urge-war-readiness-message-troops-ahead-lunar-new-year?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3296469/chinese-military-leaders-urge-war-readiness-message-troops-ahead-lunar-new-year?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 27 Jan 2025 10:09:30 +0000 China’s top military official held security talks with his Pakistani counterpart on Wednesday amid joint counterterrorism drills in the wake of several attacks targeting Chinese interests and citizens in the South Asian country. Zhang Youxia, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), met Pakistani Chief of Army Staff Syed Asim Munir during a visit to Pakistan, vowing to strengthen ties as the two countries held their first joint anti-terrorism drills in five years. Their talks... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3288560/china-and-pakistan-talk-security-they-target-terrorism-against-belt-and-road-projects?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3288560/china-and-pakistan-talk-security-they-target-terrorism-against-belt-and-road-projects?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 28 Nov 2024 12:26:04 +0000 Two of China’s leading generals met the Saudi defence minister in Beijing on Tuesday as part of a stepping up in military cooperation between the two countries. Central Military Commission (CMC) vice-chairman Zhang Youxia – China’s top uniformed official – and Defence Minister Dong Jun held separate talks with Prince Khalid bin Salman. According to the Chinese defence ministry, Zhang told Salman that “China values its traditional friendship with Saudi Arabia” and said relations between their... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3268083/china-saudi-military-cooperation-fast-track-top-defence-officials-meet?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3268083/china-saudi-military-cooperation-fast-track-top-defence-officials-meet?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 26 Jun 2024 08:00:15 +0000 A top Chinese general has vowed to crack down on what he called “fake combat capabilities” in the military, which experts say is likely related to weapons procurement – the focus of corruption investigations. General He Weidong, the second-ranked vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks during a discussion with a People’s Liberation Army delegation on Tuesday, according to minutes from the meeting made available to media. The discussion was part of the ongoing “two... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3254722/chinese-general-calls-crackdown-fake-combat-capabilities-military?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3254722/chinese-general-calls-crackdown-fake-combat-capabilities-military?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 08 Mar 2024 23:00:24 +0000 A national satellite data management agency should be established to coordinate the information being gathered by the ever-growing number of Chinese satellites in orbit, according to a leader in China’s aerospace sector. Zhao Xiaojin, Communist Party secretary of the China Academy of Space Technology under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), said a dedicated data bureau could support the burgeoning aerospace sector in China and prevent collected information being... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3254601/does-china-need-space-data-bureau-support-its-ever-growing-satellite-networks?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3254601/does-china-need-space-data-bureau-support-its-ever-growing-satellite-networks?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 08 Mar 2024 10:00:19 +0000 The United States could push bilateral military dialogues to a new level by sending a highly ranked delegation to a Chinese naval symposium, according to military analysts. For the first time in 10 years the Chinese navy is hosting the Western Pacific Naval Symposium in Qingdao and observers note that the rank of the American delegation will affect “meaningful discussions”. In April 2014, when Sino-US relations were more amicable, the US sent its top navy brass – including Jonathan Greenert,... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3250446/china-us-relations-navy-dialogue-depends-status-american-delegation-say-military-analysts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3250446/china-us-relations-navy-dialogue-depends-status-american-delegation-say-military-analysts?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 31 Jan 2024 22:00:14 +0000 Chinese naval ships have arrived for a military exercise at a Cambodian naval port where the United States has previously expressed concern about the possible involvement of the People’s Liberation Army. It is the first time ships from a foreign navy are known to have used the new pier at Ream naval base, which Chinese companies helped build. The ships, including the Wenshan, a Type 056A corvette, were seen moored at the base on Sunday in photos posted on Facebook by General Tea Seiha, the... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3244083/chinese-warships-visit-controversial-cambodian-naval-base-joint-exercise?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3244083/chinese-warships-visit-controversial-cambodian-naval-base-joint-exercise?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 06 Dec 2023 10:59:40 +0000 Chinese President Xi Jinping will leave on Tuesday for San Francisco to attend this year’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, where all eyes will be on the first face-to-face meeting in a year between him and his American counterpart, Joe Biden. On the surface, relations between the two sides have settled into a “fragile stability”, but experts warn that many sources of friction persist and a host of chronic and complex contradictions could soon test the minimal consensus that the two may... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3241382/apec-summit-2023-risks-upset-fragile-stability-xi-and-biden-prepare-meet?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3241382/apec-summit-2023-risks-upset-fragile-stability-xi-and-biden-prepare-meet?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 13 Nov 2023 14:00:14 +0000 With the Indo-Pacific becoming a hotbed of contention, recent events have raised the possibility of a flashpoint developing into a military conflict between the US and China. The collisions between Chinese and Filipino vessels over the past weeks are of particular concern as America and the Philippines have a Mutual Defence Treaty that mandates the US to take military action to defend a Philippines under attack. But this is not the only area with potential for escalation. There have also been... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3240978/us-china-diplomatic-thaw-raises-hopes-military-dialogue-breakthrough?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3240978/us-china-diplomatic-thaw-raises-hopes-military-dialogue-breakthrough?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Nov 2023 21:30:12 +0000 China has high regard for Russia’s resilience, the People’s Liberation Army’s top general has told Russian President Vladimir Putin. General Zhang Youxia, China’s top ranking uniformed official and vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission, met Putin in Moscow on Wednesday to discuss military-technical cooperation at the Novo-Ogaryovo state residence. He is the most senior PLA figure to visit Russia since it was sanctioned over the invasion of Ukraine. “Under your leadership, the Russian... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3240972/china-admires-russias-resilience-top-pla-general-tells-vladimir-putin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3240972/china-admires-russias-resilience-top-pla-general-tells-vladimir-putin?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 09 Nov 2023 15:00:13 +0000 Russian President Vladimir Putin told a senior Chinese military official Wednesday that Moscow and Beijing should expand their cooperation on military satellites and other prospective defence technologies – a statement that signalled increasingly close defence links between the allies. Putin spoke in televised remarks at the start of his meeting with General Zhang Youxia, who is China’s second-ranking military official and vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission. The Russian leader... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/russia-central-asia/article/3240848/vladimir-putin-calls-closer-russia-china-cooperation-military-satellites-and-prospective-weapons?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/russia-central-asia/article/3240848/vladimir-putin-calls-closer-russia-china-cooperation-military-satellites-and-prospective-weapons?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 08 Nov 2023 19:41:52 +0000 China’s Xiangshan security conference, which finished on Tuesday, heard several suggestions from American delegates about how the two countries could improve relations and build trust in the Asia-Pacific. During the three-day forum, the first held in person since 2019, many former officials and researchers speaking at the Beijing Xiangshan Forum focused on the main areas of disagreement such as Taiwan and the United States’ Pacific strategy. Chad Sbragia, the former deputy assistant secretary of... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3239965/us-china-relations-xiangshan-security-conference-delegates-suggest-ways-build-trust?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3239965/us-china-relations-xiangshan-security-conference-delegates-suggest-ways-build-trust?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Nov 2023 10:18:01 +0000 The Pentagon missed a “good opportunity” to send US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin to the Beijing Xiangshan Forum, where he could have met top brass of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and resumed long-stalled dialogues between senior military officials, a Chinese lieutenant general has said. “Does he really want to meet senior Chinese officials? If he genuinely wanted to make contact, then he should have come,” He Lei, former vice-president of the PLA Academy of Military Sciences, told the... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3239871/lloyd-austins-absence-xiangshan-forum-missed-opportunity-pentagon-says-chinese-general?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3239871/lloyd-austins-absence-xiangshan-forum-missed-opportunity-pentagon-says-chinese-general?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 31 Oct 2023 14:07:37 +0000 The ties between Moscow and Beijing are increasingly attractive to a “circle of like-minded” countries, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said, warning that Nato’s expansion towards the Asia-Pacific increased the risk of a direct military clash between nuclear powers. Speaking at the 10th Beijing Xiangshan Forum on Monday, Shoigu said relations between Moscow and Beijing were an “exemplary” model that was becoming more attractive to other countries. “The circle of our friends and... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3239662/russias-defence-chief-hails-china-ties-exemplary-warns-nato-expansion-risks-clash-between-nuclear?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3239662/russias-defence-chief-hails-china-ties-exemplary-warns-nato-expansion-risks-clash-between-nuclear?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Oct 2023 07:02:48 +0000 The People’s Liberation Army will “show no mercy” against any moves for Taiwan independence, a top Chinese military official told a regional security forum on Monday. “No matter who wishes to separate Taiwan from China in any way, the Chinese military will never agree to it,” General Zhang Youxia, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission, said in a speech at the Beijing Xiangshan Forum. He said Taiwan was the “core of China’s core interests”. Zhang also met Russian Defence Minister... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3239656/pla-will-show-no-mercy-against-taiwan-independence-moves-top-general-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3239656/pla-will-show-no-mercy-against-taiwan-independence-moves-top-general-says?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Oct 2023 06:05:25 +0000 Uncertainty still clouds China-US dialogue, according to Cui Tiankai, Beijing’s former ambassador in Washington, despite visits by US cabinet officials, lawmakers and politicians to improve ties. Giving his assessment at the Xiangshan defence forum in Beijing on Sunday, Cui hinted that February’s “spy balloon” incident was one of a number that impeded a commitment by the US and Chinese presidents to maintain open communication between their senior officials. Joe Biden and Xi Jinping made the... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3239582/xiangshan-forum-questions-about-biden-xi-bali-pledge-hang-over-us-china-apec-summit-prospects?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3239582/xiangshan-forum-questions-about-biden-xi-bali-pledge-hang-over-us-china-apec-summit-prospects?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 Oct 2023 14:00:24 +0000 As Beijing gears up for a high-profile security forum expected to showcase its leverage in the Global South, observers are hoping it will also help war-torn developing states find a way towards peace and development. “Today’s world is full of violence, and poverty is the key reason leading to these bloody conflicts. The poorer the country, the more violence there is,” eminent Chinese political economist Zheng Yongnian told a warm-up event on Sunday for the 10th Beijing Xiangshan Forum. “It is... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3239588/why-chinas-xiangshan-forum-where-global-south-can-find-security-solutions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3239588/why-chinas-xiangshan-forum-where-global-south-can-find-security-solutions?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 Oct 2023 12:00:11 +0000 The dismissal of China’s former defence minister Li Shangfu – without any official explanation – after weeks of speculation over the fate of the US-sanctioned general has once again highlighted the complex and opaque nature of the command structure of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), and the role of the nation’s defence chief. How is the role different in China？ Unlike its counterparts in the United States and other Western countries, China’s defence minister is considered primarily as a... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3239179/why-role-chinese-defence-minister-isnt-exactly-what-it-sounds?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3239179/why-role-chinese-defence-minister-isnt-exactly-what-it-sounds?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Oct 2023 13:45:15 +0000 China’s most senior military officer, General Zhang Youxia, has met his Serbian counterpart in Beijing, in a sign that China’s top-level military diplomacy may have resumed almost two months after the country’s defence minister disappeared from public view. The meeting came after China’s defence minister and top military diplomat, General Li Shangfu, went missing without explanation in late August, leaving China’s military diplomacy up in the air. A vice-chairman of the Central Military... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3238516/did-chinas-top-general-just-signal-restart-beijings-military-diplomacy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3238516/did-chinas-top-general-just-signal-restart-beijings-military-diplomacy?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Oct 2023 10:46:43 +0000