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The People’s Liberation Army (PLA)

The People’s Liberation Army (PLA)
The latest news and top stories on the People’s Liberation Army. A prominent Beijing-based governmental body, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is the unified military organisation of the People's Republic of China and the Chinese Communist Party. Its primary mission involves defending national sovereignty, territorial integrity and the Party’s interests, alongside protecting overseas interests and promoting global peace. The PLA, comprising ground, naval, air, rocket, aerospace, cyberspace and information support forces, is recognised as the world’s largest military. It plays a crucial role in national defence, internal security, disaster relief and international peacekeeping, continually modernising its technology and capabilities.
The CIA has released a provocative recruitment video targeting Chinese military officers. The US spy agency used its YouTube channel to publish the video on February 12, 2026, the same day US President Donald Trump boasted about his “very good relationship” with China.
CIA (Central Intelligence Agency)

Video | Chinese military officers target of new CIA video

US spy agency’s outreach, depicting a disillusioned mid-level officer, risks unsettling fragile calm before April’s Trump-XI summit.

US-China relations

CIA targets Chinese military officers in new recruitment video

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China’s military

Xi’s new year greeting reveals PLA Cyberspace Force post in South China Sea

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China's military weapons

J-35 jet maker flexes production muscle, pledging to double output in 5 years

New video shows stealth fighter on the runway at SAC in Liaoning as state media says factory will be part of ‘Shenyang Aerospace City’.

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A J-35 fighter is shown at SAC’s airfield in Liaoning province, according to a video released by the manufacturer on Tuesday. Photo: Handout
US-Venezuela conflict

Opinion | US invasion of Venezuela no guarantee of hemispheric dominance

By signalling how far it will go to defend its interests in Venezuela, the US might have intensified conflicts closer to home rather than resolving them.

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Taiwan

Video | PLA conducts second day of drills around Taiwan

Troops simulate attacks on maritime targets and conduct anti-air and anti-submarine operations to the north and south of the island.

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Open Questions series

Open Questions | Ex-PLA colonel on Taiwan, the Ukraine war, China-US ties

Zhou Bo ponders Japanese PM Takaichi’s recent remarks, lessons from the Ukraine conflict and why China won’t be world’s policeman.

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Illustration: Victor Sanjinez
South China Sea

Opinion | How does China’s modernising navy stack up against the US seventh fleet?

Between what the US can sustain in the region vs what China can concentrate near its shores, the calculation increasingly favours Beijing.

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Alibaba

Alibaba slams FT report on alleged PLA ties as ‘completely false’, ‘malicious’

The report appears to undermine the recent bilateral trade talks between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart, Donald Trump.

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China's military weapons

China’s Pacific power takes strategic leap with new carrier

The commissioning of the Fujian, China’s third aircraft carrier, extends the nation’s reach into the Pacific, provided it can overcome the challenges of operating a blue-water navy.

Photo: Xinhua
US-China relations

US Space Force to use 3 weapons to jam Chinese satellites via remote control

The Meadowlands and Remote Sensing Terminals will be joining the US military’s Counter Communications System jammer.

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The US Space Force’s Remote Modular Terminal is designed to jam enemy satellite signals. Photo: US Space Force
Taiwan

No major PLA activity near Taiwan after ‘troublemaker’ Lai’s policy speech

Taiwanese defence ministry figures show no increase in the number of warplanes and warships near the island since October 10.

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Taiwan

Chinese spy drama Silent Honour inspires praise for real-life agents

‘Sudden surge’ of visitors to memorial park and one agent’s family home comes as series about mainland intelligence operation in Taiwan ends.

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China’s military

China ‘showed integrated combat capabilities in locking on US fifth-gen jets’

A PLA J-16 fighter reportedly chased away two foreign planes– believed to be US F-22s – from its air defence identification zone last year.

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A Chinese J-16 fighter. The PLA has been replacing its ageing J-7 fighter fleet with advanced J-10C and J-16 multi-role warplanes. Photo: Handout
Taiwan

PLA Navy’s Taiwan-focused landing barge spotted at sea, destination unknown

Video shows self-elevating ‘water bridge’ Dong Gong 401 moving close to shore at an unidentified location.

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Video has emerged of the PLA’s self-propelled jack-up barge sailing in an unidentified body of water with its road ramp and signature eight struts raised. Photo: Handout
China's military weapons

How the Chinese military uses ‘human abacuses’ to counter smart device failures

State media says PLA abacus programme aids infantry and artillery units in determining optimal firing times and helps soldiers keep focus.

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SCMP Highlights

China’s exports rebound, military mouthpiece’s PLA vow: SCMP daily highlights

From China’s outbound shipments beating estimates to a maths guru on domestically groomed talent, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage.

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China's military weapons

China’s military paper urges ‘deep integration’ to beat joint operation weakness

PLA Daily urges stronger synergy across combat elements and weapon platforms, highlights key role of cyber-information systems in warfare.

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Airborne uncrewed vehicles are showcased during the Victory Day military parade in Beijing on September 3. Weaponry paraded within formations during the event did not originate from a single theatre command or service branch. Photo: Xinhua
China's military weapons

QBZ-191 assault rifle allows Chinese small arms to gain tactical and export edge

191 series shows PLA is catching up with global trends to match world-class combat rifles like the US M4, Belgian SCAR and the German HK416.

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South China Sea

Chinese military announces Malaysia drill as Japan-Philippines exercise starts

The Chinese military says next week’s Aman Youyi-2025 joint exercise will focus on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

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China's military weapons

Chinese military’s new underwater unmanned systems are ‘disruptive’: journal

Submersibles with ‘zero-radius turning manoeuvrability’ said to be capable of operating ‘with ease in complex maritime environments’.

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A Chinese AJX002 unmanned underwater vehicle appears in a military parade in Beijing on September 3. Photo: AFP
China's military weapons

China’s J-16 expelled 2 foreign stealth fighter jets last year: report

PLA pilot involved in encounter during coastal training exercise recounts locking onto both aircraft that were ‘approaching us’.

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According to Li Chao, a pilot from the PLA’s Western Theatre Command, the foreign jets had “clear intentions” of intersecting and provoking the Chinese aircraft. Photo: CCTV
China’s military drills

New mock Taiwan government buildings spotted at mainland Chinese military base

Japanese media report says simulated Taiwanese government compound for training PLA soldiers has expanded nearly threefold since 2020.

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Hong Kong politics

From Stephen Chow films to Beyond hits: PLA sailors share Hong Kong affinity

Crew from Qi Jiguang and Yimeng Shan recount experience in city as residents enjoy final open day.

Hong Kong economy

Editorial | Hong Kong marks National Day with hope amid challenges

As the People’s Republic of China turns 76, Hong Kong remains dedicated to national development and local growth.

Chief Executive John Lee delivers a speech at a reception in Wan Chai, celebrating the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, on October 1. Photo: Nora Tam
Hong Kong politics

Hong Kong marks National Day with fireworks, naval ship tours and horse races

Residents, tourists enjoy holiday, with some touring PLA vessels, others visiting Sai Kung reservoir and crowds packing Sha Tin Racecourse.

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The Hong Kong Jockey Club said more than 13,000 mainlanders visited the Sha Tin Racecourse for the National Day Cup, a record Photo: Kenneth Chan.
Hong Kong politics

Hongkongers tour PLA naval ships as trainees sample local delicacies

Residents get hands-on experience on board Qi Jiguang and Yimeng Shan at Stonecutters Island as part of National Day celebrations.

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong gears up for National Day celebrations as Xi delivers upbeat message

City rolling out a raft of measures and events to celebrate October 1 anniversary, including fireworks display and various offers.

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