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PLA Daily

The latest news and top stories on PLA Daily. A Beijing-based governmental publication, PLA Daily is the official newspaper of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA). It is dedicated to serving as the military’s mouthpiece, indoctrinating troops and projecting its voice into public policy. Its main areas of focus include reporting on military affairs, promoting modernisation and highlighting the PLA’s contributions.

Members of the People’s Liberation Army stand at attention as Chinese President Xi Jinping inspects their combat readiness via video link in Beijing on Tuesday. Photo: Xinhua

China’s military

After Zhang Youxia’s downfall, PLA told to be more mindful of spending

State media also spotlights deep flaws in PLA’s readiness that have surfaced during country’s widening anti-corruption drive.

13 Feb 2026 - 12:40PMvideocam

China’s Communist Party

China’s military command tightens discipline at the top in generals’ wake

7 Feb 2026 - 8:48PMvideocam

China’s military drills

China’s military cracks down on training ‘fakery’ after Zhang Youxia’s ousting

6 Feb 2026 - 8:49PMvideocam

Corruption in China

China’s military redoubles corruption fight in wake of Zhang Youxia’s downfall

PLA mouthpiece warns troops not to be blindly optimistic or totally pessimistic about winning the war against graft.

31 Jan 2026 - 8:56PMvideocam

Corruption is the first killer of combat ability, according to a new PLA Daily commentary. Photo: Xinhua

China’s Communist Party

Why China’s swift ousting of Zhang Youxia is a warning from Xi on party purity

Seemingly risky move to oust two generals ahead of Communist Party congress and PLA centenary sends a message about anti-corruption drive.

26 Jan 2026 - 4:19PMvideocam

China's military weapons

Chinese military tightens review of weapons pricing to fight corruption

CMC Equipment Development Department releases new rules amid push for quality equipment and ‘professional ethics’.

19 Dec 2025 - 6:00PMvideocam

SCMP Highlights

US pulls missile system from Japan, EV fires fan fears: SCMP daily highlights

From tensions over Taiwan to YouTuber Hasan Piker’s controversial China tour, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage.

18 Nov 2025 - 9:25PM

The US has conducted multiple tests of the Typhon system, which includes four trailer-based launchers and supporting equipment capable of firing both Tomahawk and SM-6 missiles. Photo: Reuters

China’s military drills

China’s Fujian carrier completes first training shortly after entering service

‘First maritime live-force training’ since November 5 commissioning comes at a time of growing tensions with Japan over Taiwan comments.

18 Nov 2025 - 10:25PMvideocam

China-Latin America relations

China’s military mouthpiece hits out at US ‘gunboat diplomacy’ over Venezuela

Commentary in PLA Daily says Washington’s military build-up in the Caribbean is ‘trying to promote regime change’.

18 Nov 2025 - 8:16PM

China travel

491,000 Japan-bound air tickets cancelled as China warns people to avoid travel

Lost ticket revenue could be in the billions of yuan, analyst says, as carriers brace for short-term capacity shifts if diplomatic tensions fail to ease.

17 Nov 2025 - 5:33PM

An aviation analyst said Shanghai-Tokyo and Shanghai-Osaka flights have been most affected in recent days by cancellations stemming from a diplomatic dispute between China and Japan. Photo: Xinhua

China-Japan relations

No plan for Japan-China meeting at G20 as Taiwan Strait row deepens

Beijing says Premier Li Qiang has not arranged talks with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

18 Nov 2025 - 10:48AMvideocam

A commentary in People’s Daily on Monday condemned Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent remarks on potentially intervening in a Taiwan conflict. Photo: AP

China-Japan relations

Airlines offer Japan trip refunds as row over Takaichi’s Taiwan comments deepens

Air China, China Southern and China Eastern among seven carriers to offer refunds hours after Beijing urges nationals to avoid Japan trips.

16 Nov 2025 - 12:00AMvideocam

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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.

13 Oct 2025 - 8:46PMvideocam

China military reform

How China’s Information Support Force gears military up for PLA modernisation

PLA Daily articles offer glimpse into how force established last year fits into President Xi Jinping’s vision of a futuristic military.

25 Jul 2025 - 7:00PMvideocam

The Information Support Force is central to President Xi Jinping’s ambition to build a modern, intelligent military by 2027, the PLA’s 100th anniversary. Photo: Xinhua

UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles)

China’s military will need structural change to fend off drone threats: experts

Writing in the PLA Daily, the analysts predict likely need for specialised counter-drone rapid response combat units.

6 Jul 2025 - 11:00PMvideocam

An article in the Chinese military mouthpiece PLA Daily says that warfare involving drone swarms and counter-swarm operations is likely to become a battle of algorithms. Photo: Getty Images