Analysis & Reports

The commissioning of the Fujian aircraft carrier (CV-18) on November 5, 2025, marks a significant advancement in the People's Liberation Army Navy's capabilities. Equipped with an electromagnetic catapult system, the Fujian enhances China's ability to deploy a diverse range of carrier-based aircraft, thereby strengthening its strategic position in the Western Pacific. This development is part of a broader plan to expand China's naval fleet to 395 vessels by 2025 and 435 by 2030, reflecting a shift towards a more capable and modern naval force.

Li MinghuiSun Mar 15 2026Loading...

China is actively collecting military intelligence from the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict as of March 13, 2026, focusing on advanced U.S. weapon systems and operational data. This intelligence gathering is seen as a strategic opportunity for China to enhance its military modernization efforts. The conflict has provided valuable insights into U.S. military operations and capabilities, particularly regarding the effectiveness of Iranian drones against U.S. assets.

Li MinghuiFri Mar 13 2026Loading...

China announced a defense budget of 1.94 trillion RMB (approximately 282 billion USD) on March 10, 2026, marking a 6.9% increase from the previous year. The budget emphasizes modernization and strategic capabilities, focusing on advanced weaponry and military technology. This increase is contextualized within China's economic growth and the upcoming centenary of the People's Liberation Army in 2027, reflecting a commitment to enhancing national defense in a complex security environment.

Li MinghuiFri Mar 13 2026Loading...

China's defense budget for 2026 is set at 1.91 trillion yuan, marking a 7% increase aimed at enhancing military modernization. The People's Liberation Army Navy has commissioned 10 new 055-class destroyers, significantly boosting its naval capabilities. The budget reflects a strategic focus on integrating advanced technologies and maintaining a balance between defense spending and economic growth.

Li MinghuiThu Mar 12 2026Loading...

China announced a 6.9% increase in its defense budget for 2026, totaling 1.94 trillion RMB (approximately 282 billion USD), to enhance military modernization. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) will focus on advanced weaponry, logistics, and training of high-quality military personnel. This budget reflects China's strategic priorities amid regional tensions, particularly in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea.

Li MinghuiWed Mar 11 2026Loading...

China is rapidly modernizing its military by integrating artificial intelligence into its combat systems, developing new unmanned systems, and enhancing its underwater and aerial capabilities. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is focusing on AI applications for decision support and cyber operations, while expanding its fleet of nuclear-powered submarines. The 2026 defense budget reflects a commitment to military modernization despite slower economic growth.

Li MinghuiTue Mar 10 2026Loading...

China announced a 7% increase in its defense budget to approximately 1.91 trillion RMB (about $277 billion) on March 5, 2026, during the National People's Congress in Beijing. This budget reflects China's prioritization of military modernization amid rising regional tensions and global competition. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) maintains around 2 million active personnel and has the largest navy in the world, with over 370 combat vessels. Additionally, the PLA Air Force operates over 3200 combat aircraft, including advanced stealth fighters.

Li MinghuiMon Mar 09 2026Loading...

China announced a 7% increase in its defense budget for 2026, reaching 1.91 trillion RMB (approximately 277 billion USD), during the National People's Congress on March 5, 2026. This budget increase reflects China's commitment to military modernization, particularly in integrating artificial intelligence into its military operations. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is focusing on developing advanced technologies, including unmanned combat vehicles and AI systems, to enhance its military capabilities and reshape the regional security landscape.

Li MinghuiMon Mar 09 2026Loading...

China announced a defense budget of 1.9096 trillion RMB (approximately 276.8 billion USD) for 2026, marking a 7% increase, the lowest since 2021. This slowdown reflects economic pressures and ongoing military modernization efforts amid anti-corruption initiatives. The People's Liberation Army is focusing on technological advancements, including artificial intelligence and unmanned systems, to enhance its combat capabilities.

Li MinghuiSat Mar 07 2026Loading...

China announced a 7% increase in its defense budget for 2026, emphasizing military modernization amid economic challenges. This budget supports key projects, including the J-20 stealth fighter and new aircraft carriers, while reflecting China's strategic focus on regional security issues, particularly in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea.

Li MinghuiFri Mar 06 2026Loading...

China announced a 7% increase in its defense budget for 2026, reflecting a strategic shift towards AI-driven military capabilities. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is focusing on modernizing its forces with new technologies, including unmanned vehicles and AI decision support systems. This transition aims to enhance military effectiveness and adapt to future warfare dynamics.

Li MinghuiFri Mar 06 2026Loading...

On November 5, 2025, the People's Liberation Army Navy commissioned the Fujian aircraft carrier in Fujian, marking a significant advancement in China's naval capabilities. This carrier, equipped with an electromagnetic launch system, represents a strategic shift towards blue-water operations. Concurrently, China is expanding its nuclear submarine fleet and modernizing its military with a focus on advanced technologies and increased defense spending.

Li MinghuiThu Mar 05 2026Loading...

China's Navy is transforming its submarine fleet, increasing the number of nuclear-powered submarines significantly. By 2027, the fleet is projected to reach around 70 submarines, with a substantial portion being nuclear. The development of the 096 ballistic missile submarine will enhance China's nuclear deterrent, allowing it to strike from protected waters. Concurrently, China is establishing a comprehensive underwater surveillance network to monitor foreign submarine activities in critical regions.

Li MinghuiThu Mar 05 2026Loading...

China is accelerating its military modernization efforts under the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), focusing on quantum sensing, artificial intelligence, and hypersonic countermeasures. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is expected to showcase advanced military capabilities by 2027, aligning with its strategic goals. This modernization effort aims to integrate military advancements with broader national objectives, emphasizing technological self-sufficiency and innovation.

Li MinghuiWed Mar 04 2026Loading...

China is accelerating its military modernization efforts as part of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), focusing on quantum sensing, artificial intelligence, and hypersonic countermeasures. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is expected to showcase advanced military capabilities by 2027, aligning with national strategic goals. This modernization effort aims to position China as a world-class military power by 2049, with significant investments in technology and talent development.

Li MinghuiWed Mar 04 2026Loading...

The first 09V type nuclear-powered cruise missile submarine was revealed at a shipyard in Liaoning Province on March 3, 2026. This submarine features advanced capabilities, including an X-shaped tail and 18 vertical launch system cells, allowing it to carry multiple YJ-18 anti-ship cruise missiles. It is expected to enter service by 2029, marking a significant enhancement in China's underwater combat capabilities.

Li MinghuiTue Mar 03 2026Loading...

The first 09V class nuclear submarine of the People's Liberation Army Navy was spotted in launch preparation at a shipyard in Liaoning, China, on February 9, 2026. This submarine features advanced technology, including an X-shaped tail rudder and 18 vertical launch system units, capable of launching YJ-18 and potentially YJ-19 missiles. Its development marks a significant enhancement in China's underwater combat capabilities, prompting the U.S. to increase its defense budget for monitoring Chinese military activities.

Li MinghuiTue Mar 03 2026Loading...

On January 24, 2026, the Chinese Ministry of Defense announced the investigation of Vice Chairman Zhang Youxia and Chief of Joint Staff Liu Zhenli, marking a significant purge within the People's Liberation Army (PLA). This unprecedented action has led to the dismissal or disappearance of over 100 senior officers since 2022, severely impacting military readiness, particularly in the Eastern Theater Command. Despite this turmoil, the PLA continues to advance its military modernization efforts, including the accelerated production of stealth fighters and hypersonic missiles.

Li MinghuiTue Mar 03 2026Loading...

On March 2, 2026, Chinese naval vessels confronted Taiwanese naval forces in the Taiwan Strait, marking a rare direct engagement. This incident coincided with the deployment of two 055-class destroyers to the East China Sea, significantly enhancing China's naval capabilities. The confrontation reflects a strategic shift amid the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict, which has reduced U.S. military presence in the Pacific, prompting Taiwan to bolster its defenses.

Li MinghuiMon Mar 02 2026Loading...

Two 055-class destroyers, 'Dongguan' and 'Anqing', were deployed to the East Sea Fleet at Zhoushan, Zhejiang, in late January 2026. This marks the first deployment of such advanced vessels to this fleet, enhancing China's naval capabilities in the Taiwan Strait and East China Sea. The move is interpreted as a strategic response to potential military actions by Japan and the U.S. in the region.

Li MinghuiMon Mar 02 2026Loading...