Analysis & Reports

On July 7, 2026, the People's Liberation Army Navy conducted a training missile launch from a nuclear submarine in the West Pacific at 12:01 PM. The missile successfully landed in a designated area, marking the first known submarine-launched missile test by China since 1982. The Chinese government characterized the event as a routine military training exercise, emphasizing compliance with international law.

Li MinghuiTue Jul 07 2026Loading...

The Nanning and Hengyang ships of the People's Liberation Army Navy completed a 5-day visit to Hong Kong on July 6, coinciding with the 29th anniversary of Hong Kong's return. The visit featured a 052D destroyer and a 054A frigate, showcasing China's naval capabilities while serving as a public relations event. This activity reflects the ongoing modernization and operational readiness of the Chinese navy.

Li MinghuiMon Jul 06 2026Loading...

Taiwan has initiated a 14-day training program for reserve military personnel, which now includes instruction on drones and the HIMARS rocket system. This change aims to enhance the integration of reserve forces with their original military roles and improve the operational effectiveness of advanced military equipment. The Taiwanese Armed Forces are responding to the need for better utilization of new technologies in their defense strategy.

Li MinghuiSun Jul 05 2026Loading...

The Fujian aircraft carrier conducted its first live naval training exercise in Fujian Province, involving multiple vessels and aircraft including J-35 and KJ-600. The exercises focused on carrier operations, aircraft launches, and joint search and rescue missions, marking a significant step in the operational readiness of the People's Liberation Army Navy. This event highlights the transition of the Fujian from a test platform to a combat-ready naval asset.

Li MinghuiSun Jul 05 2026Loading...

The PLA demonstrated a modular electromagnetic catapult system for launching drones using three connected 8-wheeled vehicles in Beijing on July 3. This system allows for transportable and camouflaged drone launch facilities, aiming to produce 2000 units annually. It enhances the operational capabilities of fixed-wing drones, reducing reliance on traditional runways, though challenges in power supply and maintenance remain.

Li MinghuiSat Jul 04 2026Loading...

The Fujian aircraft carrier's training in the Taiwan Strait on June 23 revealed significant deficiencies in the Chinese Navy's carrier-based aviation capabilities, indicating a need for at least 100 additional aircraft. The training highlighted compatibility issues among different aircraft types and the operational readiness of the fleet. The Chinese Navy is moving towards establishing a more effective carrier-based aviation system, but challenges remain in achieving sustained operational capability.

Li MinghuiFri Jul 03 2026Loading...

The Southern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army conducted maritime and aerial patrols around Huangyan Island on July 2, 2026, showcasing a coordinated operation involving H-6K bombers, J-16 fighters, KJ-500 early warning aircraft, and various frigates. This operation emphasizes the integration of anti-submarine capabilities and data link systems, indicating a shift towards regular military readiness in the South China Sea.

Li MinghuiThu Jul 02 2026Loading...

The Fujian aircraft carrier conducted cross-sea training in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea, accompanied by two destroyers. This training involved multiple aircraft types, including J-15T and J-35, performing electromagnetic launches and landings. The exercises aim to test the carrier's systems under diverse maritime conditions as part of routine military operations.

Li MinghuiWed Jul 01 2026Loading...

The People's Liberation Army Rocket Force publicly showcased the first footage of the Dongfeng-17 hypersonic missile launch during a live-fire exercise on July 1. This event coincided with the 60th anniversary of the strategic missile forces and highlighted the missile's operational capabilities, including its range of 1800 to 2500 kilometers. The exercise demonstrated mobile launch capabilities and training under complex conditions, emphasizing the missile's role in targeting critical military infrastructure.

Li MinghuiWed Jul 01 2026Loading...

The Fujian aircraft carrier conducted its first training exercises in the South China Sea after entering service in June 2026, testing the capabilities of J-35 fighter jets and KJ-600 early warning aircraft. This operation is part of the People's Liberation Army Navy's strategy to enhance its military presence in the region, particularly concerning Taiwan. The exercises indicate a shift from mere sea trials to operational readiness and political signaling.

Li MinghuiTue Jun 30 2026Loading...

The Nanning Ship (DDG-162) and Hengyang Ship (FFG-568) of the People's Liberation Army Navy visited Hong Kong from July 2-6, 2023, for public engagement and cultural exchange. This visit marks the 29th anniversary of Hong Kong's return and showcases the operational capabilities of the PLA Navy. The ships are representative of the navy's routine operational units, emphasizing their role in regional presence and public diplomacy.

Li MinghuiTue Jun 30 2026Loading...

The People's Liberation Army Navy conducted a routine patrol in the South China Sea on June 29, 2023, involving one 054A frigate and three coast guard ships. This action coincided with the U.S. and Philippines completing their fifth joint maritime activity, indicating a strategic response to increased naval cooperation between the two nations. The patrol reflects China's ongoing military presence in the region amid rising tensions.

Li MinghuiMon Jun 29 2026Loading...

On June 27, the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force and the Russian Air Force conducted their 11th joint air strategic patrol across the Sea of Japan, East China Sea, and Western Pacific. The operation involved multiple aircraft types, including H-6K bombers and Y-20 tankers, showcasing enhanced military cooperation and capabilities. This patrol serves as a pressure test for regional adversaries, particularly Japan and Taiwan, while demonstrating the growing operational integration of Chinese and Russian air forces.

Li MinghuiSun Jun 28 2026Loading...

Two J-15 fighter jets conducted a training exercise at a base affiliated with the People's Liberation Army Navy Aviation University in China in early June 2023. The report emphasizes the ongoing challenges in training sufficient carrier pilots to operate the increasing number of aircraft, including the new Fujian aircraft carrier. The J-15 is expected to continue playing a crucial role in the PLA Navy's operations for the coming years.

Li MinghuiSat Jun 27 2026Loading...

The Fujian aircraft carrier transited the Taiwan Strait on June 23, 2026, as part of its training operations. This movement highlights the ongoing development of the People's Liberation Army Navy's capabilities, although the carrier currently lacks a complete set of operational aircraft. The transition is viewed as a routine training exercise, but it underscores the strategic implications for regional security and the need for further development of carrier-based aviation.

Li MinghuiSat Jun 27 2026Loading...

The U.S. military is shifting its reconnaissance focus in the South China Sea towards MQ-9 drones and increased operations from Philippine bases. This change reflects a strategic move to enhance surveillance capabilities while reducing reliance on naval vessels. The number of U.S. freedom of navigation operations has decreased, indicating a shift in approach to monitoring Chinese military activities in the region.

Li MinghuiFri Jun 26 2026Loading...

The Fujian aircraft carrier transited the Taiwan Strait on June 23, 2026, with an empty flight deck, indicating ongoing training and operational testing. This movement followed a five-day readiness exercise by Taiwan, suggesting a strategic signal regarding military readiness and response. The carrier's operational capabilities are still under development, and its presence in the region is intended to exert pressure beyond the immediate area.

Li MinghuiFri Jun 26 2026Loading...

The Liaoning aircraft carrier group conducted training exercises in the Western Pacific in June 2023, with Japan tracking the group but failing to capture clear images. This indicates an increase in the operational capabilities of the Chinese military, as they are able to operate more flexibly and effectively in broader maritime areas. Japan's monitoring resources are being stretched as a result of these developments.

Li MinghuiThu Jun 25 2026Loading...

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) conducted low-intensity patrols in the Taiwan Strait from June 19 to 23, 2023, with 165 aircraft and 256 vessels detected. On June 22, 20 of 23 aircraft crossed the median line, while the presence of coast guard ships alongside military vessels indicates a strategy of sustained pressure on Taiwan's defense capabilities. This ongoing activity tests Taiwan's response systems and military readiness.

Li MinghuiThu Jun 25 2026Loading...

RAND study indicates that the U.S. Navy may struggle to repair battle-damaged ships during a potential conflict with China in August 2025. The analysis highlights vulnerabilities in the U.S. repair logistics, particularly in the Western Pacific, while noting that the Chinese Navy has advantages due to closer industrial support. The report emphasizes the need for improved logistics and pre-positioning of spare parts to maintain operational readiness.

Li MinghuiWed Jun 24 2026Loading...