Analysis & Reports

On August 13, the White House directed the U.S. Navy to consider purchasing foreign-built warships and revert to steam catapults for future carriers due to domestic shipbuilding shortfalls. The Navy currently produces 1.1 to 1.2 Virginia-class submarines annually, falling short of its requirement. This shift raises concerns about the viability of the AUKUS agreement, as the U.S. struggles to meet its own naval needs while relying on foreign suppliers.

Marcus ChenFri Aug 14 2026Loading...

CCTV confirmed the Y-20B's capability as an aerial refueling tanker on August 5, 2023, highlighting its operational use in the Taiwan Strait. The PLAAF has utilized the Y-20B to refuel J-16 fighters, marking a significant development in its aerial refueling capabilities. This confirmation indicates an ongoing enhancement of the PLAAF's operational flexibility and reach.

Marcus ChenFri Aug 14 2026Loading...

The US and Australia are advancing their submarine deal, with the US securing enduring access to HMAS Stirling in Western Australia as of August 4, 2023. This arrangement allows for the rotation of US submarines, supported by an expansion costing A$8 billion. The first Virginia-class submarine is projected for sale to Australia in 2032, contingent on US certification and shipyard output.

Marcus ChenThu Aug 13 2026Loading...

The Type 054A frigate Honghe from the People's Liberation Army Navy and the Indonesian frigate KRI I Gusti Ngurah Rai-332 conducted a passing exercise east of Taiwan on Wednesday morning. This marks the first time China has publicly engaged in a joint naval exercise with a foreign navy in these waters. The exercise included communications checks and formation maneuvers, emphasizing maritime diplomacy without war-fighting elements. The event is viewed as a strategic move by Beijing to assert its maritime claims in the region.

Marcus ChenThu Aug 13 2026Loading...

Japan has identified China as its greatest strategic threat and is requesting a defense budget of ¥8.9 trillion ($56.1 billion) for the next fiscal year. The 2026 Defense White Paper outlines plans to enhance defense capabilities by fiscal 2027, including the acquisition of unmanned vehicles. However, Japan's Self-Defense Forces currently lack the organization and capability to effectively respond to military threats, highlighting a significant gap in readiness.

Marcus ChenWed Aug 12 2026Loading...

China's Ministry of National Defense announced a navigation exercise involving a PLAN frigate and an Indonesian Navy frigate east of Taiwan in mid-August. The exercise, which includes communications training and replenishment at sea, marks the first naval collaboration in this area and is viewed as a means for China to assert its claims over the region. Indonesia's participation is framed as a passing exercise, reflecting its non-aligned foreign policy while engaging with both China and Japan.

Marcus ChenWed Aug 12 2026Loading...

US attack submarines threaten China's carrier fleet due to significant gaps in the PLAN's undersea detection capabilities. The Fujian carrier, commissioned in November 2025, features a new anti-torpedo torpedo system as a response to this threat. However, the effectiveness of this system against heavyweight torpedoes is still unproven, raising concerns about the carrier's vulnerability in the Western Pacific.

Marcus ChenTue Aug 11 2026Loading...

Malcolm Turnbull warned that Australia risks not receiving any Virginia-class submarines due to certification issues under the AUKUS agreement during an inquiry in Canberra. He criticized the A$368 billion pact as a bipartisan error and highlighted the logistical challenges posed by the certification clause, which requires US presidential approval. The Australian Submarine Agency awarded Lockheed Martin a contract for combat systems integration, marking a significant step towards developing sovereign capabilities in Australia.

Marcus ChenTue Aug 11 2026Loading...

China deployed the LY-1 Liaoyuan-1 laser weapon on its Type 071 amphibious landing ship Qilianshan during a joint drill at Scarborough Shoal on August 1, 2026. This advanced directed-energy weapon enhances the PLA's defense against drone threats, marking a significant evolution in their military capabilities. The LY-1 is operational and represents a shift in the PLA's approach to amphibious operations, prioritizing close-in defense against unmanned aerial systems.

Marcus ChenMon Aug 10 2026Loading...

China enforced new regulations and conducted joint naval-air drills at Scarborough Shoal on August 1, 2023, involving multiple military assets including a Type 071 amphibious transport dock. The China Coast Guard engaged Philippine vessels, while the U.S. issued a statement rejecting China's actions. The Philippines also asserted its territorial claims by depositing an official nautical chart with the UN.

Marcus ChenMon Aug 10 2026Loading...

On August 3, 2023, three People's Liberation Army Navy vessels completed a circumnavigation of Japan, transiting through the Korea Strait and other strategic waterways. This operation, which included a Type 055 guided-missile cruiser, a Type 052D destroyer, and a Type 903 replenishment ship, has raised significant concerns for Japan's national security. The patrol is seen as a demonstration of military capability and a normalization of Chinese naval presence in the region.

Marcus ChenSun Aug 09 2026Loading...

Adm. Steve Koehler of the U.S. Pacific Fleet visited Ream Naval Base in Cambodia on August 6-7, 2023, to discuss reviving the CARAT maritime exercises set for 2027. The visit highlighted the growing Chinese influence in Cambodia, as the base was rebuilt with Chinese funding and two Chinese Type 056C corvettes are stationed there. The U.S. aims to maintain military engagement despite China's significant investments and military presence in the region.

Marcus ChenSun Aug 09 2026Loading...

On August 4, 2023, Admiral Mark Hammond confirmed that U.S. Navy submarines will have enduring access to HMAS Stirling in Western Australia. Australia will receive three used Block IV Virginia-class submarines, while the facility is being expanded to support additional U.S. and British submarines. However, the U.S. Navy faces production challenges that may impact the availability of submarines for deployment.

Marcus ChenSat Aug 08 2026Loading...

Taiwan conducted the Han Kuang military exercise on August 5, 2026, mobilizing 20,000 reservists and integrating civil-military operations. The exercise featured communications denial to simulate wartime conditions and involved the relocation of military assets. For the first time, local governments activated emergency operations alongside military commands, reflecting a shift in Taiwan's defense strategy to address the evolving threat from China.

Marcus ChenSat Aug 08 2026Loading...

Taiwan's military conducted the Han Kuang 42 exercise starting August 5, 2023, mobilizing 20,000 reservists and implementing new operational protocols. The exercise included throttling civilian internet access to simulate conditions during a potential Chinese assault, testing command-and-control structures, and relocating military assets out of Taipei. These actions reflect Taiwan's shift towards realistic military preparedness in response to perceived threats from China.

Marcus ChenFri Aug 07 2026Loading...

India conducted a test of the Agni-6 missile, establishing a 2,530-kilometer exclusion zone in the Indian Ocean from August 6-7, 2023. This missile is expected to have intercontinental capabilities with a range of 10,000-12,000 kilometers and is designed to carry multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs). The test represents a significant enhancement of India's strategic military capabilities, particularly in relation to China.

Marcus ChenFri Aug 07 2026Loading...

The United States has reportedly expended nearly all Army Tactical Missile Systems and Precision Strike Missiles during operations against Iran, impacting missile availability in the Pacific. This depletion raises concerns about the U.S. military's readiness to respond to potential conflicts in the region, particularly with China. The report emphasizes the need for improved logistics and inventory management to ensure sufficient missile stocks are available across theaters.

Marcus ChenTue Aug 04 2026Loading...

Japan plans to enhance its defense capabilities by integrating drones with its fleet of 147 F-35 fighters to counter threats from China. The 2026 defense white paper emphasizes the importance of combat drones and outlines a significant increase in defense spending, aiming for nearly 2% of GDP. Japan's military strategy is evolving to address multi-front challenges, including threats from North Korea and potential China-Russia coordination.

Marcus ChenTue Aug 04 2026Loading...

USS George Washington and its strike group visited Da Nang, Vietnam, on July 30, 2026, with 5,000 sailors aboard. This visit marks the fourth U.S. carrier presence in Vietnam since 2018, signaling Vietnam's willingness to host U.S. naval power. However, Vietnam is not offering basing access, focusing instead on diplomatic engagement and maintaining a balance in its relations with China.

Marcus ChenMon Aug 03 2026Loading...

China launched a long-range ballistic missile from a nuclear-powered submarine into the Pacific, reaching 7,300 km, as part of routine training. Concurrently, Chinese coast guard ships patrolled east of Taiwan, and joint naval exercises with Russia were conducted near Qingdao. This series of military activities reflects a growing Chinese military presence in the Western Pacific, raising concerns among regional allies.

Marcus ChenMon Aug 03 2026Loading...