Analysis & Reports

On June 15, 2026, the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) launched a training exercise from Qingdao involving the Qijiang-class training ship and Type 071 amphibious transport dock. The exercise included over 400 personnel, including foreign military students from 10 countries, focusing on naval operations and education on large operational platforms. This initiative aims to improve the operational capabilities of naval officers.

Li MinghuiWed Jun 17 2026Loading...

Japan plans to rename the Air Self-Defense Force to the Aerospace Self-Defense Force by fiscal year 2026, expanding its operational scope to include space. This change marks the first renaming since the establishment of the Self-Defense Forces in 1954. The new force will focus on protecting space infrastructure and monitoring space activities, with a new satellite launch planned for 2026.

Japan is restructuring its Air Self-Defense Force into the Aerospace Self-Defense Force by the 2026 fiscal year, focusing on space military capabilities and enhancing cooperation with the U.S. Space Force. The new force will consist of 880 personnel and aims to develop missile warning systems and satellite communications. This move raises concerns about Japan's military expansion and its impact on global strategic stability.

Germany expresses concern over tensions in the South China Sea and plans to support the Philippine Coast Guard with training and equipment. President Steinmeier highlighted the importance of freedom of navigation in the region, warning that Chinese actions could disrupt maritime order. However, Germany lacks the naval capacity for sustained presence in the area, emphasizing the need for coordinated European efforts to address the situation.

Marcus ChenTue Jun 16 2026Loading...

On June 16, over 100 naval cadets from the Naval Academy of Dalian completed a 14-day comprehensive internship at a military port in Dalian, Liaoning. The training emphasized practical military skills, including joint operations and naval maneuvers, to enhance combat readiness. Cadets engaged in various exercises, including real-life combat simulations and equipment management.

Militia units in Hunan Province are conducting flood prevention drills to enhance their emergency response capabilities during the current flood season. Exercises in Chenzhou, Yongzhou, and Shaoyang include theoretical training and practical skills in rubber boat operations and sandbagging. Participants stress the importance of readiness, stating that preparedness is crucial for effective response during flood emergencies.

The China Coast Guard conducted a maritime enforcement and survey operation along the East Coast of Taiwan from June 6-10, 2023, covering 1030 nautical miles. This operation involved inspecting 198 vessels and is interpreted as preparation for potential submarine warfare, gathering critical underwater data. The operation's focus on the East Coast highlights its strategic military significance.

Li MinghuiTue Jun 16 2026Loading...

Military training is scheduled in the Bohai Sea from June 23 at 0800 to June 26 at 1700. The Tianjin Navigation Warning 188/26 has issued a prohibition on entry into the designated training area.

The Chinese military conducted live-fire exercises in the South China Sea from June 17 to June 18, prohibiting access to the area daily from 0600 to 2000.

On June 16, 2023, a spokesperson for the Japanese Ministry of Defense announced that Japan is accelerating its militarization, identifying China as a significant strategic challenge in its upcoming defense white paper. The Japan Self-Defense Forces revealed the Type 25 High-Speed Glide Bomb, marking a substantial step in its long-range strike capabilities. Japan's military expansion includes increased defense spending and the development of offensive military capabilities, raising concerns about regional security.

The U.S. Army's Typhon missile system is set to be deployed and stored in Japan following joint military exercises in June 2026. The exercises, involving U.S. and Japanese forces, will take place across multiple locations including Kagoshima and Okinawa. This deployment marks a shift from temporary to permanent storage of advanced missile systems, enhancing regional defense capabilities.

Tanaka TakashiTue Jun 16 2026Loading...

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) conducted a large-scale amphibious training exercise on June 15, 2026, along the Taiwan Strait, utilizing civilian vessels for logistics and troop deployment. The exercise spanned approximately 360 kilometers, demonstrating the PLA's focus on enhancing its amphibious operational capabilities. Key elements included overcoming coastal obstacles and employing floating bridges for troop movement.

Li MinghuiTue Jun 16 2026Loading...

China's People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) operationalized the J-20S, a two-seat stealth fighter, in July 2025, designed for electronic warfare and drone coordination. The aircraft, based in Cangzhou, represents a significant advancement in military aviation, allowing for enhanced command capabilities in air combat. The J-20S is powered by WS-10C engines, while the more advanced WS-15 engine is still under development.

Japan plans to reorganize its Air Self-Defense Force into the Aerospace Self-Defense Force by fiscal year 2026, integrating space operations into its defense strategy. This reorganization will increase personnel from 670 to approximately 880 and enhance capabilities in monitoring space debris and satellite activities. The move indicates a significant shift in Japan's military focus towards space, raising concerns about regional security dynamics.

Five People's Liberation Army Navy ships operated around Taiwan from June 14 to 15, 2023, while no PLA aircraft were detected. The ships conducted seabed mapping and maritime law enforcement east of Taiwan, indicating a strategic shift in China's military operations. This presence complicates Taiwan's defense and highlights China's efforts to normalize its military operations in the region.

Marcus ChenMon Jun 15 2026Loading...

The People's Liberation Army Navy Aviation conducted several hours of uninterrupted anti-submarine training in the South China Sea on June 14, utilizing 30 KQ-200 aircraft. The training focused on integrating various systems for effective submarine detection and tracking, highlighting the PLA's efforts to enhance its anti-submarine capabilities in response to external submarine activities. The KQ-200, while not as advanced as the P-8A, plays a crucial role in China's maritime defense strategy.

Li MinghuiMon Jun 15 2026Loading...

On June 15, the Naval Training Ship Qijiang and Amphibious Landing Ship Kunlunshan departed from a military port in Qingdao, carrying over 400 personnel for a comprehensive training and visiting mission at sea. The mission includes various training modules and political education, aiming to enhance the naval skills and professional capabilities of the participants.

On June 12, 2026, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force scrambled fighters in response to the simultaneous operations of a Chinese Y-9 reconnaissance aircraft and a TB-001 UAV in the East China Sea. This incident is part of a broader trend, with Japan recording 59 emergency scrambles in May 2026, predominantly due to Chinese aircraft activity. The TB-001 UAV's capabilities allow for extended surveillance, posing challenges to Japan's air defense operations.

Tanaka TakashiMon Jun 15 2026Loading...

The Eastern Theater Command Air Force conducted night flight training recently, where pilots overcame challenges like low visibility and fatigue to enhance their combat readiness.

The Dalian Maritime Safety Administration announced live-fire exercises in the northern Yellow Sea from June 16 at 10:00 to June 18 at 17:00. Access to the designated areas is prohibited during this period.