Analysis & Reports

The U.S. military has conducted operations targeting Venezuelan President Maduro and is currently engaged in military exercises in the Middle East, applying pressure on Iran. China's Defense Ministry criticized these actions, asserting that military hegemony does not lead to true security and poses risks to global stability. China promotes a cooperative security framework and opposes hegemonic practices.

Germany plans to invest billions in a satellite constellation named 'SATCOMBw Phase 4' to enhance military communications. Rheinmetall and OHB are collaborating on this project, which aims to deploy 100 to 200 communication satellites by 2029, inspired by Elon Musk's Starlink network. This initiative will connect tanks, ships, and soldiers, marking a significant advancement in Germany's military capabilities.

The U.S. Navy is utilizing collaborative robots on two submarines to enhance engine maintenance efficiency, reducing the process from five weeks to five days. Fairbanks Morse Defense is leading this initiative, aiming to expand automation in both submarines and surface vessels to improve maintenance schedules. This advancement is expected to keep the fleet operational and ready for deployment.

Ukrainian forces are employing ground robots to address personnel shortages and facilitate evacuations under enemy fire at the front lines. The 47th Mechanized Brigade has utilized these robots, which are expected to number around 20,000 by 2025, to transport supplies and conduct combat operations. The Snake system, a heavy armored unmanned vehicle, is among the equipment being deployed.

The U.S. Department of Defense is struggling with hypersonic missile development, delaying the deployment of systems to 2026. The Long Range Hypersonic Weapon project has received significant funding but has not met its original timeline. The Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon has faced multiple testing failures, while a new missile project, the Blackbeard, aims for precision strikes within 700-800 km.

The Philippines announced military exercises in the South China Sea from January 21 to March 31, 2026, covering the area around Huangyan Island. In response, China’s Defense Ministry expressed strong opposition, asserting that Huangyan Island is Chinese territory and has lodged a formal protest with the Philippines. This development is likely to escalate maritime tensions in the region.

A Rocket Force unit conducted comprehensive training exercises under low-light conditions, testing the independent combat capabilities of missile launch units. The units practiced camouflage and concealment techniques while responding to simulated enemy drone reconnaissance. They successfully completed simulated missile launches within the required time frame, integrating command and logistics into the main operations to improve emergency combat readiness.

The Chinese Navy escort fleet continues its operations in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia as of the 29th, providing public safety amid rising tensions in the Middle East. The Ministry of Defense confirmed that the fleet is actively engaged in escort missions.

Taiwan's military plans to deploy the HIMARS system and tactical missiles to Penghu and Dongyin, aiming to target Chinese military ports and bases. In response, the Chinese Ministry of Defense criticized Taiwan's actions as provocative and futile, asserting that such moves would lead to self-destruction. This statement was made during a press conference on the 29th.

The Fujian aircraft carrier is successfully advancing in its training and testing tasks after its commissioning. It has recently passed through the Taiwan Strait, marking its first operational movement in the area. The Chinese Ministry of Defense confirmed that all tasks are proceeding as planned.

The 1st Army Area Command of Thailand announced the postponement of a memorandum signing with Cambodia regarding regional issues on January 29. The decision followed discussions held at the Poipet border crossing between the 1st Army Area Command and the 5th Army Area Command of Cambodia. Further negotiations are required before the memorandum can be finalized, with both sides committed to maintaining border peace and stability.

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense criticized the DPP government for manipulating public opinion regarding cognitive warfare tactics from mainland China during a press conference on January 29. The ministry accused the DPP of attempting to sever cultural ties with the mainland and using cognitive warfare to distract from its political failures, which is believed to increase public resentment in Taiwan.

The Ministry of National Defense of China responded to military animation videos from Swedish, American, British, and Japanese companies that claimed to depict the sinking of Chinese naval vessels. The spokesperson noted that the Swedish military company has removed the videos and criticized the claims as self-indulgent, stating, 'You wish!'

China's Coast Guard and Navy conducted a humanitarian rescue operation near Huangyan Island on January 22, 2023, saving 17 Filipino crew members from a capsized Singapore-flagged cargo ship. The operation involved multiple vessels and concluded with the transfer of the rescued personnel to the Philippines on January 25, 2023. The Chinese Defense Ministry highlighted the commitment of its naval forces to uphold sovereignty and promote peace in the region.

On January 29, the Ministry of National Defense of China expressed concerns over Japan's military expansion, including the development of long-range missiles and offensive weapons. The Chinese defense spokesperson criticized Japan's actions as a threat to regional stability and emphasized the need to prevent the resurgence of militarism. This statement reflects heightened vigilance among regional nations regarding Japan's military ambitions.

On January 29, the Ministry of National Defense of China commented on the U.S. defense strategy, noting its omission of Taiwan, which signals a strategic withdrawal. The ministry emphasized that Taiwan is a domestic issue and criticized the Democratic Progressive Party's reliance on foreign support as self-deceptive.

On January 29, the Ministry of National Defense of China held a press conference where spokesperson Jiang Bin commented on the U.S. 2026 Defense Strategy. He rejected any attempts to contain China and emphasized the need for mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. Jiang urged the U.S. to stop depicting China as a military threat and to foster stable military relations.

On January 29, 2023, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense held a press conference addressing the rejection of a defense budget proposal by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). The DPP's proposal for 1.25 trillion NTD was voted down, with accusations of corruption and mismanagement of public funds directed at the party. The spokesperson warned that such actions could jeopardize Taiwan's security and accelerate the risks of conflict.

The Chinese Ministry of National Defense addressed animated videos from military-industrial companies in Sweden, the UK, the US, and Japan that falsely depict the sinking of Chinese naval vessels. The spokesperson noted that the Swedish company has removed the video and criticized the actions as self-indulgent, urging other involved parties to take appropriate actions.

The Chinese Ministry of Defense and the Russian Ministry of Defense are enhancing their strategic cooperation following a video call on January 27. This year marks the 30th anniversary of their strategic partnership, with both nations committing to support each other on core interests and major concerns, contributing to global security and stability.