Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Coast Guard deployed six Sentinel-class patrol vessels to Subic Bay, Philippines, as part of a new expeditionary squadron based in Singapore. This deployment aims to enhance maritime security in the South China Sea and is expected to continue until at least September. The vessels, smaller and less armed than traditional naval ships, are intended to maintain a military presence while minimizing tensions with regional powers.

The Eastern Theater Command Navy conducted a joint military training exercise in the East China Sea, involving multiple naval vessels and air force units. The exercise focused on integrated command and defense operations, enhancing coordination and response times among different military branches. This training aimed to address challenges faced in previous exercises and improve overall operational effectiveness.

The 73rd Group Army conducted air-ground confrontation training exercises in China during the summer of 2023, implementing a new review process to enhance operational effectiveness. This approach, which includes pre-training reviews and post-training evaluations, was introduced after two previous training failures. The unit utilized video analysis and data collection to improve decision-making and adaptability, resulting in better performance during the exercises.

On July 21-22, 2023, Russian and Chinese military forces conducted joint naval operations and a flight of a Tu-95 bomber near Japan. The Chinese Dongdiao-class reconnaissance ship passed between Okinawa and Miyako Islands, while Russian vessels transited the Soya Strait and other areas. These actions reflect a coordinated effort to exert maritime and aerial pressure on Japan, testing its defense response capabilities.

Tanaka TakashiWed Jul 22 2026Loading...

On July 19, the Chinese Navy's 052D destroyer Kaifeng conducted machine gun firing training 180 km southwest of the Senkaku Islands. This exercise involved a formation of three Chinese vessels and one Russian frigate, indicating ongoing naval operations in the East China Sea. Japan's Ministry of Defense raised concerns about the potential risks to nearby shipping, highlighting the contentious nature of military activities in disputed waters.

Li MinghuiWed Jul 22 2026Loading...

The Chinese Navy's 052D destroyer 'Kaifeng' conducted machine gun firing exercises approximately 180 km southwest of Okinotorishima on July 19, 2023. This incident marks the first public acknowledgment by Japan of foreign military exercises within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The operation involved a fleet of four vessels, including a Russian frigate, raising concerns about increased military activity in the region.

Tanaka TakashiWed Jul 22 2026Loading...

Naval Training Fleet 83, consisting of Qijiang Ship and Kunlun Mountain Ship, set sail from Zhanjiang on July 20 at 10:00 AM with over 900 personnel for naval training exercises. The mission includes joint training with foreign military personnel and aims to enhance the skills and professional development of naval trainees. The fleet has a history of international visits, including to Russia and Vietnam.

Six Coast Guard fast-response cutters have relocated from the Middle East to the western Pacific, now operating out of Singapore and Subic Bay. This deployment aims to enhance U.S. maritime security in the region, particularly around Guam and the South China Sea. The cutters were previously part of Patrol Forces Southwest Asia, conducting operations for over two decades.

The People's Liberation Army Navy conducted anti-submarine warfare training in the South China Sea on July 14, 2023, involving coordination between patrol aircraft and submarines. The training emphasized realistic combat scenarios and data analysis post-exercise, shifting focus from target detection to search reorganization after target loss. This reflects a significant evolution in training methodology.

Li MinghuiSun Jul 19 2026Loading...

China and Russia conducted a joint naval exercise from July 6-13, 2026, in Qingdao, Shandong, involving multiple naval vessels and submarines. Following the exercise, both navies organized a joint maritime patrol in the Pacific Ocean. The exercise included various operational drills such as reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare.

On July 9, 2026, two F-15s from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and two F-22s from the U.S. Air Force conducted a joint tactical training exercise over the East China Sea near Okinawa. This exercise highlights the operational readiness and cooperative capabilities of the Japan-U.S. alliance in response to increasing regional security challenges.

Tanaka TakashiThu Jul 16 2026Loading...

On June 21, 2026, the U.S. Navy Carrier Strike Group and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force conducted joint exercises in Guam, focusing on the integration of missile defense systems including Aegis and THAAD. The exercise utilized AI to assess threat responses and improve decision-making speed. Additionally, commercial sensor data was incorporated into military workflows to enhance operational effectiveness.

Tanaka TakashiWed Jul 15 2026Loading...

Taiwan's Marine Corps mobilized dozens of vehicles from southern Taiwan to Taipei as part of a five-day joint defense exercise from July 13 to 17. The exercise focused on rapid reinforcement of key political and economic centers, testing decentralized command and operational readiness. Concurrently, China's Fujian aircraft carrier transited the Taiwan Strait, influencing Taiwan's defense strategy.

Marcus ChenMon Jul 13 2026Loading...

China and Russia conducted joint naval exercises near Qingdao, concluding on July 11, 2026. This marked the first instance of both nations' submarines operating together at sea, enhancing their collaborative military capabilities. The exercises focused on addressing maritime security threats and included real-time data sharing and joint command structures.

The joint naval exercise 'Maritime Cooperation-2026' concluded in Qingdao on July 13, 2026, with participation from ten vessels of the Chinese and Russian navies. The exercise focused on joint responses to maritime security threats and included various military activities such as reconnaissance and air defense. This event marks the continuation of military cooperation between the two nations, enhancing their capabilities in addressing maritime crises.

China and Russia conducted the 'Maritime Joint 2026' naval exercise, involving multiple vessels and submarines. Following the exercise, some forces transitioned to joint patrols in the Pacific. The Japanese Self-Defense Forces are actively monitoring these developments, particularly regarding anti-submarine operations and the implications for regional security.

Tanaka TakashiMon Jul 13 2026Loading...

China and Russia concluded joint naval exercises in the Sea of Japan on November 11, 2026, involving surface ships, submarines, and aircraft. The drills focused on enhancing operational capabilities against drone threats and included real combat scenarios. This exercise marked a significant step in military cooperation between the two nations, showcasing their strategic trust and coordination.

USS Tucson (SSN 770) relocated to Naval Base Guam from Pearl Harbor on July 10, 2023, as part of the U.S. Navy's Strategic Laydown Plan. This move positions the submarine closer to contested waters in the South China Sea, enhancing U.S. military readiness in the region. Tucson joins three other fast-attack submarines already stationed in Guam, contributing to the U.S. deterrence strategy against a growing Chinese fleet.

A Naval Aviation Unit in China conducted ground-based full-process takeoff and landing training for J-15 fighter jets. The exercise focused on improving the coordination and psychological readiness of personnel involved in the operation. The training emphasized the importance of precise movements and teamwork to ensure successful aircraft operations.

The People's Liberation Army Navy has significantly increased its naval patrols and military exercises in the South China Sea from June to July 2026, particularly around Huangyan Island and the Nansha Islands. This increase follows extensive military reforms that have enhanced the navy's capabilities, including the establishment of new facilities and equipment on various islands. China continues to assert its sovereignty over these waters amid ongoing joint military exercises with other nations.