Analysis & Reports

On July 9, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and U.S. Air Force conducted tactical training with four aircraft, including F-22s, in the East China Sea near Okinawa. This exercise is part of a strategic military posture amid concurrent naval exercises by China and Russia in the Yellow Sea, highlighting regional security concerns.

Tanaka TakashiSun Jul 12 2026Loading...

China and Russia concluded joint naval exercises in the Yellow Sea on July 11, 2026, focusing on rescue operations, anti-surface attacks, and air defense. The drills aimed to enhance operational capabilities and mutual trust, featuring a mix of surface ships, submarines, and aircraft. This exercise is part of a series that has been ongoing since 2012, showcasing the growing military collaboration between the two nations.

On July 9, 2026, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force's 9th Air Wing and the U.S. Air Force conducted tactical training with two F-15s and two F-22s over the East China Sea near Okinawa. This exercise showcased their readiness for air defense operations amid rising tensions in the region, particularly concerning Chinese military activities. The training is also connected to preparations for the transition to F-15EX aircraft at Kadena Air Base.

Tanaka TakashiSat Jul 11 2026Loading...

China's People's Liberation Army Navy conducted live-fire drills and operations around Australia, showcasing its capabilities with over 90 modern destroyers and frigates. The Type 055 cruiser led a task group that operated 5,000 miles from home, demonstrating a sophisticated naval architecture. The fleet's rapid growth and modernization have positioned it as a significant force in the Pacific, with capabilities that challenge Western naval standards.

The Chinese Navy's 83rd Fleet concluded a four-day friendly visit to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on July 9, and resumed its training mission at sea. During the visit, the fleet conducted joint naval exercises with the Vietnamese Navy and participated in cultural exchanges, including a football match. The fleet has been on a training mission since June 15, navigating through several seas.

The People's Liberation Army Navy and the Russian Pacific Fleet conducted the 'Maritime Joint-2026' exercise from July 6 to July 13, 2026, near Qingdao in the Yellow Sea. This joint operation focused on testing anti-submarine and air defense capabilities, involving multiple naval vessels from both nations. The exercise took place in a complex maritime environment, emphasizing the need for effective coordination between the two fleets.

Li MinghuiThu Jul 09 2026Loading...

China and Russia successfully concluded the port phase of the 'Maritime Joint-2026' naval exercises and commenced operations on September 9, 2026, from a military port in Qingdao. The exercises involve joint reconnaissance, air defense, and anti-ship strike operations, with both nations' naval forces collaborating on tactical planning and equipment discussions.

Chinese and Russian naval vessels conducted mutual inspections in Qingdao on August 8, 2026, as part of the 'Maritime Joint-2026' exercises. The Chinese Navy's Kaifeng, a 052D destroyer, and the Russian Navy's Varyag, a missile cruiser, were involved in the event. This marked the first participation of the Kaifeng in these joint exercises, highlighting ongoing military cooperation between the two nations.

China deployed 21 military and government platforms around Taiwan from July 7 to July 8, 2026, including 9 aircraft and 12 ships. Four aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait median line into Taiwan's air defense identification zone. The USS George Washington was operating in the Philippine Sea, providing a U.S. naval presence in the region. This ongoing military activity reflects China's strategy to maintain pressure on Taiwan.

Marcus ChenWed Jul 08 2026Loading...

Ten Chinese naval vessels passed through multiple straits near Japan from June 26 to July 1, 2023, with eight heading towards the Pacific Ocean. The vessels included 055-class destroyers and a supply ship, indicating a potential for sustained naval operations. The Japanese Self-Defense Forces are actively monitoring these movements, which have raised concerns about China's military activities in the region.

Tanaka TakashiWed Jul 08 2026Loading...

Ten Chinese Navy vessels, including Type 055 destroyers, passed through the Miyako Strait, Osumi Strait, and between Amami Oshima and Yokoto Island from June 26 to July 1, 2023. This movement increased surveillance pressure on Japan's first island chain. The vessels included various classes, indicating a coordinated naval operation. Chinese experts described the passage as a routine training exercise.

Tanaka TakashiTue Jul 07 2026Loading...

The Chinese and Russian navies commenced the 'Maritime Cooperation-2026' joint exercise on October 6, 2026, in Qingdao, Shandong. This exercise features numerous naval vessels, including the Varyag missile cruiser and Ufa submarine, focusing on tactical coordination and joint operational capabilities. The event underscores the strategic trust and military cooperation between China and Russia, with activities including joint reconnaissance and air defense drills.

U.S. personnel have been observed regularly at Wuhan Camp in Longtan, Taoyuan, integrating into Taiwanese military life and conducting training activities. Approximately 500 U.S. Army Special Forces are reportedly involved, with activities resembling U.S. Army routines. This ongoing presence has been noted since at least 2023, reflecting a growing military relationship between the U.S. and Taiwan.

North Korea is enhancing its military capabilities, maintaining 1.2 to 1.3 million active-duty personnel and deploying artillery and missile systems near the Demilitarized Zone. The country aims to inflict maximum casualties on US forces quickly and is integrating tactical nuclear weapons into its strategy. The Korean Peninsula is a critical area for US military strategy, potentially becoming a decisive theater in a multi-theater conflict involving simultaneous crises.

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...

The joint naval exercise 'Maritime Cooperation-2026' commenced on June 6, 2026, in Qingdao, involving the Chinese Navy and Russian Navy. A joint command center has been established, and the exercise will include phases of troop assembly, port planning, and maritime drills, including live weapon training. This exercise aims to enhance strategic trust and operational capabilities between the two nations' navies.

Japan deployed three coast guard vessels, including the new PL206, to monitor Chinese maritime activities near the Senkaku Islands from July 7 to 10, 2023. This deployment reflects Japan's ongoing strategy to maintain a maritime presence in response to increasing Chinese incursions in the East China Sea. The vessels are equipped with advanced communication technology, enhancing operational capabilities.

Tanaka TakashiMon Jul 06 2026Loading...

The joint military exercise 'Maritime Cooperation-2026' commenced on July 6 in Qingdao, involving the Chinese and Russian navies. The exercise aims to enhance operational coordination and mutual trust, with activities including joint reconnaissance and air defense drills. Russian naval vessels arrived in Qingdao on July 5 to participate in the exercise, which is part of ongoing military cooperation between the two nations.

The 'Maritime Joint-2026' joint exercise between the Chinese and Russian navies commenced on July 6, 2026, in Qingdao. The event featured an opening ceremony followed by command drills and tactical coordination. The exercise aims to enhance operational capabilities and mutual trust between the two navies, with Russian vessels having arrived in Qingdao on July 5, 2026.

The Navy of the People's Liberation Army departed Hong Kong on July 6, consisting of the missile destroyer Nanning and the missile frigate Hengyang. This marked the end of a five-day series of open visits and cultural exchange activities, which attracted over 30,000 participants. A farewell ceremony was held at the military base, with local citizens gathering to bid farewell to the fleet.