Analysis & Reports

U.S. and South Korean officials are holding high-level security talks this week to discuss a potential South Korean military deployment to the Strait of Hormuz. The discussions include the deployment of a P-8 Poseidon aircraft and a naval logistics support vessel, involving about 150 personnel. The South Korean government has not made a final decision, as any deployment requires approval from the National Assembly.

Chinese Defense Minister General Dong Jun met with Laotian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister General Khamleang in Beijing on October 14, 2023. They discussed enhancing military cooperation and strategic dialogue, emphasizing the importance of their bilateral relationship. The meeting followed the establishment of a '3+3' strategic dialogue mechanism earlier in June 2023.

China's armed forces will mobilize all available civilian resources for military purposes under the revised National Defense Mobilization Law, effective October 1, 2023. This change raises concerns for Taiwan and the Philippines, as the People's Liberation Army (PLA) prepares for potential conflict in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea. Analysts warn that this legal framework enhances China's military readiness and could lead to increased tensions in the region.

Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force is conducting joint military exercises with the United States and Australia in Hokkaido and Kagoshima from September 8 to 24, featuring the U.S. 'Typhoon' medium-range missile system for the first time. The exercises are criticized as a step towards Japan's military expansion and a threat to regional stability.

On September 14, 2023, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, State Council, and Central Military Commission issued the '14th Five-Year Plan' for the service and support of retired military personnel in Beijing. The plan emphasizes the critical role of retired military personnel in advancing national modernization and stability, outlining key tasks for their management and support.

On September 14, 2023, the Ministry of National Defense of China announced the ongoing military training for students in over 20,000 schools, involving around 500,000 military instructors. This initiative aims to enhance students' national defense awareness and military skills, receiving positive feedback from society. The Ministry of Education and the Central Military Commission are working on improving training guidelines to adapt to modern needs.

The 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum is scheduled to open from September 15 to 17, 2023, in Beijing, with nearly 100 official delegations from various countries and organizations arriving. The Ministry of National Defense of China confirmed that over 60 high-level representatives will participate, reflecting the forum's commitment to international dialogue on security governance. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the forum, emphasizing its role in fostering peace and stability.

The National University of Defense Technology will host the 2026 International Student Technology Week in Changsha from September 20-27. Military academy representatives from Pakistan, Laos, Egypt, Oman, Kazakhstan, and Serbia will participate, focusing on military technology development and cooperation. This event aims to enhance friendship and collaboration among military academies.

The Guangdong Armed Police Corps will host over 300 youth from Hong Kong and Macau for military camp activities in Guangzhou in mid to late September. The event includes immersive experiences and a defense education concert, celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Red Army's Long March. This initiative aims to enhance the national spirit and identity among the youth.

The Chinese Navy's 48th escort fleet completed its mission in the Gulf of Aden and is set to visit Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Malaysia. During this visit, the fleet will engage in professional exchanges and open ship activities to strengthen ties and strategic trust with these nations.

Japan's Ministry of Defense is considering the development of nuclear submarines (SSN) as part of its defense strategy for 2026, particularly in response to challenges posed by China. The discussions focus on enhancing operational capabilities and addressing limitations of current submarine classes. This consideration reflects a significant shift in Japan's military policy, emphasizing the need for improved stealth and operational range in the Western Pacific.

Tanaka TakashiMon Sep 14 2026Loading...

The Rocket Force is conducting a recruitment campaign for new officers, promoted by actor Zhang Hanyu. The campaign emphasizes patriotism and the importance of military service in defending the nation. It calls on youth to join the Rocket Force and contribute to national strength.

The H-6N bomber enhances China's nuclear deterrent capabilities by integrating air-launched ballistic missiles and refueling systems, allowing for extended operational range. This development signifies a shift in China's nuclear strategy, emphasizing the importance of support systems for effective deterrence. The report highlights the implications of this evolution for regional security dynamics.

Li MinghuiMon Sep 14 2026Loading...

Xiao Rongji has been promoted in the People's Liberation Army and is pursuing further education at the Army Infantry Academy. He joined the military in 2022, inspired by his brother Xiao Siyuan, who died in a border conflict in 2020. Since enlisting, Xiao Rongji has earned multiple accolades and is dedicated to continuing his brother's legacy in service to the nation.

Houthi forces attacked a Saudi military base using drones and missiles and captured Perlin Island on November 11, escalating the conflict in Yemen. The U.S. is facing a dilemma as Saudi Arabia seeks military support while the Houthis threaten international shipping in the Mandeb Strait. U.S. President Trump confirmed discussions with Saudi officials regarding the situation.

China has significantly enhanced its military capabilities since 2001, now fielding 500 J-20 fighters and becoming a pre-eminent naval power. The U.S. focus on counter-terrorism has delayed its response to China's military growth, which includes a substantial increase in ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons. This shift has altered the global military balance, with China now posing a major strategic challenge to U.S. interests.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army emphasizes the importance of the Long March spirit in fostering unity and discipline within the military. In 2026, as the country faces new challenges, the report calls for the integration of these principles into military practices to strengthen national defense. The 90th anniversary of the Long March serves as a reminder of the historical significance of collective effort and political awareness in achieving military objectives.

Nuclear-armed states expanded their arsenals in 2025, with the global count of nuclear warheads reaching approximately 12,187. The United States and Russia continue to lead in warhead numbers, while China and India also increased their stockpiles. The expiration of the New START treaty in February 2026 has reduced transparency regarding nuclear deployments. Tensions in South Asia escalated with significant conflict between India and Pakistan.

China's nuclear stockpile increased to 620 warheads as of January 2026, with new systems displayed at the September 2025 Victory Day parade in Beijing. The Chinese Armed Forces are mating warheads with missiles during exercises, indicating a shift in their nuclear posture. SIPRI estimates that China may have deployed up to 34 warheads with operational forces, while the majority remains in storage.

The U.S. Air Force modified the Foreign Military Sales agreement for the KC-46A Pegasus tanker, increasing the ceiling from $5.7 billion to $19.1 billion. This change allows for expanded sales to allies like Japan and Israel without needing new contracts for each order. The contract will remain active until April 28, 2035, supporting ongoing foreign military sales and logistics for the KC-46A.