Analysis & Reports

The Defense Commissary Agency announced that military commissaries will continue to operate worldwide through March in the event of a government shutdown. Funding will be provided through Defense Working Capital Funds, ensuring that employees remain on duty. Concerns have been raised regarding potential delays in troop paychecks if Congress fails to pass a new appropriations bill by the end of January.

South Korea completed the deployment of the second performance upgrade of its Army Tactical Command Information System (ATCIS) on January 26. The upgraded system is now fully operational across the Republic of Korea Army, enhancing real-time battlefield information sharing and analysis. This upgrade supports AI-based operations and the integration of unmanned platforms, demonstrating South Korea's independent defense capabilities.

Japan and the U.S. confirmed plans to streamline Foreign Military Sales (FMS) procurement during a bilateral security meeting in Tokyo on January 28, 2026. The meeting addressed significant delays in the delivery of 118 U.S. military equipment contracts, valued at over $7 billion, affecting Japan’s Self-Defense Forces. Both nations agreed to promote more efficient acquisition procedures to resolve these issues.

On January 29, the Ministry of National Defense of China addressed concerns regarding Japan's potential actions related to the Diaoyu Islands, asserting that these islands are China's inherent territory. The ministry criticized Japan's military expansion and development of offensive weapons, warning that such actions threaten regional peace and stability. China pledged to take effective measures to defend its territorial sovereignty.

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.

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 Southern Theater Command Air Force conducted impressive training exercises, showcasing their capabilities. The training drew positive reactions from netizens, highlighting its intensity and effectiveness.

The Indonesian Air Force received its first three Dassault Rafale F4-standard fighters at Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base on 23 January 2026. These aircraft will be operated by the TNI-AU’s 12th Air Squadron, enhancing the air force's combat capabilities. Indonesia has a total of 42 Rafales on order, with the first batch of three now delivered.

China is implementing a national total war strategy that mobilizes civilian and military resources to counter the United States, particularly focusing on Taiwan. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is preparing for future conflicts by integrating high-tech systems and civilian assets, with a potential move on Taiwan anticipated around 2027. The strategy emphasizes the importance of technology, infrastructure resilience, and cyber capabilities to disrupt U.S. military operations.

General Zhang Youxia was removed from the Central Military Commission in China, accompanied by the arrest of General Liu Zhenli. This upheaval within the People's Liberation Army has raised concerns about operational leadership and political loyalty. Analysts suggest that these purges may lead to a leadership void, impacting the PLA's readiness for complex military operations. Allegations of coup plotting and unrest have emerged, indicating significant instability within the military leadership.