Analysis & Reports

China rehearsed a blockade of the Taiwan Strait on August 6, 2023, by issuing traffic control measures for vessels under the pretext of Typhoon Dolphin. The Guangdong Maritime Safety Administration's order was rejected by Taiwan, which asserted the strait's status as an international waterway. The U.S. State Department condemned China's actions, highlighting concerns over navigation freedoms. This rehearsal is part of a broader strategy to normalize Chinese control over the strait.

Marcus ChenSun Aug 16 2026Loading...

Uzbekistan is reportedly purchasing 24 J-10CE fighter jets from China, marking a significant shift from its reliance on Soviet-era aircraft. The deal, valued at around $1 billion, has been discussed since last year, with rumors of contract finalization circulating as early as May 2026. However, there has been no official confirmation from the Uzbek government or Chinese state media regarding the deliveries.

Wang Longjiao celebrated the acceptance of his son, Wang Chen, into the Naval Engineering University, marking a significant milestone for their family. Longjiao, a seasoned military sergeant in the Southern Theater Navy, has dedicated nearly 30 years to service and has also mentored Zhu Xuanxin, who was accepted into the Naval Submarine Academy. The report highlights the values of military education and family commitment to national defense.

Thailand hosted the Falcon Strike-2026 exercise on August 13, 2026, featuring Chinese J-10C fighters and various military assets. This marks the fifth consecutive year of such exercises, highlighting the growing military cooperation between Thailand and China. The Royal Thai Air Force participated alongside the People's Liberation Army Air Force, focusing on joint air defense and humanitarian operations. This ongoing collaboration raises concerns for U.S. military planners regarding access to Thai airfields during potential crises.

Marcus ChenSat Aug 15 2026Loading...

The Philippines and China have publicly terminated the resupply deal for the BRP Sierra Madre at Second Thomas Shoal, escalating tensions over sovereignty and military operations. China has accused the Philippines of provocations, while the Philippines asserts its sovereign rights. Australia has expressed concern but has not committed military support. The next resupply mission will be pivotal in shaping future relations between the two nations.

Marcus ChenSat Aug 15 2026Loading...

Japanese officials, including Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi, visited Yasukuni Shrine on August 15, 2023, to pay respects on the anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II. The Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson condemned the visit, stating it disrespects historical justice and harms the feelings of nations affected by Japan's wartime actions. The spokesperson urged Japan to reflect on its history and warned against the rise of militarism.

Japan is set to increase its defense budget to 10 trillion yen by the 2027 fiscal year, focusing on developing offensive military capabilities. The new defense white paper highlights the need for enhanced missile systems, including hypersonic missiles. Additionally, Japan is loosening restrictions on arms exports and plans to implement a special defense tax to support its military expansion efforts.

Monash University researchers published a capacity maturity model for assessing a country's preparedness against disinformation campaigns in October 2023. The model, co-authored by Carlo Kopp and Callum Jones, is based on a framework from the University of Oxford and aims to address the unique challenges posed by disinformation. The white paper outlines various strategies for countering disinformation and emphasizes the need for comprehensive national policies.

Japan is developing the Type 25 high-speed glide missile, which is designed for offensive operations with a range exceeding 2000 km. The 2026 Defense White Paper outlines Japan's military expansion, emphasizing new weapon systems and a shift towards offensive capabilities. This includes the procurement of Tomahawk cruise missiles to enhance long-range strike capabilities.

On August 13, 2023, President Putin visited the Northern Territories, marking his first visit as president during a large-scale military exercise involving 60 ships and over 13,000 personnel. This visit is viewed as a declaration that the territorial dispute is not open for negotiation. In response, Japan's government lodged a formal protest and is contemplating additional sanctions against Russia, reflecting the escalating tensions between the two nations.

Tanaka TakashiSat Aug 15 2026Loading...

A Chinese Song-class submarine surfaced unexpectedly within five miles of the USS Kitty Hawk near Okinawa on October 26, 2006. The U.S. Navy was unaware of the submarine's presence until it surfaced, raising concerns about the vulnerability of U.S. aircraft carriers to submarine threats. This incident highlighted the growing capabilities of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy and the implications for U.S. naval operations.

The U.S. Navy conducted a naval transit through the Taiwan Strait in 2026, marking the only publicly declared transit this year. This represents a significant decline in U.S. naval operations in the region, coinciding with an increase in Chinese military activity around Taiwan. Analysts warn that reduced visibility of U.S. naval presence may undermine perceptions of American commitment to regional security.

Australia is extending the service lives of its six Collins-class submarines and purchasing three Virginia-class submarines from the United States as an interim measure. The AUKUS agreement aims to bolster the Royal Australian Navy's capabilities with new submarines expected to enter service in the 2030s and 2040s. However, U.S. shipbuilders are struggling to meet production demands, raising concerns about the timeline for delivering new submarines.

Australia is extending the service life of its Super Hornets while retaining its fleet of 72 F-35A Lightning IIs. The Australian Defence Minister announced plans to integrate long-range missiles onto both aircraft types, reallocating funds from the F-35 program to enhance missile capabilities. This decision comes amid concerns about U.S. control over F-35 operations, which have been addressed by defense analysts.

The People's Liberation Army Navy and the Indonesian Navy conducted a joint naval exercise east of Taiwan on August 12, involving the 054A-class frigate Honghe and the Martadinata-class frigate Lay. The exercise included communication drills and naval maneuvers, marking China's first joint operation with a foreign navy in this area. Following the exercise, the U.S. urged China to stop military pressure on Taiwan and engage in meaningful dialogue.

Li MinghuiFri Aug 14 2026Loading...

On August 14, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) showcased its new capabilities and readiness through the media piece 'Winning,' which has garnered over 7.9 billion views. The presentation emphasizes the PLA's modernization and combat readiness, reflecting the military's commitment to national defense and sovereignty. The report highlights the PLA's achievements in joint combat systems and the dedication of its personnel to their mission.

On August 14, a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Defense criticized Taiwan's military exercises, highlighting incidents such as tank parts falling off and aircraft leaving the runway. The spokesperson accused the Taiwanese government of creating war panic and stated that the Chinese military is ready to defend national sovereignty and maintain stability in the Taiwan Strait.

On August 14, 2023, a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Defense criticized Japan's planned defense budget increase of approximately 8.9 trillion yen for FY2027, labeling it a sign of rising militarism. The spokesperson condemned Japan's historical revisionism and warned that such actions threaten regional peace and stability. Japan's military expansion is framed as a response to perceived external threats, raising concerns about its implications for international order.

The Royal Australian Navy's Collins-class submarines, in service since the 1990s, have faced significant construction and design issues, including defective welds and a delayed combat system. The AUKUS program aims to replace these aging submarines with new Virginia-class submarines, but ongoing delays have forced reliance on the Collins-class. Maintenance and repairs have quadrupled the time spent in dock due to these issues.

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the Northern Territories, prompting a formal protest from Japan. Japan's Foreign Minister summoned the Russian Ambassador, stating the visit is unacceptable and offends Japanese sentiments. The visit follows military drills conducted by Russia in the region, highlighting ongoing tensions between the two nations over the disputed territory.