Analysis & Reports

The People's Liberation Army conducted combat readiness patrols around Huangyan Island on September 2, 2023, warning Philippine aircraft encroaching on Chinese airspace. The operation involved multiple aircraft and naval vessels, emphasizing China's assertion of territorial sovereignty in the South China Sea. This action reflects ongoing military readiness and control efforts in the region.

The Red Army executed a strategic maneuver during the Long March, misleading Nationalist forces by sending a regiment to create a diversion. This operation involved broadcasting signals to mislead the enemy, allowing the Red Army to successfully cross the Chishui River four times. The maneuver marked a significant shift from a defensive to an offensive strategy, ultimately leading towards Guiyang.

USS Abraham Lincoln arrived in Laem Chabang, Thailand, on Wednesday morning after over 200 days at sea. The aircraft carrier, carrying around 5,000 sailors and Marines, will remain in Thailand for five days for rest and recuperation. The visit is anticipated to provide an economic boost to the nearby resort city of Pattaya, where additional police patrols will be deployed to manage potential issues related to the influx of military personnel.

Eight Indonesian citizens were recruited into the Russian Army in 2026, highlighting a personnel crisis as Russia seeks foreign recruits to fill gaps. Indonesian authorities are investigating the recruitment process amid concerns of potential fraud or human trafficking. This recruitment strategy indicates a significant shift in Russia's military personnel sourcing, as it expands beyond its traditional domestic reserves.

Dmitri VolkovTue Sep 01 2026Loading...

China has deployed 244 ships, including coast guard and research vessels, around Taiwan as part of a pressure campaign rehearsing a blockade. In August 2023, Taiwan detected 152 ships in its waters, alongside military aircraft incursions. The PLA's activities aim to normalize Chinese presence and prepare for potential future operations against Taiwan.

Marcus ChenMon Aug 31 2026Loading...

The New Zealand Army conducted a live-fire exercise named Hill 60 in Waiouru on August 27, 2026, involving approximately 1,000 soldiers from a Motorised Infantry Battle Group. This exercise is part of their preparation for the upcoming Exercise Talisman Sabre in Australia, emphasizing the growing alignment with the Australian Army under Plan ANZAC. The troops utilized NZLAV 8x8 armored vehicles and Bushmaster protected vehicles during the drill.

The Eastern Theater Command Navy conducted a naval strike exercise, rapidly occupying launch positions and executing simulated strikes. Following the initial strikes, troops effectively repositioned in response to unexpected scenarios, demonstrating their command and control capabilities. The exercise was designed to test new tactics and ensure readiness under complex battlefield conditions.

Kim Jong-un dismissed Defense Minister No Kwang-chol on August 29 in Pyongyang, appointing Kim Seong-ki as his successor. This leadership change follows recent U.S.-South Korea military exercises and indicates a shift in North Korea's military strategy, emphasizing weapon development and operational readiness. The reassignment suggests a focus on enhancing the connection between weapon development and deployment.

Tanaka TakashiSun Aug 30 2026Loading...

The People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) conducted joint military exercises with Thailand and Belarus in August 2026, focusing on command coordination and the integration of unmanned systems. The exercises took place in Udon Thani and Bangkok, Thailand, and Hubei, China, involving multiple aircraft types and emphasizing operational capabilities in joint scenarios. This marks a significant step in the PLAAF's approach to modern military operations.

Li MinghuiSat Aug 29 2026Loading...

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force conducted a joint airborne exercise with Belarusian forces in Hubei Province, China, in August 2023. The exercise, named 'Swift Eagle 2026', involved the Z-20K helicopter and focused on counter-terrorism and airborne assault skills. This marks a significant demonstration of the Z-20K's operational capabilities and readiness for international military collaboration.

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) successfully completed its 27th rotation of troops in Macau on August 26, 2023. Troops gathered at Zhuhai for a farewell ceremony before entering Macau, where a defense handover ceremony was held. This rotation, supported by the Macau SAR government, aims to strengthen military readiness and ensure stability in the region.

Chinese public vessels have approached Taiwan's eastern coast for three consecutive months, with 118 recorded instances in August 2023. This increase in activity, involving law enforcement and survey ships, suggests a strategic shift by Beijing to test Taiwan's response capabilities and redefine the operational environment. The ongoing presence of these vessels indicates a potential new normal in the region's maritime dynamics.

Li MinghuiThu Aug 27 2026Loading...

China and Belarus conducted the 'God Eagle-2026' joint airborne training exercise at a military base in Hubei on August 27. The exercise involved mixed groups of airborne troops focusing on real combat scenarios, including reconnaissance and counter-terrorism operations. It aimed to enhance tactical exchanges and test the joint operational capabilities of both nations' armed forces.

China and Thailand conducted joint air force training named 'Eagle Strike-2026' at Udon Thani and Bangkok air bases on August 27, 2023. This exercise, the ninth of its kind, involved multiple aircraft types from the Chinese Air Force and emphasized tactical coordination and humanitarian rescue operations. The training aimed to deepen practical cooperation between the two nations' air forces.

The Eastern Theater Command Army and Navy conducted joint amphibious training exercises in a maritime area, focusing on full floating loading and unloading operations. Multiple types of armored vehicles participated, enhancing their amphibious combat capabilities. The training involved precise maneuvers under challenging conditions, preparing the units for diverse operational tasks.

The Russian Pacific Fleet conducted anti-submarine exercises in the Sea of Japan on August 25, 2023, simulating attacks on enemy submarines. Approximately 60 naval vessels and 30 aircraft participated in the operation, which lasted about 5 hours. The exercises are part of larger military drills that began on August 4, involving significant military assets in the region.

USS Lincoln is returning to the U.S. after over 250 days at sea and is scheduled to dock in Thailand in early September 2023. The carrier has been involved in military operations in the Middle East and is now transitioning back to its home port in San Diego. USS Washington has taken over its duties in the region.

On October 24, 2023, the Chinese Air Force and Belarusian Armed Forces concluded a joint airborne training exercise in China, focusing on counter-terrorism operations. The exercise, part of the 'God Eagle' series, aimed to enhance the two militaries' operational capabilities through tactical coordination and command collaboration. This marked the fourth joint training event, emphasizing practical cooperation and regional stability.

The People's Liberation Army Navy conducted joint naval exercises with Indonesia east of Taiwan in August 2026, marking a significant expansion of its operational reach. Taiwan has expressed concerns over the exercises, viewing them as a potential threat. Indonesia characterized the drills as routine cooperation, but the activities suggest a strategic shift in the Chinese Navy's focus towards sensitive maritime areas.

Li MinghuiTue Aug 25 2026Loading...

The joint airborne training exercise 'God Eagle-2026' between the Chinese Air Force and Belarusian Armed Forces concluded in Wuhan on August 24, 2023. The exercise, which began on August 12, included tactical movements, live-fire exercises, and urban anti-terror operations. This iteration marks the fourth joint training event aimed at enhancing cooperation and operational capabilities between the two nations.