Analysis & Reports

The China Coast Guard successfully concluded its enforcement actions in the East China Sea on September 16, 2026, following the end of the closed fishing season. Over 25,000 vessels were deployed, inspecting more than 1,000 fishing boats and seizing illegal catches. The operation led to the expulsion of 570 foreign fishing vessels and a notable reduction in illegal fishing activities.

The Royal Navy's Astute-class submarines, displacing 7,800 tons, are compared to the U.S. Navy's Virginia-class submarines, which displace 7,900 tons. Both classes are recognized for their advanced capabilities, including stealth and armament. The Astute-class is noted for its superior test depth and speed, while the Virginia-class has a larger crew and missile capacity. This comparison highlights the ongoing rivalry between the two navies regarding submarine technology.

Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun held talks with defense ministers from Thailand, Mongolia, Cambodia, and Singapore in Beijing on October 16. The discussions centered on enhancing defense cooperation and addressing global governance challenges, emphasizing mutual trust and collaboration among the nations involved.

FNSS completed pre-delivery acceptance tests for the first Kaplan APC in Turkey. The vehicle will be shipped to Indonesia for final acceptance tests with the Indonesian Army. A second Kaplan APC is concurrently being built in Indonesia as part of a technology transfer agreement. The Kaplan APC is designed to carry a crew of up to 13 and can be configured for various military roles.

General Zhang Shengmin met with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Phan Van Giang in Beijing on October 16, 2023. They discussed enhancing political trust and military cooperation, establishing a strategic dialogue mechanism, and addressing global security challenges together. The meeting emphasized the importance of the bilateral relationship between China and Vietnam.

The first KAPLAN APC (HARIMAU APC) was successfully manufactured and underwent pre-delivery acceptance tests in Türkiye, involving PT Pindad. Following these tests, the vehicle will be shipped to Indonesia for final acceptance tests. Concurrently, production of a second KAPLAN APC is ongoing at PT Pindad's facilities, showcasing advancements in military vehicle technology tailored for the Indonesian army.

Foreign military personnel from Laos and Myanmar reunited at the Xiangshan Forum in Beijing on October 16, 2023, engaging in discussions to enhance mutual understanding. The forum attracted approximately 2000 attendees from over 100 countries, focusing on building consensus for stability and promoting security governance. Participants emphasized the importance of dialogue in fostering trust and addressing practical issues.

Retired Major General Luo Yuan stated that the Taiwan issue is a core national interest for China and an unbreakable bottom line in Sino-U.S. relations during an interview at the Beijing Xiangshan Forum on September 16, 2023. He reiterated the importance of the Taiwan issue in the current geopolitical context.

The People's Liberation Army Navy conducted a joint naval exercise with the Singapore Navy from September 3 to 9, 2026, near Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China. The exercise included various activities such as communication drills, live-fire exercises, and joint search and rescue operations, focusing on operational interoperability. The Dali frigate represented China, highlighting a shift towards lower-cost naval assets for regional cooperation.

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The 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum occurred from September 15 to 17, 2023, in Beijing, featuring over 2000 representatives from more than 100 countries, including Israel and Iran. This forum provided a unique platform for dialogue among nations, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in addressing global issues. The presence of representatives from Russia and NATO further highlighted the forum's significance in fostering diplomatic discussions.

The People's Liberation Army Honor Guard appeared at the 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum held at the Beijing International Conference Center from September 15 to 17, 2023. The forum's theme was 'Building Consensus for Stability and Promoting Security Governance.'

International representatives arrived in Beijing for the 13th Xiangshan Forum, held from September 15 to 17, 2023. The forum's theme focused on building consensus for stability and promoting security governance.

The United Nations report reveals a significant increase in the perceived risk of large-scale war, with 36% of surveyed individuals believing it could occur within a year. The report highlights a 16-place rise in the risk ranking since 2024, alongside growing concerns about financial crises and supply chain issues. In contrast, environmental risks have seen a decline in urgency among respondents.

The 71st Group Army of the PLA received a batch of 155mm PLZ-05 self-propelled howitzers and conducted their first live-fire exercise in September 2026. This transition from 122mm to 155mm artillery systems enhances their firepower capabilities in the Taiwan Strait and East China Sea. The PLZ-05's advanced features allow for greater range and effectiveness in various military operations.

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Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun entered the venue for the 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum held at the Beijing International Conference Center from September 15 to 17, 2023. The forum's theme focused on building consensus for stability and promoting security governance.

Japan and South Korea are restructuring their naval forces to address the challenges posed by the expanding Chinese Navy. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force is focusing on Mogami-class destroyers, while the Republic of Korea Navy is enhancing its capabilities with KSS-III submarines and large surface combatants. Both nations aim to improve their operational readiness and strategic coordination in the face of shared threats from China.

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The U.S. Navy retired four Ticonderoga-class cruisers, USS Hue City, USS Anzio, USS Cowpens, and USS Vicksburg, after spending $1.84 billion on modernization efforts that ultimately failed. This retirement results in a significant loss of Tomahawk missile launch capacity, as these cruisers were equipped with 122 Mk 41 launch cells each. The Navy's ongoing challenges with aging vessels and modernization have led to a decrease in available missile capacity at a critical time for long-range strike capabilities.

The U.S. military has utilized a significant portion of its missile defense interceptors in ongoing operations against Iran, which may hinder its ability to defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion. The Congressional Budget Office warns that the depletion of these interceptors could take years to recover, with costs to replace them estimated at $21.7 billion. The report highlights the strategic implications of this depletion for U.S. defense capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.

Japan is developing quantum sensors to be mounted on inexpensive drones for surveillance of Chinese submarine transit routes in the Pacific Ocean. The Defense Ministry aims to have this technology ready by fiscal 2031. Meanwhile, China is also enhancing its anti-submarine capabilities with new drone technologies and vessels.

U.S. Marine Corps reorganizes for small-unit expeditionary warfare, raising concerns among Chinese naval officers about the effectiveness of Marine Stand-In Forces (SIF) on Pacific islands. Chinese military experts warn that SIFs could disrupt their naval operations and recommend proactive measures to counter these forces, including the development of undersea weapons and enhanced surveillance capabilities.