Analysis & Reports

The joint airborne training exercise 'God Eagle-2026' commenced on August 12, 2023, at a training center of the Chinese Air Force in Wuhan. The exercise focuses on urban counter-terrorism operations, including reconnaissance and defense tactics. This marks the fourth joint exercise between China and Belarus, aimed at enhancing operational capabilities and military cooperation.

On August 12, the 49th Escort Fleet of the Chinese Navy departed from a military port in Sanya, Hainan, heading to the Gulf of Aden and Somali waters to replace the 48th escort fleet. The fleet includes the missile destroyer Kunming, missile frigate Yueyang, and large supply ship Luomahu, along with two helicopters and special forces personnel. This marks the first escort mission for the Kunming destroyer.

The Chinese Navy and Indonesian Navy successfully completed a joint naval exercise east of Taiwan on the 12th, involving communication drills and naval maneuvers. This exercise marks the first collaboration of its kind in the region, demonstrating both nations' commitment to regional stability. Taiwan's authorities condemned the exercise, claiming it disrupts the status quo, while Chinese military experts emphasized their sovereignty over the area.

The Taiwanese military conducted exercises in Taipei on August 11, 2023, simulating responses to potential airborne assaults by the PLA. The exercises involved 17 aircraft, including Ching-Kuo fighter jets, and featured a decentralized command structure to enhance operational flexibility. Additionally, Yun Feng missiles were deployed to Penghu, emphasizing their strategic importance in the Taiwan Strait.

Li MinghuiWed Aug 12 2026Loading...

Japan is integrating domestic AI into the Self-Defense Forces' command and control system to improve decision-making in modern warfare. This initiative aims to enhance response capabilities to new combat methods and is part of a broader strategy outlined in the National Security Strategy. The government emphasizes AI sovereignty and plans to recruit only Japanese nationals for AI development.

Li Can, a senior staff officer in the Central Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army, has been actively involved in military planning and operations, including coordinating disaster response during severe flooding in July 2023. He played a key role in the preparation for the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Anti-Japanese War, demonstrating his commitment to military excellence and operational readiness. His contributions have earned him multiple awards and recognition within the military.

The 25th Infantry Division (ID) is actively testing and refining Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) capabilities in Hawaii and the Philippines. This program integrates various military systems and technologies, utilizing AI to enhance decision-making speed for commanders. Soldier feedback has led to rapid software updates, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in operational environments.

Chinese and Indonesian navies conducted joint navigation exercises east of Taiwan in August 2023, marking the first such operation in this area. The drills focused on communication operations and maritime resupply, aimed at enhancing joint operational capabilities. This exercise underscores China's assertion of sovereignty over its exclusive economic zone east of Taiwan and reflects ongoing military cooperation between the two nations.

The Navy Northern Theater Command conducted cross-day and night combat training in the Yellow Sea with the Dongying Ship and Xinjiji Ship. The exercises focused on main gun anti-aircraft fire and joint anti-submarine operations to improve combat readiness and coordination among personnel.

The U.S. and South Korean Armed Forces will conduct the UFS26 joint military exercise in Seoul from August 17 to 27, 2023, involving 18,000 troops. The exercise will focus on drone and electronic warfare training, reflecting lessons learned from the Ukraine conflict. Additionally, it will assess conditions for the transition of wartime operational control to South Korea, amidst recent missile activity from North Korea.

Tanaka TakashiTue Aug 11 2026Loading...

China enforced new regulations and conducted joint naval-air drills at Scarborough Shoal on August 1, 2023, involving multiple military assets including a Type 071 amphibious transport dock. The China Coast Guard engaged Philippine vessels, while the U.S. issued a statement rejecting China's actions. The Philippines also asserted its territorial claims by depositing an official nautical chart with the UN.

Marcus ChenMon Aug 10 2026Loading...

Li Can, a joint operations staff officer at the Central Theater Command, actively engaged in military training to enhance coordination among different military branches. He has received multiple awards for his service and emphasizes the importance of operational readiness. Li Can's work environment is characterized by constant preparedness for deployment, reflecting the demands of his role in joint operations.

U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ) initiated a transition to a Joint Forces Headquarters (JFHQ) at Yokota Air Base in August 2023, adding 215 personnel to enhance 24-hour operational readiness. This restructuring aims to improve command and control capabilities, allowing for joint operations with Japan in response to increasing threats from China. The changes signify a shift from base management to active operational planning and coordination.

Tanaka TakashiMon Aug 10 2026Loading...

Chinese and Belarusian airborne forces are conducting the 'God Eagle-2026' joint training exercise in Hubei from August 11 to 24, 2026. This marks the fourth iteration of such exercises, focusing on urban counter-terrorism operations. The shift of the training venue from Brest to Hubei indicates a developing mechanism for mutual hosting of military exercises between the two nations.

Li MinghuiMon Aug 10 2026Loading...

On August 3, 2023, three People's Liberation Army Navy vessels completed a circumnavigation of Japan, transiting through the Korea Strait and other strategic waterways. This operation, which included a Type 055 guided-missile cruiser, a Type 052D destroyer, and a Type 903 replenishment ship, has raised significant concerns for Japan's national security. The patrol is seen as a demonstration of military capability and a normalization of Chinese naval presence in the region.

Marcus ChenSun Aug 09 2026Loading...

Taiwan conducted the Han Kuang military exercise on August 5, 2026, mobilizing 20,000 reservists and integrating civil-military operations. The exercise featured communications denial to simulate wartime conditions and involved the relocation of military assets. For the first time, local governments activated emergency operations alongside military commands, reflecting a shift in Taiwan's defense strategy to address the evolving threat from China.

Marcus ChenSat Aug 08 2026Loading...

The People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command conducted a joint exercise near Huangyan Island, involving two J-20 fighters escorting one H-6N bomber. This exercise showcased the capabilities of the H-6N, which can operate over 10,000 kilometers, and emphasized the role of the J-20 in securing air superiority and suppressing enemy defenses. The operation reflects China's strategic military posture in the South China Sea.

Three Chinese vessels, including a 055 destroyer, and one Russian frigate conducted a joint naval patrol around Japan, crossing the Tsugaru Strait from July 13 to August 6, 2023. This marked the first time Chinese and Russian ships navigated this sensitive area, raising security concerns for Japan. The operation demonstrated China's capability for sustained naval operations with logistical support.

Li MinghuiSat Aug 08 2026Loading...

In February 2025, U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets successfully landed on the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle during joint exercises in the Philippine Sea. This marked a significant demonstration of interoperability between U.S. and French naval forces, as the Charles de Gaulle is equipped with American-designed catapults and arresting gear. The exercise included cross-deck operations with French Rafale Ms and E-2C Hawkeyes, showcasing the collaborative capabilities of both navies.

Taiwan's military conducted the Han Kuang 42 exercise starting August 5, 2023, mobilizing 20,000 reservists and implementing new operational protocols. The exercise included throttling civilian internet access to simulate conditions during a potential Chinese assault, testing command-and-control structures, and relocating military assets out of Taipei. These actions reflect Taiwan's shift towards realistic military preparedness in response to perceived threats from China.

Marcus ChenFri Aug 07 2026Loading...