Analysis & Reports

The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Japan Innovation Party are negotiating revisions to Japan's security policy, including discussions on acquiring nuclear submarines. These negotiations, set to begin in November 2023, arise from differing views on defense spending and submarine capabilities. Concerns have been expressed regarding the impact of nuclear submarines on Japan's longstanding peace efforts.

Japan's Ministry of Defense announced on October 20, 2023, the selection of 47 research topics for military technology funding, marking a significant increase in applications. This initiative has raised concerns among academics regarding the militarization of research and its impact on academic freedom. Kobe University and Nagoya University have expressed opposition to this shift, questioning the implications for their institutional policies on military research.

A landmine explosion in the Korean Demilitarized Zone on October 21 injured three South Korean soldiers, prompting South Korea to demand an apology from North Korea. The South Korean Army's 25th Division reported that the explosion was caused by landmines planted by North Korean forces, violating the armistice agreement. North Korea has rejected these claims, labeling them as provocations.

The USS Charleston conducted a patrol near Sabina Shoal on October 20, 2026, while being tracked by Chinese naval forces. China did not attempt to force the U.S. ship out, indicating a strategy of calibrated pressure. The incident highlights ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, with China employing a layered maritime presence to assert its claims without direct confrontation.

Marcus ChenThu Oct 22 2026Loading...

Chen Liang, an instructor in the Air Force, promotes the spirit of the Long March and engages in educational support for underprivileged students in Loushan Pass, Zunyi. He emphasizes the importance of remembering military history and instills military values among soldiers. His efforts reflect a commitment to both military duty and community support.

Japan Self-Defense Forces initiated the 'Keen Sword 26' joint military exercise on October 19, 2026, involving over 50,000 personnel from Japan and the U.S. The exercise features the first deployment of the Type 25 anti-ship missile, with operations planned until October 29 across southwestern Japan and northern maritime areas. This exercise aims to strengthen regional defense and includes participation from seven allied nations, enhancing cooperative military capabilities.

Tanaka TakashiWed Oct 21 2026Loading...

Taiwan announced a defense budget increase to 345 billion USD for 2026, focusing on enhancing military capabilities through exercises with M1A2T tanks. This budget aims to improve Taiwan's defense against potential threats from the People's Liberation Army (PLA) by investing in various military resources and infrastructure. The shift in strategy emphasizes resilience and operational readiness in the face of ongoing regional tensions.

Li MinghuiWed Oct 21 2026Loading...

China shadowed the USS Charleston near Sabina Shoal on October 20, 2026, asserting claims over the disputed waters. The USS Charleston, an Independence-class littoral combat ship, was conducting a freedom of navigation operation, which China labeled as an illegal intrusion. The Philippines supported the U.S. position, stating the ship had the right to transit international waters. This incident underscores the ongoing maritime tensions in the South China Sea.

Marcus ChenTue Oct 20 2026Loading...

Experts in Japan criticized the government's recent push to introduce nuclear submarines during a seminar in Tokyo, warning that it could severely impact regional security and the international non-proliferation regime. They emphasized that this move contradicts Japan's long-standing defense policy and could provoke other nations to follow suit, increasing the risk of nuclear conflict. The government is urged to seek diplomatic solutions to ease tensions rather than expanding military capabilities.

On October 20, 2023, a U.S. Navy Littoral Combat Ship intruded into the waters near Xianbin Reef, prompting the Chinese military to track and monitor the vessel. This incident marks the first provocation by U.S. forces in this area, highlighting ongoing tensions in the South China Sea. Chinese officials reiterated their sovereignty over the Spratly Islands and condemned the U.S. actions as a threat to regional stability.

Australia initiated Project Land 6504 on October 13, 2026, to procure a medium-range ground-based air and missile defense system. This project aims to address the inadequacies of current air defense capabilities against missile threats. The vendor selection is expected by late 2027, with initial operational capability targeted for the early 2030s, amidst a broader strategy for a self-reliant defense force.

Marcus ChenTue Oct 20 2026Loading...

Saab has launched the Allied Mission System (AMS), a cloud-based platform designed to enhance command and control capabilities in space. The AMS integrates data from various sensors and supports faster decision-making for military operations. Built in Australia, the system will be offered as Software as a Service (SaaS) and aims to adapt to evolving operational challenges in the space domain.

China's military tracked and monitored the USS Charleston as it sailed near Sabina Shoal on October 20, 2026, claiming the vessel illegally intruded into Chinese waters. The People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command Navy stated that it dispatched forces to follow the ship, emphasizing China's sovereignty over the Spratly Islands. The U.S. Navy has not confirmed the nature of the transit.

Chinese defense experts analyze the U.S. Marine Corps' new strategy, which emphasizes dispersed operations using drones and anti-ship missiles in the Asia-Pacific. They express alarm over the USMC's capabilities, including unmanned vessels and LRASM missiles, while highlighting vulnerabilities in logistics and air defense. The analysis suggests that China may adopt a more aggressive military posture in response to U.S. actions, raising concerns about escalating tensions in the region.

The USS Charleston, a U.S. Navy Littoral Combat Ship, intruded into the waters near Xianbin Reef on October 20 without Chinese government permission. In response, the Chinese Southern Theater Command organized forces to track and monitor the vessel, asserting China's sovereignty over the Spratly Islands and condemning the U.S. action as a threat to regional stability. Chinese forces are maintaining a high level of readiness to defend national interests.

Protests erupted across Japan against the upcoming joint military exercise 'Sword 27' scheduled for October 19-29, 2023, involving approximately 45,000 Japan Self-Defense Forces and 12,000 U.S. forces. The protests, led by the Japanese Communist Party, demand the cancellation of the exercise due to recent incidents involving U.S. military personnel in Okinawa. The exercise will include new military capabilities and is seen as a significant escalation in military readiness amid regional tensions.

Australia opened a tender on October 13, 2023, for a medium-range missile defense system to intercept ballistic and cruise missiles. This initiative is driven by the need to enhance air defense capabilities in response to China's expanding missile arsenal. The project faces challenges due to budget constraints from the AUKUS submarine program, with vendor selection expected by 2027 and initial operational capability aimed for the early 2030s.

Marcus ChenMon Oct 19 2026Loading...

China asserts its claim over Taiwan based on historical narratives, despite controlling the island for only a fraction of the last five centuries. The U.S. has historically navigated a complex relationship with China's 'One China' policy, which has implications for international diplomacy. The report critiques the validity of China's claims and suggests that U.S. policy should challenge these narratives.

Australia launched a tender for a medium-range, ground-based air defense solution on October 13, 2023, to enhance its defense capabilities against threats from China. The Australian Army aims to select a vendor by the end of 2027, with initial operational capability expected in the early 2030s. The project seeks to integrate with existing systems and address ballistic missile threats.

The U.S. is advancing Project Meridian to identify key technologies for future warfare, emphasizing algorithmic capabilities and rapid iteration in military competition with China. The report highlights China's strengths in drone manufacturing and military technology but notes challenges in integrating AI systems effectively. The competition is increasingly focused on supply chain speed and the ability to adapt military systems quickly.

Li MinghuiMon Oct 19 2026Loading...