Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
China Plans 9 Aircraft Carriers by 2035. The U.S. Navy Has 11 — and Can’t Build Replacements Fast Enough to Keep That Number
China plans to expand its aircraft carrier fleet to nine by 2035, currently operating three carriers, including the newly commissioned Type 003 Fujian. The U.S. Navy, with 11 carriers, struggles to maintain its fleet due to production challenges. China's rapid shipbuilding capabilities may enable it to achieve its ambitious goals despite its limited operational experience.
Forget the J-20: It’s Been 47 Years Since China Fought a Real War
China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) has not engaged in a real war for 47 years, with its last major conflict being the 1979 Sino-Vietnamese War. This lack of combat experience raises concerns about its readiness for potential conflicts, particularly regarding Taiwan. Despite significant military reforms aimed at improving training realism, the PLA's capabilities remain largely untested in actual combat situations.
US Air Force Advances Autonomous Drone Wingman Program While China Escalates Information Warfare Against Taiwan
The U.S. Air Force tested the YFQ-44A autonomous drones at Edwards Air Force Base in April 2026, marking a significant advancement in drone technology. Concurrently, China escalated its information warfare against Taiwan, utilizing state media to amplify opposition voices and undermine confidence in the Taiwanese government. This dual development highlights the evolving military dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region.
Marcus ChenSat Apr 18 2026Loading...
Military Situation Time: What Are Japan's True Intentions Behind Participating in Multinational Joint Exercises and Equipping Offensive Missiles?
Japan participated in the 'Shield-2026' multinational military exercise in the Philippines from April 6 to 17, 2026, involving over 7000 personnel. This marks Japan's first military presence in the Philippines since World War II. Concurrently, Japan has restructured its Self-Defense Forces and acquired offensive missiles, including Tomahawk cruise missiles, indicating a shift towards more aggressive military capabilities. The U.S. has also established a permanent presence of F-35A fighters in Japan.
The Sound of Jun | Creating Waves and Making Mistakes Again and Again Will Only Lead Japan into an Abyss
Japan's destroyer 'Ray' transited the Taiwan Strait on April 17, provoking tensions with China. This action is viewed as a deliberate provocation amid rising military activities and controversial statements from Japanese officials regarding Taiwan. The event coincides with the anniversary of the Treaty of Shimonoseki, further inflaming historical grievances. China's military remains on high alert in response to these developments.
The People's Liberation Army Monitors Japanese Destroyer, On-Site Video Released!
The Chinese People's Liberation Army monitored the Japanese destroyer 'Hayabusa' during its passage through the Taiwan Strait on April 17, 2023. Chinese officials condemned the transit as a provocation, asserting that it sends the wrong signals to separatist forces. The Eastern Theater Command maintained a high state of readiness to defend national sovereignty and regional stability.
Accelerated Reconstruction of the Security Pattern in the Western Pacific: The Multidimensional Strategic Implications of Japan's Deep Involvement in the US-Philippines "Shoulder-to-Shoulder" Exercises
Japan Self-Defense Forces are participating in the U.S.-Philippines 'shoulder-to-shoulder' military exercise from April 20 to May 8, 2026, sending approximately 1400 personnel, multiple warships, and aircraft, along with 88 anti-ship missile systems. This marks Japan's first formal involvement in the exercise, highlighting its expanding military presence in the Indo-Pacific and signaling a strategic shift towards active deterrence in response to regional security concerns.
Li MinghuiSat Apr 18 2026Loading...Military Situation Time: Forgetting the History of Massacres, the Philippines Opens Its Doors to the Japanese Self-Defense Forces; Military Experts: Inviting the Wolf into the House
The Philippines is currently opening its military bases to Japanese Self-Defense Forces and U.S. Armed Forces, facilitating regular military deployments. This move is viewed as a strategic error, potentially complicating regional security dynamics. The historical backdrop includes the massacre of over 100,000 Filipinos by Japanese forces during World War II, which remains unaddressed by the Japanese government.
Australia Announces Increase in Defense Spending to Address "Most Dangerous Situation"
Australia announced on April 15, 2023, a plan to increase its defense spending from 2% to 3% of GDP by 2033 to address complex geopolitical threats. The government will allocate an additional AUD 14 billion over the next four years and a total of AUD 117 billion over the next decade. This increase is described as the largest in peacetime in Australia's history, reflecting the need to enhance military capabilities in response to evolving threats.
Japan-U.S.-South Korea Naval Leaders' Meeting Held in Seoul — Strategic Crossroads Over the Request for Deployment to the Strait of Hormuz and the Future of Maritime Security in East Asia
On April 15, 2026, high-ranking naval officials from Japan, South Korea, and the United States convened in Seoul to enhance trilateral maritime security cooperation. Discussions focused on responding to North Korea's nuclear threats and the U.S. request for naval deployments to the Strait of Hormuz. The meeting also marked the agreement to resume joint maritime search and rescue training between Japan and South Korea after nine years, indicating a significant improvement in defense relations.
Tanaka TakashiSat Apr 18 2026Loading...Video | Eastern Theater Command, Ministry of Defense, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs Make Major Statements Responding to Japanese Self-Defense Force Vessels Transiting the Taiwan Strait
The Eastern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army monitored the transit of the Japanese destroyer 'Ray' through the Taiwan Strait on April 17, 2023. In response, China issued strong protests, viewing the action as a provocation that threatens regional stability. The Chinese military remains on high alert to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
No AUKUS, No Submarines for Australia
Australia faces a potential submarine crisis as senior defense officials warn that without the AUKUS agreement, the country may not have operational submarines by the 2030s. On March 27, 2026, Deputy Secretary Hugh Jeffrey stated that the failure of AUKUS would leave Australia without a viable submarine capability. The Royal Australian Navy's reliance on foreign industrial capacity for submarine replacement poses significant strategic risks, especially as the U.S. and U.K. struggle to meet their own submarine production needs.
China Has 2 Stealth Fighters and Both Have the Same Problem
China operates two stealth fighters, the J-20 and J-35, which have not been tested in combat. The J-20 entered service in 2017, while the J-35 was introduced in 2025. Both aircraft are considered advanced but lack operational experience, raising questions about their true capabilities. The J-20 utilizes WS-15 engines, enhancing its performance significantly.
China strongly protests Japanese warship's provocation in the Taiwan Strait: Urges Japan to seriously reflect and correct its mistakes, and to stop at the brink.
Japan's destroyer 'Hayabusa' transited the Taiwan Strait on April 17, 2023, prompting a strong protest from China. The Chinese military monitored the transit closely, asserting its commitment to national sovereignty. Following this, the destroyer is scheduled to participate in joint military exercises with the U.S. and Philippines, raising tensions in the region.
Russia criticizes Japan for continuously denying the results of World War II, Zakharova: Japan should be responsible for the unprecedented deterioration of Russia-Japan relations.
On October 16, 2023, the Russian Foreign Ministry criticized Japan for its diplomatic blue book, which allegedly contains unacceptable statements regarding Russia. The ministry accused Japan of denying the results of World War II and blamed it for the unprecedented deterioration of bilateral relations. Russia expressed concerns over Japan's military expansion and its implications for regional stability.
The history of America’s long-term efforts to plan for a war with China [BOOK EXCERPT]
The United States is preparing for potential conflict with China, particularly regarding Taiwan, with a focus on readiness by 2027. The U.S. has identified China as its primary defense challenge and is evolving its military strategies to counter the People's Liberation Army's capabilities. Historical context shows a long-standing U.S. commitment to Taiwan's defense, despite fluctuating political relations with Beijing.
Washington Doubles Down on Indo-Pacific Alliances as Balikatan 2026 and Indonesia Pact Reshape Regional Security
The U.S. is conducting Exercise Balikatan 2026 in the Philippines from April 20 to May 8, 2026, involving over 17,000 troops from the U.S. and allied nations. Concurrently, a defense cooperation agreement was signed with Indonesia to develop advanced military capabilities. These actions reflect a strategic focus on strengthening military partnerships in the Indo-Pacific amid rising tensions with China.
Marcus ChenFri Apr 17 2026Loading...
The U.S. Navy Has No Aircraft Carriers for a China War over Taiwan
The U.S. Navy faces a critical shortage of aircraft carriers in 2026, limiting its ability to respond to potential Chinese aggression towards Taiwan. With many carriers in maintenance or deployed elsewhere, the Navy is assessing alternative strategies, including increased reliance on submarines and bombers. Regional allies, particularly Japan and the Philippines, are essential for a coordinated defense effort against possible Chinese coercive actions in the South China Sea.
China turns Taiwan’s own voices against it in information war
Chinese state media intensified its information warfare against Taiwan in December 2025, amplifying opposition voices to discredit the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). The campaign involved over 560,000 videos on Douyin, featuring Taiwanese critics of the DPP, including KMT leader Cheng Li-wun. Taiwan's defense ministry is actively countering these efforts to bolster media literacy and psychological resilience among its armed forces.
‘Death Sentence’: The B-1B Lancer Bone Bomber Has a Message for the U.S. Air Force
The B-1B Lancer faces significant vulnerabilities against China's advanced air defense systems, particularly the HQ-9B missile. Despite recent upgrades, its lack of stealth makes it less viable in contested airspace. China's missile capabilities, including the DF-21, threaten U.S. operational bases, complicating bomber missions. The B-1B's traditional advantages in speed and payload are diminished in the face of these threats.
