Analysis & Reports

On July 20, 2023, a Chinese Coast Guard member injured a Philippine sailor with a wooden baton near Second Thomas Shoal. Following this, Chinese vessels employed water cannons against Philippine ships near Scarborough Shoal. The U.S. Coast Guard intervened to maintain distance between the two parties during the incident, which raises concerns about the potential for military escalation in the region.

USS Wisconsin (BB-64) served in three wars from 1944 to 1991, providing naval gunfire support and screening for aircraft carriers. The battleship fired 977 rounds during the Korean War and launched 26 Tomahawk missiles during Operation Desert Storm. It was decommissioned on September 30, 1991, and is now a museum ship in Norfolk, Virginia.

The People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) demonstrated its integrated air and space combat capabilities during a military exercise on August 2, 2023. The exercise showcased the critical role of early warning aircraft and AI technology in command and control. Military experts emphasized the importance of information dominance and the J-20 stealth fighter's role in modern warfare.

USS George Washington and its strike group visited Da Nang, Vietnam, on July 30, 2026, with 5,000 sailors aboard. This visit marks the fourth U.S. carrier presence in Vietnam since 2018, signaling Vietnam's willingness to host U.S. naval power. However, Vietnam is not offering basing access, focusing instead on diplomatic engagement and maintaining a balance in its relations with China.

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USS Alaska and USS Guam served in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1947, screening carriers and engaging in bombardments during World War II. They were equipped with 111 gun barrels, including nine 12-inch guns, but never engaged enemy surface combatants. The ships were ultimately decommissioned due to their high costs and limited operational roles.

On July 29, 2026, Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force successfully launched a Tomahawk missile from the destroyer JS Chokai. This event marks a pivotal shift in Japan's military doctrine, allowing for offensive capabilities against distant targets. The launch reflects Japan's response to growing security concerns regarding China's military modernization and North Korea's missile threats.

The Huludao Maritime Safety Administration announced military exercises in the Bohai Sea, scheduled for August 4 from 8:00 to 14:00. Access to the area will be prohibited during this time.

USS West Virginia was sunk at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, after sustaining multiple torpedo hits. The battleship was refloated and underwent reconstruction, returning to action in 1944. During the Battle of Surigao Strait on October 25, 1944, it engaged the Japanese battleship Yamashiro, firing 93 heavy shells. USS West Virginia was present for Japan's surrender on September 2, 1945, and was decommissioned on January 9, 1947.

USS Washington collided with USS Indiana at 4:28 A.M. on February 1, 1944, near Kwajalein, resulting in the deaths of 10 sailors and significant damage to both battleships. The collision was attributed to a maneuvering failure by Indiana, which failed to communicate course changes. Following repairs, both ships returned to combat operations by the end of May 1944.

The Rocket Force of the People's Liberation Army conducted missile launch exercises in the Taiwan Strait, demonstrating operational readiness and precision. Personnel emphasized the significance of their roles in ensuring timely and accurate missile launches. The exercises reflect ongoing military capabilities and strategic deterrence efforts.

USS Indiana served in various naval operations during World War II, including protecting convoys and supporting ground troops, while primarily engaging in bombardments rather than direct battles with enemy ships. The battleship earned nine battle stars and suffered casualties due to a collision with USS Washington. After the war, it was decommissioned in 1947 and scrapped in 1963.

USS Nevada served in the U.S. Navy from 1916 to 1946, participating in World War I and World War II. The battleship was involved in significant operations, including the D-Day landings and the attack on Pearl Harbor, where it was the only battleship to move under its own power. After the war, Nevada was subjected to atomic bomb tests at Bikini Atoll, surviving both explosions before being decommissioned.

China launched a long-range ballistic missile from a nuclear-powered submarine into the Pacific, reaching 7,300 km, as part of routine training. Concurrently, Chinese coast guard ships patrolled east of Taiwan, and joint naval exercises with Russia were conducted near Qingdao. This series of military activities reflects a growing Chinese military presence in the Western Pacific, raising concerns among regional allies.

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The Yantai Maritime Safety Administration issued a navigation warning for the Yellow Sea due to scheduled rocket launches from August 3 at 14:00 to August 5 at 12:00. Additionally, rocket debris is expected to fall in the same area on August 5 from 9:10 to 11:10, prohibiting vessel entry during these times.

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is focusing on modernization goals set for 2027, 2035, and 2049, emphasizing system integration over individual equipment. Key advancements include dual aircraft carrier operations and improvements in naval capabilities. The PLA aims to address historical weaknesses through the integration of unmanned systems and enhanced operational capabilities, with a long-term goal of becoming a world-class military by 2049.

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The Rocket Force of the People's Liberation Army is conducting rigorous training exercises in China to enhance combat readiness. These exercises involve extreme conditions and scenarios designed to simulate real combat situations, emphasizing the importance of self-reliance and strength. The historical significance of military readiness is underscored by the display of a national flag from the Chinese embassy in Yugoslavia, symbolizing the lessons learned from history.

USS Idaho (BB-42) served in World War II, engaging in bombardment operations in locations such as Okinawa and supporting landings. The battleship was commissioned in 1919 and decommissioned in 1946 after 27 years of service. It earned seven battle stars for its contributions during the war, although it never engaged in direct combat with another battleship.

Xue Wei, a Rocket Force operator, successfully launched a missile in 2025 during a drill despite being isolated and facing significant challenges. His extensive experience and training allowed him to execute the launch without delay, showcasing the effectiveness of the Rocket Force's capabilities. Xue has served for 30 years and has requested to extend his service.

Rocket Force conducted joint military exercises in the Taiwan Strait, involving multiple backup personnel who ensured operational readiness. These personnel played a vital role in command and control, maintaining communication and readiness for missile launches, which were executed with precision. The exercise highlighted the significance of backup roles in military operations.

USS Pennsylvania survived the attack on Pearl Harbor while in Dry Dock No. 1 and later participated in World War II operations across the Pacific. The battleship was commissioned on June 12, 1916, and decommissioned on August 29, 1946, after surviving two nuclear tests. Equipped with twelve 14-inch guns, she earned eight battle stars for her service before being scuttled on February 10, 1948.