Analysis & Reports

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is actively engaged in disaster relief operations in China following recent floods. On July 17, a spokesperson from the Ministry of Defense highlighted the military's commitment to public safety and their ongoing efforts in reinforcing levees, clearing debris, and conducting epidemic prevention measures. The phrase 'The PLA has arrived' symbolizes the trust the people place in their military during times of crisis.

Chinese and Russian navies successfully conducted joint naval exercises named 'Maritime Joint-2026' near Qingdao on July 17, 2023. The exercises focused on joint reconnaissance and air defense, and have transitioned into a maritime patrol phase. This cooperation is part of an annual military collaboration plan and is stated to be unrelated to current international tensions.

The 12th Marine Littoral Regiment (12th MLR) of the U.S. Marine Corps participated in joint training exercises with the Japan Self-Defense Forces in southwestern Japan, receiving NMESIS and MADIS systems. The training, conducted in July 2026 across multiple islands, aims to enhance deterrence capabilities against potential threats from China. New transport ships were also introduced to support logistics in the region, emphasizing the importance of sustained supply lines.

Tanaka TakashiFri Jul 17 2026Loading...

Two naval aviators from the People's Liberation Army Navy died during training in the South China Sea on June 10. One of the deceased was a 38-year-old tactical commander, highlighting a critical shortage of experienced pilots. The incident underscores the increased training risks associated with the rapid expansion of naval aviation capabilities and the need for more qualified personnel.

Li MinghuiFri Jul 17 2026Loading...

JS Chokai of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force will conduct live-fire training with Tomahawk cruise missiles in the Eastern Pacific during Summer 2026. This training, supported by the U.S. Navy's Third Fleet, marks a significant step in Japan's operational capabilities, transitioning from defensive to offensive strike options. The modifications to JS Chokai include the integration of the Mk 41 Vertical Launch System for Tomahawk missiles, enhancing Japan's deterrent posture against regional threats.

Tanaka TakashiFri Jul 17 2026Loading...

China has established a sustained Coast Guard presence east of Taiwan while conducting missile tests that reached 7,300 kilometers into the South Pacific. These actions are part of a strategy to normalize military operations in the region, prompting concerns from Taiwan, Japan, and the United States. The missile test, which likely passed over the Philippines, signals that a Taiwan contingency could extend beyond the Taiwan Strait.

Marcus ChenThu Jul 16 2026Loading...

China is developing and deploying naval drones that pose a significant threat to U.S. aircraft carriers, particularly in a potential conflict over Taiwan. The First Island Chain is identified as a critical area for military engagement, with China's drone capabilities integrated into a reconnaissance and strike network. The Zhu Hai Yun vessel, officially a research ship, is capable of deploying drone swarms, enhancing China's naval warfare capabilities.

MizarVision released satellite images showing the U.S. Army’s Typhon missile system deployed at Kanoya Air Base in Japan during military exercises from June 22 to July 1, 2026. The Typhon system, capable of striking targets up to 1,600 kilometers away, is part of a broader U.S.-Japan military cooperation. This deployment has drawn criticism from China, which views it as a destabilizing factor in the region.

Iran's military actions have led the U.S. to deplete its interceptor stockpiles, prompting concerns about a potential maritime quarantine by China against Taiwan. The U.S. Navy is facing challenges in maintaining readiness due to simultaneous conflicts and strategic commitments in the Gulf and Indo-Pacific regions. Taiwan's government is preparing for possible Chinese maritime actions, which could impact its energy and resource supplies.

Taiwan conducted a major defense drill from July 13-17, 2023, mobilizing M142 HIMARS and Hsiung Feng missile systems to enhance its island defense capabilities. The exercise aimed to integrate mobile rocket artillery and anti-ship missiles into a cohesive defense strategy against potential Chinese aggression. This drill is part of Taiwan's efforts to improve its military readiness and complicate PLA operations in the region.

Marcus ChenThu Jul 16 2026Loading...

The J-16 aircraft of the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) was reported to be equipped with 10 external hardpoints carrying multiple long-range air-to-air missiles, indicating an increase in long-range patrol firepower density. This configuration suggests a shift in the J-16's role towards supporting long-range air combat operations. The report highlights the importance of missile inventory and logistics for sustained operational capability in the South China Sea.

Li MinghuiThu Jul 16 2026Loading...

On July 9, 2026, two F-15s from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and two F-22s from the U.S. Air Force conducted a joint tactical training exercise over the East China Sea near Okinawa. This exercise highlights the operational readiness and cooperative capabilities of the Japan-U.S. alliance in response to increasing regional security challenges.

Tanaka TakashiThu Jul 16 2026Loading...

The Ministry of National Defense of China has launched a series of recruitment videos focusing on medical examinations and political assessments for military conscription. Initial medical checks include evaluations of height, weight, and vision, while political assessments investigate candidates' motivations and family backgrounds. The process is managed under strict protocols to ensure data integrity and confidentiality, with results accessible through official channels.

Chinese coast guard vessels have been regularly operating east of Taiwan since May 2023, while the People's Liberation Army Navy conducted a submarine-launched ballistic missile test on July 6, 2023, reaching approximately 7300 kilometers. These actions represent a strategic combination of low-intensity maritime presence and high-intensity missile signaling in the Pacific region, raising concerns among neighboring countries about regional stability.

Li MinghuiThu Jul 16 2026Loading...

The 73rd Group Army conducted naval combat shooting exercises in the Southeast Sea during the summer, facing challenging weather and sea conditions. The exercises involved live-fire shooting from amphibious armored vehicles, with troops demonstrating coordination and precision under pressure. Smoke grenades were deployed to obscure movements and suppress remaining targets.

Yantai Maritime Safety Administration issued a navigation warning prohibiting entry into Laizhou Bay due to military activities scheduled from July 16 to 17.

On June 27, 2026, a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force submarine sank the USS Juneau using a torpedo during the Valiant Shield 2026 exercise in the Philippine Sea. The USS Juneau, a retired amphibious transport dock, was targeted after sustaining damage from U.S. military forces. This event highlights the operational capabilities of the Japanese submarine fleet in a multi-domain military exercise.

Tanaka TakashiThu Jul 16 2026Loading...

A regiment from the Xinjiang Military District conducted a live-fire exercise involving wheeled assault guns. The exercise effectively tested human-machine coordination and dynamic perception, enhancing the unit's rapid strike and withdrawal capabilities. This training aimed to improve overall combat effectiveness.

The 74th Group Army conducted a live-fire training exercise in China, testing its continuous combat capability. The exercise involved launching missiles that accurately hit targets, while anti-aircraft artillery established a dense fire network. Portable missiles were also used to intercept close-range targets.

Japan's Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency selected Quantum Systems to develop drone interception technology as part of its Counter-UAS Proof-of-Concept Program. This initiative reflects Japan's urgent need to counter drone threats from Russia, China, and North Korea, with a budget of approximately 277.3 billion yen allocated for unmanned systems capabilities this fiscal year. Quantum Systems is developing the Jäger interceptor drone and has plans to integrate counter-drone capabilities across multiple platforms.