Analysis & Reports

On July 20, a People's Liberation Army helicopter and drone crossed the so-called 'Taiwan Strait median line' and conducted activities for over nine hours. The Chinese defense spokesperson emphasized that Taiwan is part of China and rejected the legitimacy of the median line, labeling Taiwan's defense claims as mere posturing.

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is constructing models of key government buildings in Taiwan for realistic training exercises, highlighting its readiness for combat. Taiwan's defense department has responded by warning of significant threats posed by the PLA and calling for public support for defense budgets. The PLA maintains a stance of being always ready to engage in combat to protect national sovereignty.

Japan's National Intelligence Agency is set to officially commence operations on July 31, raising concerns about a potential return to militaristic governance reminiscent of World War II. The establishment of this agency has sparked widespread debate and anxiety regarding Japan's increasing militarization and centralization of intelligence operations, which some view as a threat to regional stability.

The U.S. Coast Guard issued a market survey in July 2026 for counter-drone submarine technology to address threats posed by Chinese underwater drones HSU-001 and AJX-002. This initiative reflects a shift in focus towards securing ports and coastal areas against smaller, quieter unmanned underwater vehicles. The Coast Guard's request emphasizes the need for effective detection and countermeasures, indicating a significant evolution in U.S. military strategy in the Western Pacific.

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The People's Liberation Army released a promotional video titled '当红' (The Most Popular) to commemorate its 99th anniversary. The video aims to enhance the international image of the Chinese military and was produced by the Political Work Department of the Central Military Commission and Xinhua News Agency. It was launched simultaneously in China and abroad.

The Chinese Navy countered provocations from the Japanese Self-Defense Forces in recent naval engagements. An exclusive audio recording captured the Chinese Navy's efforts to correct Japanese misconceptions regarding militarism. The incident highlights ongoing tensions between China and Japan in maritime operations.

Over 4000 Taiwanese military volunteers are set to retire early by 2025, incurring significant penalties totaling 9.2 billion New Taiwan Dollars. The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense spokesperson criticized the Democratic Progressive Party for its policies, suggesting that public dissatisfaction is leading to a decline in military commitment. The situation reflects broader political tensions regarding Taiwan's independence and defense strategies.

China's Ministry of Defense called on Japan to accelerate the disposal of abandoned World War II chemical weapons during a press conference on July 30. The ministry emphasized Japan's historical and legal responsibilities under the Chemical Weapons Convention, noting that Japan has missed multiple deadlines for disposal and that undiscovered weapons continue to threaten public safety in China.

Japan's Defense Minister made provocative statements on July 30 regarding the country's nuclear weapons policy, suggesting a potential revision of the 'Three Non-Nuclear Principles.' This has raised concerns about Japan's nuclear ambitions, as it is recognized as a nuclear threshold state with significant plutonium reserves. The report emphasizes the need for vigilance against any challenges to international nuclear non-proliferation efforts.

Chinese and Russian navies conducted joint naval patrols near the Senkaku Islands on July 30, asserting that the area is international waters, contrary to Japan's claims of it being part of its Exclusive Economic Zone. The Chinese Defense Ministry criticized Japan's characterization of a reef as an island, stating it does not meet international definitions.

On July 30, 2023, the Chinese Ministry of Defense reported that approximately 192,000 students applied to military academies, with over 17,500 being admitted. The average admission scores ranked in the top 6% across provinces, marking a historical high in both enrollment and applicant quality. The Ministry emphasized the importance of military academies in cultivating high-quality military personnel.

Chinese Defense Minister visited Thailand and Brunei on July 30, 2023, to enhance security trust and defense cooperation. During the visit, he met with the Prime Minister of Thailand and the Sultan of Brunei, discussing military relations and regional issues. A new '2+2' strategic dialogue mechanism was established to strengthen cooperation in various fields, including humanitarian assistance and military training.

China and Thailand will conduct the 'Eagle Strike-2026' joint air force training exercise in Thailand in August 2026. The Chinese Air Force will deploy multiple aircraft and ground air defense forces to participate in the exercise alongside the Royal Thai Air Force, focusing on joint air defense and humanitarian rescue operations. This marks the ninth joint training event between the two nations' air forces.

The People's Liberation Army Navy is set to send two ships, Qi Jiguang and Kunlunshan, to Surabaya, Indonesia, in early August following an invitation from the Indonesian Navy. This visit reflects the growing naval cooperation between China and Indonesia, which has included joint exercises and ship visits.

U.S. and Japanese forces conducted the JXR26 joint exercise from July 20 to 24, 2026, simulating a response to a major earthquake and tsunami in the Kinki region. The exercise emphasized humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, with U.S. forces supporting Japan's command. Key areas of focus included medical support, logistics, and effective communication under crisis conditions.

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The 076-type Sichuan ship of the People's Liberation Army Navy is in its final testing phase, focusing on integrating UAVs into amphibious operations. It is equipped with an electromagnetic catapult and arrestor system, enhancing its capabilities. The ship is expected to enter service in 2026, with significant implications for military operations in the South China Sea and Western Pacific.

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The J-15 carrier-based fighter jet experienced an engine failure during its test flight on November 23, 2012, while operating from the Liaoning aircraft carrier in China. The pilot successfully stopped the aircraft less than 5 meters from the edge of the deck, demonstrating exceptional control under pressure. This incident underscores the challenges faced by early test pilots in establishing naval aviation capabilities for China.

The People's Liberation Army Air Force transported new flight students to the Air Force Aviation University using multiple Yun-20B aircraft from July 31 to August 1. This operation involved six boarding points, including Shenyang and Nanjing, marking the fifth consecutive year of this initiative. The Yun-20B, featuring domestically produced engines, symbolizes the parallel development of military equipment and flight personnel training.

The Rocket Force is constructing underground strategic missile positions in China, involving 313 soldiers dedicated to this mission. They operate in secrecy, focusing on innovative construction techniques to ensure precision. This effort honors the memory of 313 fallen soldiers who contributed to national defense.

On July 24, 2026, three Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-2 aircraft, two U.S. Air Force F-16s, and one MQ-9B drone conducted a joint tactical training exercise over the Pacific Ocean northeast of Japan. The exercise focused on air operations and ISR capabilities, reflecting the ongoing military collaboration between Japan and the U.S. and addressing regional security concerns.

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