All articles tagged with #pla
China has launched extensive live-fire military exercises around Taiwan, involving naval, air, and missile forces, as a warning against Taiwan independence and external interference, escalating regional tensions amid ongoing disputes and military modernization efforts.
The Pentagon's 2025 report highlights China's significant military advancements, particularly by the PLA, aiming to challenge U.S. dominance through strategic buildup, technological innovation, and military options targeting Taiwan and regional stability, with a focus on achieving decisive victory by 2027.
China's recent military parade in Beijing showcased its advancing military technology but also revealed deep systemic weaknesses, including corruption, leadership purges, and institutional fragility, undermining the confidence in its military modernization efforts.
The South China Morning Post has launched 'Red Arsenal,' a multimedia databank to provide insights into China's rapidly evolving military, including its latest hardware and strategic developments ahead of a major military parade marking the 80th anniversary of Japan’s WWII defeat, as China aims to become a 'world-class military' by 2049.
Xi Jinping has been extensively reforming and purging the Chinese military to ensure it is politicized, loyal, and capable of fighting if needed, but recent purges of senior officers suggest ongoing internal power struggles rather than weakening control. His focus on the PLA aims to secure his legacy, prepare for potential conflicts, and maintain party dominance, with a strategic emphasis on loyalty and modernization amid internal challenges.
China has suspended Admiral Miao Hua, a top military official, for corruption as part of President Xi Jinping's ongoing purge of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) leadership. Miao, a member of the Central Military Commission and seen as an ally of Xi, is under investigation for "serious violation of discipline." This move follows the reported investigation of Defense Minister Dong Jun, which the Defense Ministry denies. Xi's anti-corruption campaign has already led to the removal of several senior generals, aiming to strengthen and modernize China's military.
The week's highlights include the US planning to deploy 5 aircraft carriers in the western Pacific as a show of strength to China, concerns over TikTok CEO's grilling affecting US image, Hong Kong losing allure for mainland Chinese visitors, Joko Widodo's influence continuing through Prabowo's win in Indonesia, and challenges faced by foreign tourists in China's cashless society. Additionally, Thailand's cannabis industry prepares for potential class-action suits, and a man in China is jailed for cohabiting with a soldier's wife, leading to a "military marriage" being destroyed.
US intelligence reports reveal concerns about corruption within China's Rocket Force, including instances of missiles being filled with water instead of fuel and defective missile silos. The recent dismissal of high-ranking military officials is linked to pervasive corruption within the People’s Liberation Army, raising doubts about the PLA's overall capabilities and undermining President Xi Jinping's military modernization efforts. Further dismissals are predicted, particularly within the Rocket Force, posing unprecedented challenges for China's national security and military readiness.
China conducted live-fire drills in the South China Sea while the US and Philippine navies carried out joint sea and air patrols. The Chinese navy announced no-entry zones near Hainan island for military training, while the US-Philippine joint patrol started in the Philippines' northernmost point and ended in the Philippine exclusive economic zone. The Chinese Southern Theatre Command criticized Manila for involving external forces in the disputed waters, but stated that the Yuncheng's mission was not in response to the joint patrol. The Philippines seeks closer ties with the US and has agreed to increase American military access to Philippine bases.
China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) has reportedly deployed six warships, including a guided-missile destroyer, in the Middle East amid escalating tensions due to the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. The warships, part of the PLA's 44th naval escort task force, recently participated in a joint military exercise with Oman before leaving for an undisclosed destination. This deployment coincides with the US sending its most advanced carrier and battle group to the region to assist Israel. Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for a ceasefire and reiterated support for the creation of a sovereign state of Palestine.
Speculations are growing about a Chinese nuclear-powered submarine meeting a serious mishap in the Yellow Sea, resulting in the loss of all hands on board. China's Defense Minister, Li Shangfu, has been conspicuously absent from the public eye for two weeks, leading to speculation that he is under investigation and stripped of his responsibilities. The incident has raised concerns about turmoil within China's ruling Communist Party. The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense has refrained from commenting on the matter, citing sensitivity. Experts believe that China may attempt to hide the incident, but incidents like these tend to come to light eventually.
Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu emphasized the People's Liberation Army (PLA) as a force for peace during his visit to Russia, blaming the US for "chaos and disaster." He stated that the Chinese military will collaborate closely with partners on hi-tech weapons, counterterrorism, and joint drills. Li's Russian counterpart praised Beijing's significant advancements in weapons showcased at the Army 2023 expo in Moscow.
China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) is planning to recruit more graduates with tech and leadership skills to boost modernization and ease the record jobless rate for young people. With over 11 million students graduating this year, the PLA hopes to attract some of the brightest and best to join their ranks.
A senior colonel from the People's Liberation Army (PLA) delegation at the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum stated that India is not a threat to China's military and is unlikely to catch up to China's defense industry and weapons systems. Despite border clashes, observers believe that India is unlikely to be a loyal partner in Washington's strategy to counter China. The PLA aims to become a modern fighting force by 2027.
Recent exercises conducted by the PLA demonstrate their increasing military capabilities to pressure Taiwan's leadership and people, with the use of carrier-based jets to approach the island's less protected southeastern coast being a significant aspect of the drills.