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Military

Official accounts describe preparations across at least four of the Chinese military’s five theatre commands as ground units work to improve concealment against aerial surveillance and integrate counter-drone equipment. Photo: 81.cn
China’s military drills

How are Chinese infantry units training to survive drone-filled battlefields?

PLA brigades are experimenting with counter-drone measures, but analysts warn that duplicated efforts could hinder progress.

China-India relations

India forms specialist police commando units to patrol border with China

China’s Communist Party

China’s top general urges joint military-civilian crackdown on arms corruption

US-China relations

Could US Marines sustain a war with China? Officers warn of Pacific weaknesses

Japan and the Philippines impose restrictions on US operations, raising questions about wartime strikes launched from allied territory.

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Serving and retired officers have highlighted obstacles facing the US Marine Corps in a conflict in the western Pacific, including how to keep up munitions and supplies as well as how allies might respond. EPA-EFE/Armed Forces of the Philippines
Serving and retired officers have highlighted obstacles facing the US Marine Corps in a conflict in the western Pacific, including how to keep up munitions and supplies as well as how allies might respond. EPA-EFE/Armed Forces of the Philippines
China's military weapons

China uses military drones, heavy-lift and C909 planes in huge forest fire drill

More than 1,600 personnel and 40 aircraft reportedly took part in the exercise simulating a wildfire in mountainous Chongqing.

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China's military weapons

Fresh GJ-11 footage gives glimpse of weapon bay on China’s next-gen drone

Images released in a state media report just a few days ahead of a PLA Air Force anniversary.

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Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation

C-17, Il-76 and Y-20 equals: an aviation moment in the skies over China

The US heavy lifter was spotted above Shenzhen, the Russian-made plane was in Chongqing and the Chinese aircraft is in PLA service.

The Il-76 aircraft takes part in a firefighting exercise on Monday. Photo: X/WenJIan0922
The Il-76 aircraft takes part in a firefighting exercise on Monday. Photo: X/WenJIan0922
SCMP Highlights

China’s torpedo tech; ‘unimaginable’ defects at MTR station: 5 weekend reads

From China’s steady moon plan to India’s row with US over Pakistan F-16s, here are five stories you may have missed over the weekend.

China’s military drills

Is the PLA rehearsing operations to keep US forces out of a Taiwan conflict?

More than 100 vessels have been reported in the western Pacific and South China Sea but no large-scale drill has been announced.

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China's military weapons

Is China getting faster at integrating new nuclear missiles into its forces?

Newest ICBM the DF-61 has progressed to routine drills but that does not necessarily point to more efficient development, analysts say.

The DF-61 intercontinental ballistic missile was unveiled at a military parade in Beijing in September 2025. Photo: Xinhua
US-China relations

Trump’s war secretary Pete Hegseth and Admiral Paparo may ‘soon visit China’

South China Sea is now a bigger flashpoint than Taiwan, former US diplomat says while disclosing potential visit.

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US President Donald Trump and defence chief Pete Hegseth attend a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People, in Beijing on May 14. Photo: Reuters
US President Donald Trump and defence chief Pete Hegseth attend a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People, in Beijing on May 14. Photo: Reuters
China's military weapons

China puts DF missiles on display amid speculation about ICBM test

State media showcase the nuclear-capable DF-61 and the rarely seen DF-100 as Beijing marks anniversary of the first Dongfeng-series missile.

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US military

US beefs up Pacific cyber defences as concerns grow over risk to undersea cables

New measures to protect communications follow American warning that China is targeting critical networks in the region.

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China’s Communist Party

China’s new PLA theatre chiefs identified as anti-corruption drive clears ranks

Insignia and seating arrangements at Beijing conclave reveal the emerging military commanders tasked with joint combat readiness.

The fifth plenum confirmed the expulsion of 33 full and alternate Central Committee members, including 16 senior military officers. Seating positions at the plenum also gave clues to their replacements. Photo: Xinhua
China’s Communist Party

Ex-armed police chief Wang Ning ousted from China’s top advisory body

Wang joins predecessors in disgrace as Beijing deepens scrutiny of internal security.

Wang Ning has been removed as a standing committee member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and vice-chairman of its foreign affairs committee. Photo: Handout
Wang Ning has been removed as a standing committee member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and vice-chairman of its foreign affairs committee. Photo: Handout
China-Japan relations

What’s the message for China as Japan weighs US$500 billion defence boost?

Drones, AI battlefield management, and multi-domain warfare including cyber and space likely to be key elements of build-up, analyst says.

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China’s military drills

Taiwan flags massive PLA naval mobilisation, spike in air sorties

Island’s defence ministry reports 49 sorties of PLA aircraft in the 24 hours to 6am on Tuesday, marking the highest single-day total this year.

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South China Sea

China accuses Philippine politicians of ‘intolerable’ conduct as tensions rise

China’s top diplomat Wang Yi urges the Philippines to rein in politicians who had repeatedly ‘smeared’ Beijing and crossed its ‘red lines’.

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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has urged the Philippines to stop some of their politicians from crossing “red lines”. Photo: AFP
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has urged the Philippines to stop some of their politicians from crossing “red lines”. Photo: AFP
China-Russia relations

Top Chinese general meets Russian defence chief days after Politburo appointment

Zhang Shengmin pledges deeper military cooperation with Moscow, praising ‘fruitful achievements’ from the two countries.

China's military weapons

China tests wave-piercing stealth trimaran as unconventional naval fleet grows

High-speed platform seen with distinct wake could serve as an autonomous weapons carrier or sensor hub for naval operations.

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China's military weapons

China’s HQ series intercepts 2 new missile types as PLA tests weapon platform

State broadcaster highlights exercise by ground-based air defence unit, though it is unclear what was being tested.

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The ground-based Shenwei Missile Battalion reportedly intercepted two new types of missile during the exercise. Photo: Weibo/China Jun Hao
US-China relations

‘Queen of the Chinese’, drone war fears: 7 US-China relations reads

From Texas’ lost Chinese history to a travel warning, here are highlights from the SCMP’s overseas correspondents in late October 2026.

The US needs to put more funding into modern war techniques and technologies such as drones to compete with China, a Republican senator has warned. Photo: Getty Images
The US needs to put more funding into modern war techniques and technologies such as drones to compete with China, a Republican senator has warned. Photo: Getty Images
China's military weapons

Has the Pakistani military bought 30 Z-10ME attack helicopters from China?

Previous media reports suggested that Islamabad had sought to acquire as many as 40 Z-10-series helicopters as early as 2022.

Taiwan

Raising the bar: Taiwan alters draft rules to add thousands to armed forces

Revised BMI, height and medical thresholds aim to halve draft waiver rates amid draft-dodging scandal and personnel shortage.

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China's military weapons

Beijing doubles down on Type 071 amphibious warships, signalling a Taiwan focus

Move challenges US assessments that Beijing lacks the maritime lift and logistical support needed for a large-scale attack on the island.

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Reports suggest Beijing has six new Type 071 amphibious transport docks at various stages of construction or fit-out at two shipyards. Photo: Handout
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