The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has achieved major progress in modernising its training programme, as it seeks to boost combat readiness in modern warfare scenarios, according to the Chinese military’s official newspaper. “The transformation and upgrading of our military training has taken a significant step forward, as [we] explore and implement a new model for…
If Donald Trump adopts a “hostile” approach toward Beijing in his second term as US president, China has many tools in its toolbox to respond, a former top US official on China policy said this week. Rick Waters, who until last year served in Joe Biden’s administration as US deputy assistant secretary of state for…
President Xi Jinping has called for paratroopers to boost combat readiness during a visit to an airborne force unit that would play a key role in a war over Taiwan. Xi was shown weapons and equipment at the PLA Air Force Airborne Corps headquarters in Xiaogan, Hubei province during Monday’s visit, official media reported on…
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to a PLA Rocket Force unit last Thursday highlights the key role the force might play in trying to deter the US from getting involved in a conflict in the Taiwan Strait, military analysts said. Last week, Xi inspected a People’s Liberation Army brigade stationed in the southeastern province of…
Congratulatory National Day messages from two Taiwanese stars famous for their past criticisms of Beijing’s policies have caused controversy on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. Wu Kang-ren – who won best actor prize at last year’s Golden Horse film awards for his role in Abang Adik – marked the 75th anniversary of the People’s…
Amid economic headwinds and rising tension across the Taiwan Strait, President Xi Jinping has used his National Day address to the nation, on the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, to reaffirm staunch backing for Hong Kong and Macau. At the same time, he sent his first direct warning to…
Shigeru Ishiba, in line to become Japan’s next prime minister, is a seasoned politician who will pursue both continuity and nuance in his China policy, according to diplomatic observers. Ishiba, a former defence chief, was elected leader of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Friday. The LDP’s parliamentary majority means he is expected to…