Defense/Military - 10. page

China’s “Jiutian” Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) has completed its maiden flight. An article on China.com described its “superior capabilities”:

“This UAV goes beyond the traditional roles of reconnaissance or attack, emerging as a large-scale multi-role unmanned combat platform.

“With a wingspan of up to 25 meters, a maximum takeoff weight of 16 tons, and a payload capacity of 6 tons, the Jiutian drone boasts a range of 7,000 kilometers and endurance of over 12 hours. It features 8 heavy-duty weapon hardpoints under its wings and an internally integrated heterogeneous hive mission bay, capable of carrying hundreds of swarm drones or loitering munitions, enabling multi-target strikes and coordinated combat operations.

“The drone uses advanced stealth materials and a unique aerodynamic design to reduce its radar cross-section, making it difficult to detect.

“With a maximum flight altitude of 15,000 meters, it operates above the range of most air defense systems, significantly enhancing its survivability.

“The Jiutian UAV’s payload capacity is up to 6 tons, comparable to China’s mainstay fighter jet J-10C, and even greater than the combined payload of the U.S. MQ-9 Reaper and RQ-4 Global Hawk drones. It can be equipped with a wide variety of munitions, including 1,000 kg guided bombs, air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, anti-ship missiles, and loitering munitions, achieving comprehensive strike capabilities against air, ground, and maritime targets.

“The Jiutian UAV is highly versatile, capable of reconnaissance, surveillance, precision strikes, fire support, information operations, and electronic warfare. With its modular payload system, it can switch mission types within two hours.”

Source: China.com, May 28, 2025
https://military.china.com/news/13004177/20250528/48392625.html

In June, China’s two aircraft carriers appeared near Guam, drawing praise from Chinese media, which claimed the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy had broken through the U.S.-led Second Island Chain meant to contain China’s maritime reach. The following is an excerpt from one such article:

“For decades, the United States and Japan believed they could confine the PLA Navy to nearshore waters by relying on the First and Second Island Chains.

“That belief was decisively shattered in June 2025. The Liaoning and Shandong aircraft carriers not only broke through the Second Island Chain, but also outmaneuvered the U.S.-Japan surveillance network using a ‘disappear-and-reappear’ tactic.

“Initially, Japan’s Ministry of Defense detected only the Liaoning passing through the Miyako Strait and assumed it was a routine operation. A week later, however, the Liaoning unexpectedly rendezvoused with the Shandong near Minamitorishima (Marcus Island), accompanied by the Type 055 destroyer Wuxi and the supply ship No. 903. Together, they formed a powerful strike group composed of two carriers and two large destroyers.

“Guam – widely regarded as the U.S. military’s ‘unsinkable aircraft carrier’ in the Pacific and home to B-2 bombers and nuclear submarines – is a key stronghold anchoring the Second Island Chain. The Liaoning’s maneuvers demonstrated that this once-assumed “safe zone” is now within reach of Chinese naval power. The Type 055 destroyer, equipped with YJ-21 hypersonic missiles, places Guam squarely within striking range. Meanwhile, takeoff and landing drills by Chinese carrier-based aircraft were interpreted by Japanese media as simulated strikes on Andersen Air Force Base.

“Even more critically, Guam is essentially a remote island. If blockaded by a carrier strike group, the aircraft, submarines, and thousands of U.S. troops stationed there would be completely cut off and left without support.

“It is now clear that China’s strategy is not to compete in aircraft carrier numbers, but to use mobility to neutralize the advantage of fixed U.S. bases. While the U.S. Navy has 11 carriers globally, they are dispersed worldwide. China, currently with just three carriers (Liaoning, Shandong, and Fujian), is able to concentrate its forces in key maritime zones, creating localized superiority.”

Source: Net Ease, June 14, 2025
https://www.163.com/dy/article/K1PP7UUQ0543UXIM.html

Xinhua News Agency reported that as China’s first catapult-equipped aircraft carrier, the Fujian ship, is currently undergoing intensive sea trials. “Compared with conventional carriers, those using catapult-assisted takeoff offer clear advantages,” Xinhua wrote.

“First, fighter jets can take off with a full load of fuel and munitions, directly enhancing their combat capabilities. Additionally, the carrier can support fixed-wing airborne early warning aircraft, significantly boosting its early warning, surveillance, and command-and-control capabilities. Moreover, electromagnetic catapults provide precise control over launch force, making it possible to launch a wide variety of aircraft types – from large transport and early warning aircraft to smaller drones – thereby enabling greater operational flexibility.”

Xinhua cited military expert Cao Weidong: “With the use of electromagnetic catapults, the number of aircraft takeoffs and landings on the Fujian ship can increase significantly each day, greatly strengthening its ability to gain air and maritime superiority. Stealth fighters like the J-35 are also being tested for carrier operations, which further enhances Fujian’s combat capability. Fujian, once officially commissioned, will greatly improve the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s capacity for both near-seas defense and far-seas escort missions.”

Source: Xinhua, May 24, 2025
http://www.news.cn/politics/20250524/385adc8a6dda46548c1922f05ada7156/c.html

Xinhua News Agency republished an article posted by the Ministry of State Security calling for the general public to be vigilant about foreign spies.

The article said that foreign spies may be hiding among us. It listed “multiple faces” of the spies.

• The “Detective” Who Doesn’t Investigate:
  Operatives from foreign intelligence agencies often disguise themselves as staff of detective or consulting firms. Under the pretense of verifying information or offering paid consultation, they lure domestic individuals into observing and collecting data on China’s military-sensitive sites or probing into high-tech sensitive information.
• The “Scholar” Who Doesn’t Do Research:
  These agents may pose as academics promoting scholarly exchange or scientific cooperation. They frequently visit universities and research institutions, using promises of financial benefits or academic/lifestyle conveniences to lure individuals into betraying sensitive information and core technologies.
• The “Businessman” Who Doesn’t Run a Business:
  Disguised as wealthy investors or businesspeople, these spies use the guise of investment and partnership to befriend key personnel in sensitive enterprises or government offices. They employ tactics such as financial incentives and emotional manipulation to gain intelligence in critical fields.
• The “Tourist” Who Isn’t Sightseeing:
  Claiming to visit China for tourism or to see friends and family, these operatives express interest in the country’s natural landscapes and geography. They may conduct illegal mapping or reconnaissance themselves or coerce locals into doing so.
• The “Lover” Who Isn’t Sincere:
  Foreign agents may pose as like-minded romantic interests to approach Chinese students studying abroad or initiate online connections. Once a romantic relationship is established, they engage in recruitment and subversion activities.

In addition to these roles, foreign spies may also pose as “journalists,” “visa officers,” or “Non-Government Organization (NGO) workers” – using various identities and means to collect state secrets and undermine China’s national security.

Source: Xinhua, May 25, 2025
http://www.news.cn/politics/20250525/c66dcdf735dc4d75ac940af641d38fc0/c.html

China has officially released new regulations for protecting important military facilities, which took effect on September 15. The “Important Military Facility Protection Regulations” impose strict penalties for unauthorized activities in protected zones, including photography and surveying, with violations potentially resulting in administrative penalties, criminal charges, or punishment by national security agencies for espionage.

According to CCP media outlet Xinhua News Agency, “the State Council and Central Military Commission jointly issued these comprehensive regulations containing 7 chapters and 51 articles. The legislation aims to ensure the safety of critical military facilities, maintain their operational effectiveness, and safeguard normal military research and production activities to strengthen national defense modernization.”

“The regulations clearly define the scope of important military facilities, assign responsibilities to various parties, establish procedures for designating protected zones, and outline protective measures and management obligations. County-level and higher governments must now consider military facility protection requirements when formulating economic and social development plans, while strengthening supervision and comprehensive management.

“Specifically prohibited activities include illegal photography, recording, sketching, surveying, measuring, positioning, or unauthorized use of such materials within protected zones. Violations may result in public security administrative penalties, national security agency punishment for espionage activities, or criminal prosecution depending on severity.

“Chinese authorities have repeatedly warned against photography in militarily sensitive areas. The Ministry of State Security recently cautioned about foreign intelligence personnel entering China under the guise of tourism or visiting relatives, particularly those carrying high-precision surveying equipment near military zones.

“In April, Chinese state media reported the arrest of three Filipino nationals suspected of espionage activities, who allegedly photographed and stored large amounts of military-related classified imagery for Philippine intelligence services.

“However, Chinese nationals have also faced arrests abroad for similar activities, including incidents in the Philippines and South Korea involving suspected military facility photography.”

Source: Central News Agency (Taiwan), May 27, 2025https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acn/202505270058.aspx