Skip to content

Defense/Military - 3. page

China’s Type 100 Tank Gains Beyond-Visual-Range Strike Capability

According to PLA Daily, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has taken an unprecedented step: its new-generation Type 100 tank can now engage targets beyond visual range—a capability previously exclusive to the Air Force and Navy.

Equipped with miniature optical, infrared, and radar sensors, Chinese armored vehicles can now gain a comprehensive view of the battlefield. Unlike traditional tanks, which are limited to close-range combat, the Type 100 main battle tank can coordinate long-range firepower through direct integration with rocket artillery and unmanned aerial vehicles. Beijing sees this as part of an interconnected system in which reconnaissance drones, artillery, light aircraft, and electronic warfare assets operate in concert.

Until now, only China’s Navy and Air Force had beyond-visual-range strike capabilities, thanks to advanced radar systems and strong energy autonomy. Applying these technologies to land-based tanks poses significant challenges, which Beijing says it has overcome through breakthroughs in miniature radar and secure communications.

The Global Times quoted Beijing military analyst Wang Yunfei as saying, “This will be a game-changer.” Wang added, “China has now joined the select group of countries that truly possess beyond-visual-range ground combat capabilities.”

Source: Radio France International, October 17, 2025
https://rfi.my/C6SI

Briefings | | |   Defense/Military

China Debuts Bionic Robotic Bird with Battlefield Potential

At the 2025 World Robot Conference, China unveiled bionic robotic birds that highlight a new frontier in intelligent military and surveillance technology.

These robotic birds can fly autonomously, conduct real-time target recognition, and transmit images back to command centers. Once a target is detected, the system can relay information to allied units or coordinate support from nearby robotic partners. Unlike conventional drones powered by propellers, these machines take off and maneuver using flapping wings. In flight, they closely mimic real birds – lightweight, quiet, and agile – making them nearly indistinguishable from actual birds to the naked eye.

Flapping-wing aircraft come in various models: large ones inspired by eagles, nimble ones resembling falcons, and compact versions modeled after sparrows. These robotic “flocks” can be deployed across diverse terrains, selecting bird types suited to local environments to blend seamlessly into natural bird populations – providing exceptional stealth for reconnaissance missions.

Compared with rotorcraft, flapping-wing drones generate less noise and operate on unconventional aerodynamic principles, posing greater engineering challenges. Researchers continue to focus on improving flight stability, posture control, and energy efficiency – key hurdles to unlocking their full operational potential.

Source: CCTV, October 12, 2025
https://military.cctv.com/2025/10/12/ARTIOpbQHKiP4DLH0Ht1kYbs251012.shtml

Briefings | | |   Defense/Military Information/Technology

Chinese Delegation Visiting Europe Claims “NATO Should Not Exist”

A Chinese delegation visiting the European Parliament in Brussels sparked controversy after declaring that “NATO should not exist.” The remark stunned European lawmakers and turned what was intended as a goodwill dialogue into a tense exchange.

According to reports, the meeting – the first in seven years between representatives of China’s National People’s Congress and the European Parliament’s delegation for relations with China – lasted about three hours. During the discussion, the Chinese side repeatedly echoed Russian narratives about NATO’s role in the war in Ukraine, drawing sharp criticism from European officials.

German MEP Engin Eroğlu called the statement “absurd,” emphasizing NATO’s importance in deterring Russian aggression. Other lawmakers, including Miriam Lexmann and Markéta Gregorová, rebuked the Chinese delegation for evading questions on human rights issues in Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong, as well as for Beijing’s export restrictions on rare earth materials.

The meeting underscored the persistent strain in EU–China relations, despite Beijing’s recent efforts to lift sanctions and revive dialogue with Europe.

Source: Epoch Times, October 17, 2025
https://www.epochtimes.com/b5/25/10/17/n14618423.htm

Briefings | | |   @CS Defense/Military Geo-Strategic Trend

China Announces Downfall of Nine Senior Generals, Including CMC Vice Chairman He Weidong

On the afternoon of October 17, Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense, issued the following statements:

“With the approval of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Central Committee and the Central Military Commission (CMC), the CMC’s Discipline Inspection Commission and Supervisory Commission have opened formal investigations into nine senior military officials:

  • Politburo member and CMC Vice Chairman He Weidong
  • CMC member and former Director of the CMC Political Work Department Miao Hua
  • Former Executive Deputy Director of the CMC Political Work Department He Hongjun
  • Former Executive Deputy Director of the CMC Joint Operations Command Center Wang Xiubin
  • Former Commander of the Eastern Theater Command Lin Xiangyang
  • Former Political Commissar of the Army Qin Shutang
  • Former Political Commissar of the Navy Yuan Huazhi
  • Former Commander of the Rocket Force Wang Houbin
  • Former Commander of the People’s Armed Police Wang Chunning”

“Investigations revealed that all nine officials had seriously violated Party discipline and were suspected of committing major duty-related crimes involving extremely large sums of money. Their actions were particularly egregious with profoundly negative impact. Consequently, the CCP Central Committee decided to expel all nine from the Party and transfer their cases to the military procuratorate for legal prosecution.

“Of the nine, eight – He Weidong, Miao Hua, He Hongjun, Wang Xiubin, Lin Xiangyang, Qin Shutang, Yuan Huazhi, and Wang Chunning – were Central Committee members, and their expulsions will be formally ratified at the next full Central Committee meeting. The CMC had earlier decided to strip all nine of their military ranks.”

All nine were full generals personally promoted by Xi Jinping and had advanced rapidly under his leadership. Several, including He Weidong, Miao Hua, and Lin Xiangyang, had previously served in the 31st Group Army, Xi’s former power base in Fujian.

The purge of these Xi-aligned generals from both the Party and the military has sparked speculation among rival factions and Party elders, who may question Xi’s personnel decisions and his ability to control the armed forces. At the upcoming Fourth Plenary Session of the CCP 20th Party Congress, the vacant Central Committee seats are expected to be filled, offering observers a chance to assess whether Xi’s military authority remains secure or has been weakened.

Sources:
1. Ministry of Defense website, October 17, 2025
http://www.mod.gov.cn/gfbw/qwfb/16416031.html
2. Epoch Times, October 17, 2025
https://www.epochtimes.com/gb/25/10/17/n14618290.htm

Briefings | | |   Defense/Military Government/Politics

Satellite Images Show Chinese Military Built “Mock Presidential Office” and “Mock Judicial Yuan” for Taiwan Invasion Drills

Japan’s Sankei Shimbun reports that satellite imagery obtained by the National Institute for Fundamental Studies of National Problems (Kokki Ken) reveals that China’s military has recently constructed a “mock Judicial Yuan” (Supreme Court) at its Zhurihe training base in Inner Mongolia.

Zhurihe, China’s largest military training base, already contains replicas of several Taiwanese government buildings, including a “mock Presidential Office” and a “mock Ministry of Foreign Affairs.” China Central Television (CCTV) previously broadcast footage of the mock Presidential Office during a 2015 live-fire Army exercise.

The “mock Presidential Office” and “mock Judicial Yuan” are connected by a 280-meter underground tunnel, reportedly designed to simulate a “decapitation strike” scenario targeting Taiwan’s leadership. Analysts suggest that these structures serve as tools not only for military training but also for psychological warfare – intended to project Beijing’s readiness and intimidate Taiwan.

Source: Radio France International, October 2, 2025
https://www.rfi.fr/cn/中国/20251002-日智库曝-中共在内蒙古扩建模拟台湾总统府-司法院建筑以强化斩首作战演练

Briefings | | |   Defense/Military Geo-Strategic Trend

Xinhua: Putin Responds to Trump’s “Paper Tiger” Remark, Says NATO Doesn’t Even Qualify as One

Chinese state run Xinhua News Agency reported the following on October 3:

Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking at the 22nd annual meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club in Sochi on October 2, responded to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent claim that Russia is a “paper tiger.” Putin remarked that even if Russia were a “paper tiger,” it would be a tough one, adding pointedly that NATO “doesn’t even qualify as a paper tiger.” He said, “Well if we are fighting with the entire NATO bloc, we are moving, advancing, and we feel confident, and we are a ‘paper tiger’, then what is NATO itself?”

Trump made his “paper tiger” remark late September, suggesting that Russia’s prolonged war in Ukraine made it appear weak. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov countered that Russia was not a “paper tiger,” but a “real bear.” Although Trump later walked back his comment, saying he would stop calling anyone a “paper tiger,” he repeated the phrase days later while addressing U.S. military officers.

At the same event, Putin dismissed Western accusations that Russia was behind recent sightings of unidentified drones over Danish airspace, calling them a NATO ploy to “stoke tensions and push for higher defense spending.” He criticized the alliance for “hysterically” warning of conflict while supplying Ukraine with intelligence, weapons, and training. “I just want to say: Cool down, sleep calmly, and take care of your own problems,” Putin said.

Source: Xinhua, October 3, 2025
http://www.news.cn/world/20251003/047831289d014fd6a9f9eed247bc7147/c.html

Briefings | | |   Defense/Military Geo-Strategic Trend

China’s J-15T, J-35, and KJ-600 Complete First Catapult Launches and Landings on Aircraft Carrier

Xinhua News Agency reported that China’s J-15T, J-35, and KJ-600 carrier-based aircraft have successfully completed their first catapult-assisted takeoff and landing training on the Fujian aircraft carrier. In earlier test missions, naval pilots flew these aircraft to achieve successful takeoffs and landings, confirming the strong compatibility between China’s domestically developed electromagnetic catapult and arresting systems and various aircraft models. This achievement marks the Fujian’s initial capability for full-deck operations and lays a solid foundation for integrating different carrier-based aircraft into carrier strike groups.

Since commencing its first sea trials in May 2024, the Fujian has been steadily conducting planned maritime tests, advancing smoothly in equipment debugging and overall operational stability assessments.

Source: Xinhua, September 22, 2025
http://www.xinhuanet.com/20250922/fbe3cb9b4d7d4c3c9b6852760fec7f1c/c.html

Briefings | | |   Defense/Military

Commentary on China’s Xiangshan Forum

The Xiangshan Forum, organized by China, is designed as a counterpart to the Western-led Shangri-La Dialogue, promoting an “Eastern security order” under Beijing’s leadership and consolidating its network of preferred allies. The 2025 forum was held from September 17 to 19.

China’s Message
In his keynote speech, Defense Minister Dong Jun made the following points:

  1. Emphasized China’s commitment to upholding international order while firmly opposing any “Taiwan independence” efforts, stating that China is prepared to counter external military interventions.
  2. Criticized certain foreign nations for invoking “freedom of navigation” in the South China Sea and citing international arbitration in ways that challenge fundamental principles of international relations.
  3. Highlighted the importance of maintaining a “UN-centered international system” as the framework for global peace and stability.

Reduced Prestige and Media Coverage
Analysts noted that this year’s forum appeared less prestigious than expected. Traditionally, a high-profile Xiangshan Forum requires three elements: a congratulatory letter from Xi Jinping, a keynote speech by the defense minister, and front-page coverage by central media such as Xinhua and People’s Daily. This year, Xi Jinping’s congratulatory letter was absent, signaling a downgrade in the forum’s status. Although Dong Jun delivered a keynote again, Xinhua’s coverage omitted photos of him speaking, in contrast to last year’s reports, which featured large images highlighting his presence. The official Xinhua release this year contained only 382 words, whereas minor events, such as a dinner hosted by Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, received nearly 600 words of coverage.

Lower Level of U.S. Representation
Foreign participation also declined. The Pentagon reported that the U.S. sent a defense attaché from its embassy in China, rather than a higher-ranking deputy assistant secretary of defense as in previous years. U.S. officials stated that the attaché’s attendance represented an appropriate level of participation.

Sources:
1. Radio France International, September 18, 2025
https://www.rfi.fr/cn/专栏检索/要闻解说/20250918-北京香山论坛-中国防长讲话更显强硬
2. Secret China, September 19, 2025
https://www.secretchina.com/news/gb/2025/09/19/1088319.html

Briefings | | |   @CS Defense/Military Geo-Strategic Trend US-China Relations