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China-Africa Youth Military Leader Forum Opens in Nanjing

The Youth Leadership Conference of the China-Africa Peace and Security Forum was hosted in Nanjing from July 15 to 19. Representatives of the Chinese military joined nearly 90 mid- to senior-level military officers from over 40 African countries, including Egypt, Ethiopia, and Zambia.

With the theme “Looking to the Future, Building Peace Together,” the forum featured three main topics: “Capacity Building for African Peace and Security,” “Empowering Defense and Security Cooperation Through Emerging Technologies,” and “Comprehensive Approaches to Non-Traditional Security Threats.” The event combined keynote speeches, thematic presentations, and group discussions, aiming to create a platform for equal dialogue among young Chinese and African military officers and to further build consensus, strengthen solidarity, and expand cooperation in the fields of peace and security.

Source: Huanqiu Times, July 15, 2025
https://mil.huanqiu.com/article/4NW0TmjysIG

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

China Rapidly Expanding Nuclear Arsenal, Projected to Rival U.S. and Russia by 2030

On June 16, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released its 2025 Yearbook. There are nine nuclear-armed countries in the world: United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, and Israel. Russia remains the world’s largest nuclear power in terms of total military stockpile, with 4,309 warheads. The United States ranks second with 3,700 warheads. China possesses at least 600 nuclear warheads, making it the world’s third-largest nuclear power.

Since 2023, China has been adding about 100 warheads annually, a pace far exceeding that of other countries. At this rate, China could possess 1,600 nuclear warheads by 2035.

The yearbook also noted that, as of January 2025, China had completed or nearly completed construction of approximately 350 new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) silos across three major desert regions in northern China and three mountainous regions in eastern China. China’s ICBM arsenal buildup plan is to match that of Russia or the United States.

Source: Epoch Times, June 18, 2025
https://www.epochtimes.com/gb/25/6/18/n14534239.htm

Briefings | | |   Defense/Military

China to Send 600 Troops to Russia for Training on How to Counter Western Weapons

The Kyiv Post reported on June 24, citing sources from Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Directorate (GUR), that Russia plans to arrange training for about 600 Chinese military personnel at Russian military facilities and bases this year. These Chinese personnel will receive training on how to counter Western weapons, covering areas such as tank operations, artillery, engineering, air defense, and drone warfare. The report did not specify whether the trainees would later join Russian combat units or if the training is purely for exchange purposes.

GUR sources said the Kremlin’s intention is to allow Chinese military personnel to learn from Russia’s combat experience in the Russia-Ukraine war, reflecting Russia’s desire to align with China in jointly confronting the West.

There have been reports and China provides substantial support to Russia on the Ukraine War. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy stated in May that although China had suspended the supply of drones to Kyiv and other European countries, it continued to provide related equipment to Russia. In mid-April, Zelenskyy also said Ukrainian intelligence showed that China was producing gunpowder, artillery shells, and other materials within Russian territory.

Source: Central News Agency (Taiwan), June 27, 2025
https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aopl/202506270053.aspx

Briefings | | |   Defense/Military Geo-Strategic Trend

Global Times: China to Hold Large-Scale Military Parade on September 3

Chinese state media announced a military parade that would be held at Tiananmen Square on September 3.

Military expert Zhang Junshe told Huanqiu Times that the parade will clearly showcase the new structural layout of China’s military services and arms. This structure includes the Army, Navy, Air Force, Rocket Force, as well as the newly organized Space Force, Cyberspace Force, Information Support Force, and Joint Logistics Support Force, all under the direct leadership of the Central Military Commission (CMC). Zhang noted that this means the Information Support Force, Space Force, and Cyberspace Force will make their first public appearance in a military parade.

The parade will also present the modernized image of China’s “three-pronged” armed forces, which consist of the PLA, the Chinese People’s Armed Police Force, and the militia.

Another highlight of the parade will be the equipment formations showcasing the PLA’s latest advancements. These will include new combat forces featuring unmanned intelligent systems, underwater warfare equipment, cyber warfare tools, and hypersonic weapons.

Source: Huanqiu Times, June 24, 2025
https://hqtime.huanqiu.com/article/4NDyhz4kpCA

Briefings | | |   Defense/Military

Chinese State Media’s Commentaries on NATO Summit

The NATO summit was held on June 24–25 in The Hague. Chinese Communist Party controlled state media Xinhua News Agency and Huanqiu Times published commentaries.

Xinhua: The New NATO Plan Is Hard for Europe to Digest

The summit appeared largely as a performance of unity designed to appease the U.S. A key outcome was the commitment by NATO members to raise defense spending to 5 percent of GDP by 2035. However, this superficial consensus masks deep internal divisions.

The U.S. aims to maximize its global dominance at minimal cost, while Europe prioritizes security and strategic autonomy. Trump’s double standard – refusing to meet the 5 percent target for the U.S. while demanding other countries do – has caused resentment among European countries, many of whom are hesitant to speak out.

Moreover, the sharp increase in defense spending is expected to primarily benefit the U.S. military-industrial complex. Analysts argue this is more a massive wealth transfer to the U.S. than genuine progress toward European defense independence.

Huanqiu Times: Asia-Pacific Countries Distance Themselves from NATO

Notably, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese all skipped the summit. NATO’s attempt to extend its influence by labeling China a “challenge” conflicts with its own treaty, which limits its scope to the North Atlantic region and forbids interference in Asia-Pacific affairs. China has repeatedly warned against NATO’s overreach, describing its Asia-Pacific ambitions as blatant geopolitical expansion.

The absence of these Asia-Pacific leaders sends a clear message: they refuse to become pawns in great-power rivalry or endorse an expanding NATO. This may also signal a growing political awakening in the region.

Sources:
1. Xinhua, June 26, 2025
http://www.news.cn/world/20250626/2ec6f042517740d38f80e1232b8259ca/c.html
2. Huanqiu Times, June 26, 2025
https://opinion.huanqiu.com/article/4NFxMsLy2sc

Briefings | | |   Defense/Military Economy/Resources US-China Relations

China Debuts Jiutian Stealth UAV with 6-Ton Payload and Swarm Strike Capabilities

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

Briefings | | |   Defense/Military

Pakistan to Receive Chinese J-35A Jets at 50 Percent Discount With Deferred Payment Plan

Defense cooperation between China and Pakistan has further escalated, with the Pakistan Air Force set to receive its first batch of China’s J-35A fighter jets in August this year. Pakistani pilots have already completed operational training in China, and the new aircraft are expected to be combat-ready no later than the third quarter of 2025.

J-35 is China’s most advanced fighter jet and has not been massively supplied to China’s own air forces yet.

This deal highlights China’s special support for Pakistan. China not only offered Pakistan a 50 percent discount on the price, but also provided a deferred payment option.

China offered the deal after the visit at Beijing of Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, as a reward for the Pakistan Air Force’s outstanding performance in the recent India-Pakistan “May 7 Air Conflict.”

Furthermore, both sides announced plans to strengthen cooperation on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, including $25 billion in infrastructure investment.

Source: Epoch Times, June 8, 2025
https://www.epochtimes.com/gb/25/6/8/n14527142.htm

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

Chinese Media Hail Aircraft Carrier Breakthrough Near Guam, Claiming PLA Navy Shattered U.S. Second Island Chain Strategy

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

Briefings | | |   Defense/Military