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☆ America’s military has the edge in space. China and Russia are in a counterspace race to disrupt it
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-27 | by ( Simone Mccarthy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +20 min

Direct-ascent anti-satellite missiles are fired from Earth to take out a satellite target in space. Since then, China is believed by analysts to have conducted multiple, nondestructive missile tests that could advance its ability to target satellites. Illustration by CNNThat’s because the US has done extensive non-offensive testing of technologies to approach and rendezvous with satellites, including close approaches of its own military satellites and several Russian and Chinese military satellites, SWF says. Chance Saltzman explained why the US felt it needed to be able to counter other countries’ space capabilities. Its tenets may be more relevant now than ever – but potentially under greater threat amid a new focus on military and space.

Persons: –, Russia’s, ”, Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan, Zang Jihui, Chance Saltzman, ” Saltzman, Juliana Suess, Kamala Harris, Etienne Laurent, SpaceX’s, Tong Zhao, ” Zhao, doesn’t, RUSI’s Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Russian, CNN, Getty, Sputnik, Center for Security, Strategy, Technology, Observer Research, Foundation, China, US Space Force, Liberation Army, PLA, Space Force, Washington, CNN That’s, Space, China’s PLA, US Space Command, Vandenberg Space Force, Bloomberg, Union of Concerned, Carnegie Endowment, International Peace, Modern Defense Technology ”, United Nations Security, US Locations: Hong Kong, Ukraine, Russia, Germany, Europe, United States, China, Moscow, North Korea, Iran, Beijing, AFP, Soviet, Soviet Union, America, New Delhi, India, CNN China, Washington, Japan, Guam, France, Australia, Israel, Gaza, London, California, Honolulu, Hawaii, powerlines

☆ China is flexing its missile arsenal in a new simulation for a mass Taiwan attack as the US watches Beijing's Rocket Force closely
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-27 | by ( Matthew Loh | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Read previewChina's Eastern Theater Command on Friday released a simulation video of its missile forces carrying out a mass attack on Taiwan, boasting its land, sea, and air launch capabilities. "Destroy the pillar of Taiwanese independence! Strike the base camp of Taiwanese independence! Related storiesBeijing's missile forces have developed rapidly in recent years, alarming US officials who are now scrutinizing its arsenals and assets. Taiwan, recognizing the Chinese missile threat, has been stocking up on US-manufactured Patriot missiles.

Persons: —, CapwDFZyds, They're, Lai Ching, Lai, Tsai Ing Organizations: Service, Command, Business, People's Liberation Army, PLA, Taiwan, Pentagon, Liberation Army Rocket Force, Eastern Theater Command, Patriot, Coast Guard, Navy, Democratic Progressive Party Locations: Taiwan, Taipei, Hualien, Kaohsiung, China, Beijing

☆ China's war drills around Taiwan enter Day 2. Here's what it means for cross-strait relations
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-24 | by ( Sumathi Bala | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Members of Taiwan's military conduct routine exercises at Liaoluo Port in Kinmen on May 24, 2024. (Photo by I-HWA CHENG/AFP via Getty Images) I-hwa Cheng | Afp | Getty ImagesChina's latest military exercises around Taiwan risk escalating cross-strait tensions — but war remains unlikely, political observers say. Beijing warned that the two-day drills, which continued on Friday, were aimed at punishing the island's new President Lai Ching-te for his "hostility and provocations." The drills are "legitimate, timely and entirely necessary," as acts of "Taiwan independence" in any form "cannot be tolerated," it added. "This pretext for conducting military exercises not only does not contribute to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, but also highlights its hegemonic nature," the ministry said.

Persons: HWA CHENG, Cheng, Lai Ching, Lai, Xi Jinping, China's, Lai —, Wang Yi, Nancy Pelosi's, Xi, Joe Biden, Gabriel Wildau Organizations: HWA, Getty, Afp, Xinhua, Atlantic, China's Ministry of National Defense, Liberation Army, PLA, Eastern, Command, U.S ., Fujian, Guard, U.S, APEC, Teneo Intelligence, Republicans Locations: Liaoluo, Kinmen, China, Taiwan, AFP, Beijing, Eurasia, Republic of China, People's Republic of China, United States, U.S

CNN —China’s military drills around Taiwan are designed to test its ability to “seize power” over the island, the People’s Liberation Army said Friday as its forces kicked off a second day of large-scale exercises encircling its democratic neighbor. Taiwan’s Defense Ministry has condemned China’s military exercises as “irrational provocations” and dispatched its own sea, air and ground forces in response. A total of 19 Chinese warships and seven coast guard vessels were detected near the Taiwan Strait, according to the ministry. China Coast Guard drill near Taiwan. China Coast Guard/Weibo‘Blockading Taiwan’China’s military drills are often as much about playing to a domestic audience as signaling intentions internationally, and state media has ramped up coverage of the drills.

Persons: CNN —, Lai Ching, Lai, Xi Jinping, ”, China’s, Tsai Ing, ” “, Wu Qian, Liu, Tsai, wasn’t, “, I’m, Zhang Chi, Zhang, Carl Schuster, Craig Singleton, ” Singleton, Singleton, Lionel Fatton, ” Fatton Organizations: CNN, People’s Liberation Army, PLA, Command, Party, Taiwan, Guard, CCTV, Taiwan’s Defense, Kyodo, Democratic Progressive Party, China’s, Ministry, Chinese Communist Party, China Coast Guard, Taiwan . China Coast Guard, Weibo, US, Coast Guard, Pacific Command’s Joint Intelligence Center, Foundation, Defense of Democracies, Webster University Locations: Taiwan, Beijing, China, Kinmen, Taiwan Strait, China's, Taiwan ., ”, Kaohsiung, Wuqiu, Geneva

☆ China has launched new drills encircling Taiwan. Why now?
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-23 | by ( Jessie Yeung | Nectar Gan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

CNN —Tensions are once again ratcheting up in the Taiwan Strait, with China launching military drills encircling Taiwan just days after the democracy swore in a new leader long loathed by Beijing. The Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) said it launched joint military drills involving the army, navy, air force and rocket force in areas around Taiwan early Thursday morning. The drills are being conducted in the Taiwan Strait – a narrow body of water separating the self-ruling island with mainland China – as well as north, south and east of Taiwan. The Chinese guided missile frigate Nantong, one of the vessels in the series of military drills around Taiwan. The defeated Nationalist Party fled to Taiwan, moving the seat of their Republic of China (ROC) government from the mainland to Taipei.

Persons: ”, Lai Ching, China’s, Xi Jinping, Li Xi, Lai, Wu Mei, Carlos Garcia Rawlins, Tsai Ing, Tsai –, Mike Gallagher Organizations: CNN, Communist Party, Eastern Theater Command, People’s Liberation Army, PLA, People's Liberation Army, Weibo, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry, Democratic Progressive Party, DPP, Chinese Communist Party, CCP, Nationalist Party, US, Communist, Beijing, Tuesday Locations: Taiwan, China, Beijing, Kinmen, Taipei, People’s Republic of China, Republic of China, Xi, Washington

☆ China starts military drills around Taiwan days after new president takes office
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-23 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Taiwan's new President Lai Ching-te speaks on stage during the inauguration ceremony outside the Presidential office building in Taipei, Taiwan, on May 20, 2024. China's military started two days of "punishment" drills around Taiwan on Thursday in what it said was a response to "separatist acts", just days after new Taiwan President Lai Ching-te took office and called on Beijing to cease its threats. China detests Lai, saying he is a "separatist", and it has denounced his inauguration speech on Monday. The Eastern Theatre Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) said it had started joint military drills, involving the army, navy, air force and rocket force, in areas around Taiwan at 7:45 a.m. (2345 GMT). The drills are being conducted in the Taiwan Strait, the north, south and east of Taiwan, as well as areas around the Taiwan-controlled islands of Kinmen, Matsu, Wuqiu and Dongyin, the command said in a statement.

Persons: Lai Ching, China detests Lai, Wang Yi, Lai Organizations: Eastern Theatre Command, People's Liberation Army, PLA Locations: Taipei, Taiwan, Beijing, China, Taiwan Strait, Kinmen

☆ China starts ‘punishment’ military drills around Taiwan days after island swears in new leader
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-22 | by ( Nectar Gan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —China has launched two days of military drills surrounding Taiwan in what it called “punishment” for “separatist acts,” days after the self-ruling island swore in a new democratically elected leader. China’s ruling Communist Party says the self-ruling democracy is part of its territory, despite never having controlled it, and has vowed to take the island, by force if necessary. The Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) said it launched joint military drills involving the army, navy, air force and rocket force in areas around Taiwan at 7.45 a.m. on Thursday. The drills are being conducted in the Taiwan Strait – a narrow body of water separating the self-ruling island with mainland China – as well as north, south and east of Taiwan. It expressed regret to “such irrational provocations and actions that undermine regional peace and stability.”

Persons: Lai Ching, China’s, Li Xi, ” Lai, Lai Organizations: CNN, Communist Party, Eastern Theater Command, People’s Liberation Army, PLA, Democratic Progressive Party, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry Locations: China, Taiwan, Kinmen, Beijing

☆ The US is worried about an invasion, but China could take control of Taiwan without firing a shot, war experts warn
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-16 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

download the appSign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. Defense experts say that an aggressive Chinese coercion campaign, short of war but still threatening, is more likely than a full-scale invasion and the US needs to prepare for such an event. Economic and diplomatic pressure is notable, and Chinese misinformation operations and the potential to slowly set up a blockade of Taiwan are also concerns. Annabelle Chih/Getty ImagesThe report identifies four things key to resisting Chinese coercion. CM-11 tanks fire artillery during the 2-day live-fire drill, amid intensifying threats military from China, in Pingtung county, Taiwan, 7 September 2022.

Persons: —, Han, Annabelle Chih, MANDY CHENG, Lai Ching, Lai, Ceng Shou Yi, John Aquilano, Xi, Aquilano, Carlos Del Toro, Frank Kendall Organizations: Service, Business, American Enterprise Institute, Institute for, Liberation Army, PLA, AEI, Cobra, Getty, Democratic Progressive Party, Taiwan, Getty Images, US, Pacific Command, US Armed Services, Air Force, Department of Defense Locations: Taiwan, China, Pingtung, US, Pacific, Hualien, AFP, Pingtung county, Guam, Japan

☆ Entity list: 37 Chinese companies hit with US trade restrictions over suspected spy balloon incident
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-10 | by ( ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

Washington — The Biden administration added 37 Chinese entities to a trade restriction list on Thursday, including some for allegedly supporting the suspected spy balloon that flew over the United States last year, heightening tensions between Beijing and Washington. Media have said state-owned China Electronics Technology Group is a top military equipment supplier. China Electronics Technology Group could not immediately be reached for comment. The trade restriction list, known as the entity list, has been used aggressively by the United States to stem the flow of technology to China amid concerns Beijing could use it to bolster its military capabilities. Being added to the list makes it harder for US suppliers to ship to the targeted entities.

Persons: Washington —, Biden, Antony Blinken, “, Army’s Organizations: The Commerce Department, China Electronics Technology Group, Media, China Electronics Technology, State, Commerce Department, PLA Locations: United States, Beijing, Washington, China, overreacting, Russia

☆ A Chinese fighter jet popped flares in the path of an Australian military helicopter in an 'unsafe' Yellow Sea intercept, Canberra says
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-06 | by ( Ella Sherman | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Read previewThe Australian government said Monday that a Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force fighter jet released flares dangerously close to an Australian Defence Force helicopter over the weekend. The PLAAF jet intercepted the Royal Australian Navy MH-60R helicopter attached to HMAS Hobart in the Yellow Sea and "released flares across the flight path of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) helicopter," the Australian government said in a statement. Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles said a Chinese J-10 fighter aircraft popped flares about 300 meters in front of the helicopter and about 60 meters above it, per reporting from the AP. Related stories"This was an unsafe manoeuvre which posed a risk to the aircraft and personnel," the statement said. This isn't the first incident involving a Chinese jet engaging in troubling behavior in the vicinity of an Australian aircraft.

Persons: —, Operation, Richard Marles Organizations: Service, Liberation Army Air Force, Australian Defence Force, Royal Australian Navy, ADF, Business, Australian Defense, China, of Defense, Military, Security, U.S Locations: Hobart, North Korea, Chinese, Canberra, Beijing, Australian, China, People's Republic of China

☆ China has a lot more missiles — with US warships and bases in its sights
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-04 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +18 min

American warships and bases in the Pacific are within reach of an increasingly worrying threat, a missile force unlike anything the US has faced in combat. With these missiles, China is signaling that it could attack US bases and ships in the region with little to no warning, Clark said. TK Department of DefenseThere's a lot more to the Chinese Rocket Force than these weapons, though. AdvertisementThat said, the US and its allies can't afford to assume the Rocket Force won't be ready should conflict come. In other words, how the US prepares itself and adapts to the Chinese Rocket Force gives it the best shot at avoiding a fight altogether.

Persons: China's, Andersen, Thomas Shugart, Bryan Clark, John Aquilino, Kevin Frayer, Harry Harris, Harris, Clark, Shugart, Gerald R, Kendall Warner, Byrd, US Defense Department Harris, Robert Peters, Peters, Ronald Reagan, Andrea Rosembert, Cpl, Ryan Little, Charles Flynn, I'm, Flynn, it's, Andy Wong Organizations: Business, Army Rocket Force, Pentagon, China's Rocket Force, Department of Defense TK Department of Defense, Center, New, New American Security, US Navy, PLA, Hudson Institute, Pacific Command, People's Liberation Army Rocket Force, Eastern Theater Command, People's Liberation Army PLA, Getty, Rocket Force, Liberation, TK Department of Defense, Chinese Rocket Force, US Defense Department, Ford, Virginian, Tribune, Service, Japan, Self, Defense Force, Misawa Air Base, Pacific, US, Defense, Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense, Army, Heritage Foundation, Aegis, Guam, Area, Ronald, Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense, Department of Defense, US Air Force, Marine Corps, Andersen Air Force Base, Marine, Combat, US Army Pacific, Stealth, Force, Military Locations: Beijing, China, American, Guam, South, Washington, Japan, New American, People's Republic of China, South Korea, Taiwan, South China, AFP, U.S, Marshall, Pearl, Pacific, PLARF, Tiananmen

☆ China's submarine force is stressed by their more realistic training for combat
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-28 | by ( Michael Peck | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

Chinese submarine crews are training to operate farther into the Western Pacific. AdvertisementChina is forcing its submarine crews to endure more intensive and realistic training exercises. Ironically, while rigorous training is intended to create a more skilled and aggressive submarine force, these changes could backfire. "What the literature does suggest is that the PLAN submarine force is simultaneously incorporating a wide range of new operational guidance, platforms, and technologies that are pushing the crews and equipment of the PLAN submarine force in ways they have not been stressed before." "But it still must improve further to be capable of supporting what is expected of the submarine force."

Persons: —, Christopher Sharman, Terry Hess, evaluators, VCG, Crews, submariners, Sharman, Michael Peck Organizations: Pacific, Service, Training, China Maritime Studies, US Naval War, People's Liberation Army Navy, PLA, PLAN, Defense, Foreign Policy, Rutgers Univ, Twitter, LinkedIn Locations: China, Pacific, Western, Soviet, Russia, Ukraine, Forbes

☆ Xi shakes up China’s military in rethink of how to ‘fight and win’ future wars
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-27 | by ( Nectar Gan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Chinese leader Xi Jinping oversees the inauguration of the Information Support Force of the People's Liberation Army at a ceremony in Beijing on April 19, 2024. The Information Support Force will be led by top generals from the now-defunct SSF. These functions will now be supervised at his level and not through the Strategic Support Force, which served as a middleman,” Wuthnow said. Though US intelligence officials said the balloon was part of an extensive surveillance program run by the Chinese military, Xi may not have been aware of the mission. Chinese leader Xi Jinping has scrapped the People's Liberation Army's Strategic Support Force, a branch he founded in 2015.

Persons: Xi Jinping, Xi, ”, Wu Qian, SSF, Bi Yi, Li Wei, Ju Qiansheng, Joel Wuthnow, ” Wuthnow, Joe Biden, didn’t, Xinhua News Agency James Char, Char Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Strategic Support Force, Support Force, PLA, China’s Defense, Aerospace Force, Cyberspace Force, Central Military Commission, Logistic Support Force, Information, Force, People's Liberation Army, Xinhua News, Information Support Force, Xinhua, Pentagon, National Defense University, Aerospace Systems Department, Network System Department, Xinhua News Agency, Rajaratnam, of International Studies, SSF’s Aerospace Systems Department, “, Communist Party, Taiwan Locations: China, Hong Kong, Beijing, Washington, United States, Singapore, Ukraine, Taiwan Strait, Taiwan

☆ The red flags that will tell us when China's actually ready to invade Taiwan
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-27 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +12 min

"I don't think they lack for anything that they need," Lyle Goldstein, director of Asia engagement at Defense Priorities, said of China's forces. Military forces are being deployed nearer to Taiwan than ever, effectively shortening Taiwan's reaction time. Stockpiling of China's rocket force, too, suggests it would have more than enough missiles and rockets to target Taiwan. One common concern is that as China's military exercises around Taiwan have grown in frequency and size, the line between exercise and potential attack is becoming blurred. Xie Huanchi/Xinhua via Getty ImagesExperts, as well as US and Taiwan lawmakers and military officials, have long debated about the readiness of the People's Liberation Army as China's military is known.

Persons: —, Lyle Goldstein, Stringer China, Xi, Thomas Shugart, who's, Shugart, Goldstein, Mike Studeman, Xi Jinping, Dean Cheng, haven't, Cheng, Xie Huanchi, There's, Kyle Amonson, Dane Egli, Annabelle Chih, Getty Images Goldstein, Joe Biden Organizations: Service, Business, Defense, REUTERS, Taiwan's, Taiwan's Ministry of Defense, US Department of Defense, China Economic, Security, PLA, Patriot, US, Center, New, New American Security, Marine Corps, China Coast Guard, Scarborough, ROSA, Military, of Naval Intelligence, Pacific Command, US Institute of Peace, of, People, Getty Images, People's Liberation Army, CCP, Soviet, Center for Strategic, International Studies, Japan, US Coast Guard, Chinese Communist Party, Democratic Progressive Party, Kyodo, Stills Locations: China, Taiwan, Asia, Liaoning, Beijing, New American, AFP, Hong Kong, Xinhua, DoD's China, Cuba, US, Tainan, Japan, Philippines

☆ Ladakh: Herders on the front line of India-China border dispute say they’re losing grazing land – and a way of life
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-16 | by ( Simone Mccarthy | Aishwarya S Iyer | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +16 min

For years, Lopzang Dadul herded his yaks, sheep and goats across the vast, vertiginous landscape near India’s contested border with China, following the seasons to find grazing land. All these areas are winter grazing areas of Chushul village. He says 60 of the 113 households in his village used to be nomadic; now only 10 are maintaining the tradition due to those factors and lost grazing lands. New Delhi says two sites remain contested along the Ladakh border after disengagement at other contested zones following the 2020 clash. Reduced patrolling led to an ultimate loss of control over such areas, where China grabs land “inch-by-inch,” the report said.

Persons: Lopzang Dadul, Dadul, ”, Mohd Arhaan Archer, Sushant Singh, Aksai Chin, Manoj Joshi, Singh, Rezeng, Stanzin, Phobrang, Sonam Dorje China, Sonam Wangchuk, Wangchuk, Sonam Dorje, India’s, won’t, “, Phunchok Stanzin, Namgail Phonchok, ” Phonchok, Narendra Modi –, Joshi, ‘, ’, China’s People’s, Modi’s, – Organizations: CNN, “, Getty, Policy Research, Observer Research Foundation, Gurung, Army, ” CNN, India’s Ministry of Defense, Mutual, Equal, China’s Defense Ministry, Protesters, Foreign Ministry, Bharatiya Janata Party, BJP, ‘, LAC, ”, Observers, ’ New, China’s People’s Liberation Army, PLA, Indian Army, Hindustan Times, Indian, Centre for Policy Research, Yale University Locations: China, Ladakh, India’s, India, Phobrang, AFP, Delhi, Ladakh’s Chushul, Chushul, Ladakh –, Leh, Jammu, Kashmir, Pakistan, New Delhi, Leh’s, Friends, Galwan, ” Beijing, Waseem

☆ China picks its lowest-scoring officers to command nuclear submarines
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-16 | by ( Michael Peck | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

The job of commanding a nuclear submarine should go to smart and well-qualified officers. Chinese submarine officers — except for engineers — tend to come from candidates with the lowest college entrance test scores, according to a US analyst. "Life in the PLAN submarine service is difficult," Christopher Sharman, director of the China Maritime Studies Institute, told Business Insider. By stressing Chinese submarine commanders, such as confronting them with multiple or unexpected challenges, they could be goaded into making a mistake. On the other hand, a Chinese submarine captain will have had years of experience and additional training before assuming command.

Persons: Roderick Lee, Lee, they've, George McClellan, —, George Patton, Christopher Sharman, Michael Peck Organizations: Service, Liberation Army Navy, PLAN, Business, Gaokao, PLA, People's, Army, PLAN Engineering University, China Maritime Studies, US Naval War, Submarine Academy, China Daily, Reuters, China's, Military Medical University, China Sea, China Maritime Studies Institute, Defense, Foreign Policy, Rutgers Univ, Twitter, LinkedIn Locations: Japan, Taiwan, West, China, Russia, South China, Chinese, Forbes

☆ US and Chinese military officials met in Hawaii to discuss operational safety in the Pacific
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-05 | by ( Haley Britzky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —US and Chinese military representatives met in Hawaii this week to discuss the safety of forces in the Pacific, marking the first in-person meeting of its kind in years after cancellations by China. The Military Maritime Consultative Agreement Working Group meeting was held in Honolulu on Wednesday and Thursday this week. Eighteen officials from China’s People’s Liberation Army attended, alongside 18 representatives from the US military’s major commands in the Pacific, including officials from US Indo-Pacific command, US Pacific Fleet, and US Pacific Air Forces. In January, US and Chinese officials also met at the Pentagon to discuss relations after two years of cancellations by China. But in January, two US defense officials told CNN that China’s unsafe interceptions of US military aircraft had eased.

Persons: ”, we’ve, Joe Biden’s, Xi Jinping, Biden, Xi, Ian Francis Organizations: CNN, Maritime, People’s Liberation Army, US Pacific Fleet, US Pacific Air Forces, Pentagon, Northeast, INDOPACOM, PLA, US Locations: Hawaii, China, Honolulu, US, ”, Northeast Asia, PRC, Philippines, South China

☆ China's internet is filled with well-wishes for earthquake-stricken Taiwan — and veiled references that the PLA can help
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-03 | by ( Matthew Loh | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Taiwan's 7.2-magnitude earthquake has drawn seemingly friendly messages on China's social media. But they're also indicative of China's ambitions for Taiwan, and what Chinese people think of the island. AdvertisementA 7.2-magnitude earthquake that hit Taiwan on Wednesday morning prompted a wave of concerned messages on mainland China's social media, diverting from the usual hostile rhetoric toward the self-governed island. Like many of China's social media platforms, Weibo is heavily censored and moderated. However, kinetic conflict is still widely viewed on social media as only one of several options for unification.

Persons: they're, —, Fabian Hamacher, Xi Jinping, Zhang Yongjin, Xi Organizations: Service, Wednesday, Reuters, REUTERS, Business, Taiwan, People's Liberation Army, PLA, Getty, Observers Locations: Taiwan, Hualien, New Taipei City, Weibo, Beijing, China, Shiyuan Township, Jishishan County, Gansu Province, Xinhua, Sichuan, Taipei

☆ How Taiwan could depend on one of the cheapest naval tactics to stop a Chinese invasion
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-29 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

An element of that strong defense, experts argue, could be one of the cheapest naval tactics: sea mines. Experts say that naval mines could be very useful for stopping China's People's Liberation Army Navy or, at the very least, creating major headaches during an invasion. "Naval mines are such a capability, complementing various other weapons." AdvertisementThat speaks to larger problems naval mines pose. But, additional capabilities would be required to fully employ a naval mine defense.

Persons: —, China's, Jonathan Dorsey, Kelly Grieco, Jennifer Kavanagh, Scott Savitz, Bernd von Jutrczenka, Hsu Shu, Dorsey, Grieco, Kavanagh Organizations: Service, Business, China's People's Liberation Army Navy, PLA, RAND, Getty, Second Mining Operations Squadron, Taiwan Locations: China, Taiwan, Baltic, Latvia, Tamsui, Azov, Ukraine, Russia, Taipei

☆ China is reportedly developing military drones that can split into 6 to overwhelm enemy defenses
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-24 | by ( Polly Thompson | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

The multiplying drones could expand into swarms that would confuse air defense systems, experts told Business Insider. But even when separated into single units, these drones' flight efficiency remains 40% higher than most small drones. Advertisement"When drones are detected, defense systems deploy a certain amount of resources proportional to the threat. If that threat suddenly multiplies, it provides an opportunity to overwhelm the air defense resources being deployed," Shumate said. Small, affordable drones are reshaping the modern battlefield in unprecedented ways, and forcing militaries to rapidly modernize their defense systems.

Persons: —, Getty, Will Shumate, Shumate, Huang, Sean Gallup, Admiral John Aquilino, Admiral Aquilino Organizations: Service, China Morning Post, Nanjing University of Aeronautics, Astronautics, Acta Aeronautica, Army, RAND, Getty, US Army, Pacific Command, Armed Locations: China, Russia, Ukraine

☆ China's military, state media slam U.S. after report on SpaceX spy satellites
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-19 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Chinese military and state-run media on Sunday accused the United States of threatening global security, days after a Reuters report which found Elon Musk's SpaceX was building hundreds of spy satellites for a U.S. intelligence agency. Chinese military and state-run media on Sunday accused the United States of threatening global security, days after a Reuters report which found Elon Musk's SpaceX was building hundreds of spy satellites for a U.S. intelligence agency. A social media account run by the People's Liberation Army, or PLA, said the SpaceX program exposed the United States' "shamelessness and double standards" as Washington accuses Chinese tech companies of threatening U.S. security. "We urge U.S. companies to not help a villain do evil," Junzhengping, an account run by the PLA, posted on social media platform Weibo on Sunday. Wang Yanan, chief editor of Aerospace Knowledge, a magazine overseen by the ruling Communist Party, was quoted in an interview as saying the SpaceX satellite project posed "a challenge to global security and stability".

Persons: Elon, SpaceX's, Wang Yanan Organizations: Reuters, SpaceX, National Reconnaissance Office, NRO, People's Liberation Army, PLA, U.S ., Aerospace, Communist Party Locations: United States, Washington, U.S, Weibo

☆ Major companies in China are setting up their own volunteer armies
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-21 | by ( Laura He | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +12 min

Hong Kong CNN —Chinese companies are doing something rarely seen since the 1970s: setting up their own volunteer armies. According to China’s Military Service Law, male militia members should be 18 to 35 years old. It was latest in a slew of militias established by major Chinese companies in the past year. After 1949, when the party took control of mainland China, the units were eventually embedded into governments, schools and companies. This can, in the long run, save the PLA resources by delegating some duties to militia forces to care for,” Heath said.

Persons: Xi, ”, Neil Thomas, Nuo Nuo, Huang Zhiqiang, Qilai Shen, Liu Jie, Mao Zedong, Mao, Timothy Heath, homebuyers, Heath, ” Heath, Willy Lam, Sam Yeh, ” Lam, China’s Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, CNN, People’s Armed Forces Departments, America’s National Guard, Communist, Asia Society, Center for, Communist Party, China Labour Bulletin, Foxconn, Yili, Armed Forces Department, China’s Military Service Law, People’s Liberation Army, PLA, government’s Communist Party, Inner Mongolia Autonomous, Bloomberg, Getty, Shanghai Municipal Investment Group, Construction Investment, Development, Defense Ministry, People’s Armed Police, Armed, Rand Corporation, Jamestown Foundation, Party, Taiwan Locations: China, Hong Kong, Center for China, Beijing, Zhengzhou, Henan, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, Yili, Shanghai, Mengniu, Nantong city, Jiangsu, Huizhou city, Guangdong, Wuhan, Hubei province, People’s Republic, United States, Taiwan, Fangchenggang City, Guangxi, ”, PLA, Taiwan's, AFP

☆ China is learning to prepare for a drawn-out war after watching Russia struggle for years in Ukraine: think-tank
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-15 | by ( Matthew Loh | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

China is showing signs that it's thinking about a drawn-out war after watching Russia, the IISS said. It shows Beijing is considering how it might not achieve a "swift victory" if it goes to war, an IISS analyst said. AdvertisementBeijing's military leaders appear to be preparing China for the possibility of a long-drawn war after observing Russia's protracted conflict in Ukraine, according to an international think-tank. Heavy losses in Ukraine, coupled with reports of mistreatment of conscripts and contract soldiers on the battlefield, have been stumbling blocks for Russian military recruitment. AdvertisementThe IISS report said China has been gleaning other lessons from the war, though the think-tank said it's difficult to confirm what exactly Beijing is learning.

Persons: —, IISS, Nouwens Organizations: Service, Kremlin, PLA Army, International Institute for Strategic Studies, Liberation Army, Nikkei Asia, Nikkei, PLA Locations: China, Russia, Beijing, Ukraine

☆ Xi Jinping's high-rank purges show a 'systemic rot' in China's military that could threaten its readiness for war: senior US official
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-15 | by ( Matthew Loh | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

China's latest military purge shows that it's suffering from more than just graft, a senior US official said. It's likely the PLA's corruption had a material effect on its war capabilities, said Ely Ratner. But, according to Ratner, Xi's latest military purge indicated a more serious problem. Xi's anti-corruption sweep last year extended as high as China's defense minister, Li Shangfu, who was replaced in October. Several top commanders were also fired from China's Rocket Force, a branch that Xi has emphasized as key to Beijing's strength.

Persons: It's, Ely Ratner, Ratner, —, Ryan Evans, Xi Jinping, ", Xi's, Li Shangfu, Xi, hotpot Organizations: Service, Pacific Security Affairs, People's Liberation Army, Communist Party, China's, Force, Bloomberg, PLA, Radio Free, Defense, China Task Force, International Institute for Strategic Studies Locations: Beijing, China, Switzerland

☆ China can't use civilian ships to invade Taiwan just yet, but it's getting there, says former US intelligence officer
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-14 | by ( Matthew Loh | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

AdvertisementChina's fleet of civilian ships earmarked for war is unlikely to successfully invade Taiwan until at least 2030. AdvertisementThese civilian ships are mostly used to ferry military assets, particularly for beach landings, in exercises focused along the Taiwan Strait, Dahm added. AdvertisementChina might also use open-deck civilian ships as sea-based landing pads for helicopters, he added. Alternatively, the civilian ships can be used to rapidly transport military resources along China's coast during war, he added. "The PLA is clearly developing required procedures and increasing proficiency using civilian ships for logistics and landing operations," he wrote.

Persons: Michael Dahm, They're, Dahm, —, William Lai Ching Organizations: Service, Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, US, China Maritime Studies Institute, PLA, Trade, People's Liberation Army Locations: Taiwan, Beijing, China, Taiwan Strait

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