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China’s navy

China’s navy
Latest news and updates on the People’s Liberation Army Navy, including military drills, the development of warships and aircraft carriers, spending, reforms and modernisation.
Chinese coast guards use a water cannon against a Philippine vessel in the South China Sea on October 12, 2025. Photo: China Coast Guard/Xinhua
The Philippines

Philippine navy ‘up to the challenge’ of defending territory in South China Sea

Manila is banking on modern ships and global alliances to challenge China’s increasing presence in the contentious waters.

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China’s military

US Navy aircraft crashes offer lessons for PLA carrier operations, analysts say

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US-China relations

Will Trump’s battleship plan deter China or is it just a pipe dream?

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China’s military drills

Japan keeps tabs on 4 Chinese navy ships near Okinawa after weekend stand-off

China’s ‘capabilities in long-range, unmanned combat operations mean we can neutralise any threat with precision’, commentator tells CCTV.

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Japan’s Self-Defence Forces says China’s Liaoning carrier, pictured in 2021, and three guided missile destroyers are continuing drills in waters near Japan. Photo: Handout via Reuters
South China Sea

Opinion | How does China’s modernising navy stack up against the US seventh fleet?

Between what the US can sustain in the region vs what China can concentrate near its shores, the calculation increasingly favours Beijing.

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China-Japan relations

3 PLA warships sailed past Japan amid row over PM Takaichi’s Taiwan comments

Type 055 destroyer among PLA vessels to transit Osumi Strait days after Beijing criticised Japanese leader, defence ministry in Tokyo says.

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China's military weapons

Images suggest China is building its first nuclear-powered carrier

War Zone report says hull of Type 004 being built in Dalian has what might be a reactor containment structure.

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China’s new Type 004 aircraft carrier is under construction at the Dalian shipyard in the northeastern province of Liaoning. Photo: X/Tokcoslsp
Fujian Type 003 aircraft carrier

Is PLA aviator Cui Yuzhong on track to be the Chinese navy’s new commander?

Vice-Admiral Cui was seen briefing the president at the commissioning of the Fujian aircraft carrier last week.

China’s aircraft carriers

China’s third aircraft carrier enters service

The Fujian, China’s first self-developed aircraft carrier, entered service on Wednesday after about 18 months of sea trials. The vessel launches planes with electromagnetic catapults, a technology previously only used by the US.

China's military weapons

Is China’s new Type 076 drone carrier starting key catapult test?

Claims have appeared on Chinese social media that PLA’s most advanced amphibious warship, the Sichuan, has been undergoing systems testing.

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Pictures have appeared on Chinese social media, increasing speculation that China’s first Type 076 amphibious assault ship, the Sichuan, is taking part in advanced electromagnetic catapult trials. Photo: Handout
TikTok

Trump’s TikTok sign-off, China climate target, Zijin Gold IPO

This week: Trump approves planned US TikTok deal, Xi unveils 2035 emissions targets, super typhoon batters Hong Kong. Next week: September PMI, golden week travel rush, K-type tech visa, world’s biggest indoor ski centre opens and more.

President Donald Trump speaks after signing a TikTok executive order. Photo: AP
China’s aircraft carriers

Landmark launch for China’s J-35 stealth jet from Fujian aircraft carrier

In a boost to naval power, fighter takes off via vessel’s electromagnetic catapults for first time.

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China’s aircraft carriers

Will the Fujian aircraft carrier find its home port in the South China Sea?

If based at Sanya, as expected, two of China’s three active carriers will be stationed at Southern Theatre Command base.

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China's military weapons

China’s Fujian carrier leaves port, adding to signs it will soon enter service

Images on social media hint at the advanced aircraft carrier’s impending commission.

Some believe the Fujian may be sailing to Sanya, a key military port in south China. Photo: Handout
China's military weapons

While the PLA was on parade in Beijing, its navy patrolled the South China Sea

Southern Theatre Command were on high alert ‘to safeguard China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests’.

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Beijing has conducted frequent patrols and combat drills in the South China Sea and its claims in the waterway are challenged by a number of countries, including Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Brunei. Photo: Anadolu via Getty Images
China’s military

China’s display of military might adds muscle to Xi diplomacy

More than 10,000 troops and an array of cutting-edge weaponry paraded through Beijing, commemorating the end of World War II and showing off China’s growing military strength.

China-Japan relations

Chinese missile destroyer seen passing Japanese island in East China Sea: Tokyo

China’s Type 052D warship and replenishment vessel nearly circled Japanese archipelago in a month-long sailing, Japan defence ministry says.

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The Philippines

Philippines warns China not to cross ‘red line’ over grounded warship

The Philippine military says it has noted a surge in Chinese maritime activity near BRP Sierra Madre in the disputed Second Thomas Shoal.

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Chinese vessels, some mounted with armaments, are seen close to Philippine warship BRP Sierra Madre in the South China Sea on August 20. Photo: Armed Forces of the Philippines/AP
South China Sea

Beijing slams Philippine ships in first comment on South China Sea collision

Philippine vessels ‘severely jeopardised’ safety of Chinese ship crew after ‘illegally entering’ disputed waters, defence ministry says.

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South China Sea

Collision between Chinese ships expected to escalate tension in South China Sea

Analysts predict China will move to restore its image at sea while ramping up exercises to improve navy-coastguard coordination.

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China-Philippines relations

Video | Chinese ships collide in latest South China Sea flare-up with Philippines

The collision took place at contested Scarborough Shoal, or Huangyan Island, as Chinese authorities tried to expel Philippine vessels.

Chinese ships collide during clash with Philippine coastguard in contested South China Sea
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China’s aircraft carriers

PLA’s aircraft carrier goals

China’s third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, is expected to be commissioned this year as the country seeks to build up its naval power and narrow the gap with the US carrier fleet.

China’s aircraft carrier ambitions
China's military weapons

China’s Type 076 Sichuan is a next-level amphibious assault ship

PLA’s next-generation warship will boast fighter and drone strike power with an advanced electromagnetic catapult launch system.

China's military weapons

Fifth-gen fighters make cameo appearance as China unveils production facilities

State broadcaster shows the J-15T, a 4.5-generation multirole fighter that can be launched from a catapult.

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US-China relations

Trump has a US$30 billion plan to match China at shipbuilding. Can he win?

Observers say US may struggle to match China’s fast-growing naval fleet and commercial shipbuilding, even with the support of Asian allies.

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Illustration: Henry Wong
South China Sea

South China Sea: PLA blocks Philippine warship in move Manila calls ‘reckless’

Beijing warns neighbour to stop ‘provocative acts’ after halting vessel near disputed Scarborough Shoal, while Manila decries ‘harassment’.

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The Chinese frigate BN 554 tails the Philippine warship BRP Emilio Jacinto near Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea on Monday in a rare incident involving the two navies. Photo: AFP/Armed Forces of the Philippines Public Affairs Office
China's military weapons

China’s military reveals details of Type 094 nuclear submarine for first time

Vessel has submerged displacement of 11,000 tonnes, maximum speed of 30 knots and can operate at a depth of 400 metres, according to PLA.

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China's military weapons

Chinese navy puts giant warship on show to the public for anniversary

For the first time, people on the mainland can take a close look at the PLA’s Type 075 amphibious assault ship Hainan.

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