The ground force of the theater command conducted long-range live-fire drills in waters of the East China Sea according to training plans of the "Strait Thunder-2025A" exercise on Wednesday, Senior Colonel Shi Yi, spokesperson of the PLA Eastern Theater Command, announced on Wednesday.

Following the organization of its army, navy, air, and rocket forces to conduct joint exercises around Taiwan island on Tuesday, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) organized the "Strait Thunder-2025A" exercises in the central and southern areas of the Taiwan Straits on Wednesday.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command on Tuesday started to conduct joint exercises around Taiwan island, said a spokesperson. Military experts noted that the drills are clearly targeted, and aimed directly at the Lai Ching-te authorities and "Taiwan independence" separatist forces. They also noted that the operation is a legitimate and necessary measure to firmly safeguard China's national sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.

Advanced weapons and equipment such as the Type 054A frigate, the DF-15 ballistic missile, the H-6K bomber and the Y-20 transport aircraft have joined the PLA Eastern Theater Command's joint exercise around the island of Taiwan on Tuesday, a video released by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command showed. During the exercises, the H-6K bomber carried YJ-21 air-launched ballistic missile, which was unveiled previously at Airshow China.

Organizing its army, navy, air and rocket forces, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command launched joint exercises around the island of Taiwan on Tuesday. Upon orders, the forces mobilized from all directions, assembled and encircled the island. The exercises showed three major capabilities of the PLA, namely joint operation, precision strike on key targets, and seizure of control, an expert told the Global Times.

"This is not an April Fool's joke," said a Taiwan-based news outlet, as Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command started joint exercises around Taiwan island on Tuesday. The drills have left some Taiwan media and netizens on the island in a state of shock, while also sparked frustration against the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities over their secessionist provocations, which many believe have jeopardized cross-Straits peace and stability.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command on Tuesday launched joint military exercises around Taiwan island, marking another large-scale operation following the "Joint Sword-2024A" and "Joint Sword-2024B" drills conducted in May and October 2024. The latest exercise carries three major strategic implications and will deliver a strong deterrent message to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, said an expert on the Taiwan question.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command on Tuesday started joint exercises around Taiwan island. Shortly after, the command's official WeChat account released a series of cartoons titled "Shell," depicting six major PLA weapons crossing the sea and encircling the Taiwan island.

China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels on Tuesday conducted law-enforcement patrols in waters around Taiwan island in accordance with the one-China principle, amid the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command's joint exercises around the island.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command started to conduct joint exercises on Tuesday, organizing its army, navy, air and rocket forces to close in toward the Taiwan island from multiple directions. These drills mainly focus on sea-air combat-readiness patrols, joint seizure of comprehensive superiority, assault on maritime and ground targets, and blockade on key areas and sea lanes so as to test joint operation capabilities of its troops.

The joint exercises conducted by the Chinese People's Liberation ​Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command around the Taiwan Island serve as a resolute punishment against the reckless provocations of the Lai Ching-te authorities in seeking "Taiwan independence," Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said on Tuesday.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command started to conduct joint exercises on Tuesday, organizing its army, navy, air and rocket forces to close in on the Taiwan Island from multiple directions, Senior Colonel Shi Yi, spokesperson for the Eastern Theater Command, announced on the day.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (China Navy) launched its official account on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) on Monday, marking the first such account established by a service or arm of the Chinese military on an international social platform.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command on Tuesday started joint exercises around Taiwan island. Military experts noted that the drills are clearly targeted, and aimed directly at the Lai Ching-te authorities and "Taiwan independence" separatist forces. They said that the operation is a legitimate and necessary measure to firmly safeguard China's national sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.

An upgraded version of China's JL-9 naval trainer jet was featured in a recent official report, revealing newly added wingtip split rudders. A Chinese military affairs expert said on Sunday that the technology will enhance carrier pilot training and could be applied to future stealth aircraft.

Senior Colonel Tian Junli, a spokesperson for the PLA Southern Theater Command, stated the PLA Southern Theater Command conducted routine patrols in the South China Sea waters on Friday.

In response to US defense secretary's scheduled visit to the Philippines to discuss China's activities in the South China Sea, the US support of the Philippine armed forces and the claims made by the Philippine Ambassador to the US, Senior Colonel Wu Qian, a Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson, said at a regular press conference on Thursday that US-Philippines military cooperation must not harm other countries' security interests or the peace and stability of the region.

In response to reports saying that the aircraft carrier Fujian has recently embarked on its seventh sea trial, with analyses saying the focus of the voyage could be the catapult launch and arresting tests for aircraft, Senior Colonel Wu Qian, a Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson, said at a regular press conference on Thursday that there is currently no information to release, but the Fujian's maritime tests are normal arrangement during its construction.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army recently conducted readiness patrols and joint exercises in areas around Taiwan island, the Chinese defense ministry revealed on Thursday, saying that the Chinese military will take resolute measures to defeat any separatist attempt for “Taiwan independence”.

When asked about whether the Chinese and US militaries would conduct important exchanges in the near future and on further information on the bilateral military relations, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian said on Thursday that the two sides have reached some preliminary consensus on China-US military exchanges, which are advancing as planned. Building a stable China-US military relationship serves the common interests of both sides and meets the expectations of the international community.

When asked about the main goal of the Chinese mainland's military drills near the Taiwan Straits, whether a military blockade could become a strategic option in resolving the Taiwan question, and the strategic and security objectives of the mainland's long-term military strategy on the Taiwan island, Chen Binhua, a spokesperson with the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said at a regular press conference on Wednesday that the military drills by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) around the island of Taiwan are an act of deterrence against “Taiwan independence” secessionist attempts and interference by external forces, a necessary move of justice to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The US has sustained a high-intensity military presence in the South China Sea and nearby areas, but the number and frequency of deployed platforms have plateaued over the past year, according to a Chinese think tank report released Tuesday. A Chinese military affairs expert warned that overextension of the US military activities may increase the risk of accidents.

China and Thailand will soon kick off a joint naval exercise off China's southern coast, the Chinese Defense Ministry announced on Monday. A Chinese military affairs expert said the drill will improve interoperability and contribute to regional peace and stability.

The US' recent announcement of the F-47 fighter jet has drawn intensive analyses from Chinese military affairs experts and observers, who acknowledged the aircraft being a real sixth-generation fighter jet for featuring typical characteristics such as a tailless design, but they also raised questions over its potentially limited stealth capability, relatively small size, and the US' selection of Boeing to build the warplane.

A senior official of US Space Force recently claimed that Chinese satellites engaged in “dogfighting” maneuvers in low Earth orbit. Such a claim however has been disputed by even the US experts, who also questioned the claim's “hostile intentions” as the US also undertakes it. Chinese observers saw the claim as a budget-driven ploy, and part of a broader effort to curb space advances by emerging powers and preserve US dominance in orbit.

A Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) delegation will participate in the fifth Military World Winter Games from March 23 to 31 in Switzerland, the Ministry of National Defense said on Saturday.

Two Type 053H3 frigates, formerly key warships of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, have been repurposed as training vessels and recently participated in a combat exercise. A military affairs expert highlighted the rapid modernization of China's naval fleet, with advanced frigates like the Type 054A and the newly commissioned Type 054B gradually replacing the older Type 053 series.

An alleged Chinese sixth-generation fighter jet that first appeared in December last year apparently has conducted another flight test recently, according to videos and images on social media on Monday. A Chinese military affairs expert said the footage, if authentic, showed that the flight tests of the new aircraft are progressing smoothly.

The Pakistan Navy's second Hangor-class submarine was recently launched in China, with a Chinese expert expecting the boat with strong comprehensive combat capability to become a mainstay for the Pakistan Navy and represent a high level of military cooperation between the two countries to safeguard peace and stability in the region.

At around 1:30 pm on Saturday, a fighter aircraft from the navy of the PLA Southern Theater Command crashed during a training exercise, landing in an unpopulated area near Jialai Township, Lingao County, South China's Hainan Province, the PLA Navy said in a statement. The pilot(s) successfully ejected, and no collateral damage was reported on the ground. The Southern Theater Command Navy is managing the aftermath, while the cause of the crash remains under investigation.

In response to a media inquiry on reports regarding the US claiming that China may be building a large nuclear-powered aircraft carrier that would rival the American vessel, Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, said on Friday that the media reports are purely speculative.

After its commissioning into the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy in January, China's first Type 054B frigate made its first public appearance with a training exercise in the Yellow Sea on Thursday. An expert described the rapid development of the warship's capabilities as astounding and predicted it would become combat-ready soon.

China, Iran and Russia on Tuesday wrapped up a maritime drill after practicing night live-fire shooting and rescue operation of simulated hijacked commercial ships near Iran. A Chinese expert said the exercise has boosted the three countries' naval capabilities in dealing with non-traditional security threats.

A Chinese naval researcher recently revealed that her work on anti-corrosion technologies is contributing to extending warships' service life. An analyst said on Wednesday that corrosion protection is a key aspect that directly affects the generation of combat capabilities.

The US was by far the largest exporter of major arms from 2020 to 2024 with a share of 43 percent of global arms exports, a significant increase compared to the 35 percent share it held in the period of 2015–2019, according to a report unveiled by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) on Monday, which noted that although European countries have called for stronger "defense autonomy," they remain deeply tied to US weapons.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force's Y-20 strategic transport aircraft is in a constant process of hardware and software upgrades, with primary-level troops making innovations by applying 3D printing technologies, a pilot has revealed.

The world is not a peaceful place, and peace requires safeguarding, a Chinese military spokesperson said on Sunday, elaborating on the 7.2 percent growth in China's 2025 defense budget. The spokesperson emphasized that the increase has been reasonable and steady.

Chinese Defense Ministry announced on Sunday that it will soon hold a joint naval exercise with Iran and Russia near Iran, with the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy sending a destroyer and a replenish ship. A Chinese expert said the drill will help safeguard security in the strategically important energy shipping region.

China on Wednesday announced a 7.2-percent increase in its 2025 national defense budget. The planned defense expenditure of the country will be 1.784665 trillion yuan ($249 billion) this year, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

On Tuesday, with China's permission, the Philippines dispatched a civilian ship to deliver essential supplies to an illegally “grounded” warship at Ren'ai Jiao. The China Coast Guard (CCG) monitored and verified the entire process, CCG spokesperson Liu Dejun said in a statement on Wednesday.

The third session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) will publish China's defense budget for this year, a spokesperson revealed on Tuesday, noting that China's defense spending has maintained single-digit growth for nine years running, and its share as a percentage of GDP has been kept under 1.5 percent for many years, lower than the global average。

Three Type 055 destroyers of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy have been recently conducting separate training exercises in the Yellow Sea, South Pacific, and South China Sea. Experts called the Type 055 the world's best destroyer in terms of comprehensive capabilities, and multiple ships of this class offer the PLA Navy tactical flexibilities in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and interests.

The drills conducted by the Chinese fleet have been safe, professional, and in accordance with relevant international law and established practices, and they are completely different with the Australian military aircraft's intrusion into China's airspace, which is a serious violation of international law and undermines China's national security, said Chinese Ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian in an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in Hobart, the capital of Tasmania on Thursday.

In response to four questions raised by journalists on the recent exercises by Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy warships in international waters near Australia and New Zealand, including the two countries' claims that China did not notify them in time, a Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson on Thursday reiterated that the PLA Navy flotilla's activities completely conform to international law. He responded by asking if Australia would send notifications in advance when it conducts military operations near China.

China's Ministry of National Defense (MND) sent out a stern warning on Thursday to the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities in the island of Taiwan saying that "we will come and get you, sooner or later."

The Chinese Defense Ministry on Thursday warned Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities on the island of Taiwan: "We will come and get you, sooner or later."

An official Chinese media report on Tuesday provided details of recent exercises by Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) warships in the Pacific Ocean that included live-fire drills, which have been hyped by Australia and New Zealand over the past few days.

The Chinese Defense Ministry on Sunday rejected Australia's accusation about the recent activities and drills of three Chinese warships, calling Australia's remarks completely inconsistent with the facts while stressing that China's actions are in full compliance with international law and practices and will not affect aviation safety.

In response to Australia's accusation of China's lack of transparency and the Australian air traffic control agency's notices for some airlines to adjust their flight plans amid the recent activities of three Chinese warships and live-fire drills in waters near Australia, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian stated in a statement on Sunday that the relevant remarks from the Australian side are completely inconsistent with the facts.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command on Friday revealed two illegal intrusions by Philippine aircraft on Tuesday and Thursday in the South China Sea, warning that the Philippines' clumsy attempt to promote illegitimate claims by reversing the facts is doomed to fail.

Australia is reportedly “keeping close watch” on three Chinese military ships spotted 150 nautical miles from Sydney. A Chinese military expert said on Thursday that the Chinese warships are on a normal far seas exercise, and there is no need to make a fuss about this move that conforms to the international law and norms.

Multiple types of advanced equipment, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), robotic dogs and explosive ordnance disposal robots, were deployed in a recent defense exercise conducted by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), as an expert predicts that drones are to see more applications in all aspects of combat.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force has integrated new technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), into its annual pilot recruitment program for 2025 to boost precision in selection. An expert expressed hope that AI will help recruit more capable pilots.

In response to a question about Vietnam expanding Bai Jiao 10 times by land reclamation, dredging a 299-meter-wide waterway located at the western end of Bai Jiao wide enough to host large vessels including warships, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Wednesday that the Nansha Qundao are China's inherent territory, and Bai Jiao is a part of the Nansha Qundao, according to CCTV News.

In response to a media question about "three Chinese warships sailing in Australia's 'exclusive economic zone'," Guo Jiakun, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said at a regular press conference on Wednesday that he is not familiar with the situation.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command on Tuesday expelled a Philippine aircraft which illegally trespassed into Chinese territorial airspace over Huangyan Dao in the South China Sea. A Chinese expert slammed the Philippines' increased provocations from the air, which is riskier and could cause unexpected incidents.

China and Australia held the 23rd China-Australia Defense Strategic Dialogue in Beijing on Monday, with the two sides exchanging in-depth views on relations between the two countries, their militaries, regional security and other issues of common concern, according to a statement released by China's Ministry of National Defense.

Some of China's top aviation equipment, including the FC-31 stealth fighter jet, the J-10CE fighter jet and the Taihang turbofan engine, are on display at an ongoing defense expo in the UAE, with a Chinese expert seeing good export potential in the Middle Eastern market.

On Sunday, the Canadian frigate HMCS Ottawa sailed through the Taiwan Straits and attempted to generate public attention around the transit. The Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army deployed naval and air assets to monitor and track the Canadian vessel's movements, ensuring a controlled and effective response, Senior Captain Li Xi, spokesperson for the Eastern Theater Command of the PLA, said in a statement on Monday.

The island of Taiwan's external affairs authority said that a Canadian frigate sailed through the Taiwan Straits on Sunday while its defense authority claimed it detected 24 Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft conducting joint training with PLA vessels on the same day. A Chinese mainland expert said on Sunday that the Canadian warship sent wrong signals to “Taiwan independence” secessionist forces, but posed little military threat.

The Philippine side brought in the Typhon system to cater to the US side would only place its national security and defense in the hands of others, and lead to geopolitical confrontation and risks of arms race in the region. It's like holding a candle to the devil and playing the jackal to the tiger, Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, said on Friday.

In response to Australian defense department's recent claim that an Australian air force patrol aircraft experienced an "unsafe and unprofessional" interaction with a Chinese Air Force aircraft in the South China Sea, Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, said that Australia deliberately provoked and infringed upon China's rights in the South China Sea on February 11, and then falsely accused China, spreading misleading narratives. China firmly opposes this and has lodged serious protests with Australia.

In response to Australian defense ministry's claim on Thursday that an Australian air force patrol aircraft experienced an “unsafe and unprofessional” interaction with a Chinese Air Force aircraft in the South China Sea on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a regular press conference on Thursday that the Australian military aircraft deliberately intruded into China's territorial airspace of Xisha Qundao without China's permission, infringing on China's sovereignty and endangering China's national security, and China's measures to expel the aircraft were legitimate, professional and exercised with restraint.

Some foreign media hyped that a Chinese warship that recently sailed into the Pacific Ocean was suspected of being armed with a laser weapon. A Chinese expert said on Thursday that laser is a type of defensive weapon being developed by multiple countries, and there is no need to make an undue fuss over this potential development.

In response to Australian defense ministry's claim on Thursday that an Australian air force patrol aircraft experienced an “unsafe and unprofessional” interaction with a Chinese Air Force aircraft in the South China Sea on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a regular press conference on Thursday that the Australian military aircraft deliberately intruded into China's territorial airspace of Xisha Qundao without China's permission, infringing on China's sovereignty and endangering China's national security.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command dispatched multiple waves of naval and air forces to conduct combat alert patrols and training around the island of Taiwan from Chinese New Year's Eve on January 28 to the Lantern Festival on Wednesday, China Central Television (CCTV) reported on Wednesday.

In the early morning of Wednesday at 1:52 am, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command released a statement from its spokesperson regarding the transit of US vessels through the Taiwan Straits. A military expert told the Global Times that this was the first publicly reported US vessel transit of the Taiwan Straits in 2025. Unlike previous transits, which typically began and ended on the same day, this operation lasted from Monday to Wednesday, marking a longer duration, the expert said, noting that the PLA Eastern Theater Command moved more proactively in releasing information about the US vessels' Taiwan Straits transit.

The Pakistan Navy-led AMAN-2025 multinational maritime exercise wrapped up on Tuesday in the Arabian Sea, with senior Pakistani naval officers speaking highly of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's participation during the event.

A group of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy warships will join a multinational maritime joint exercise in Pakistan this month with a focus on anti-piracy operations and maritime security cooperation. The drill will enhance the security of vital sea lanes, thereby reinforcing China's overseas interests, a Chinese military expert said on Thursday.

Using land-based aircraft, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy has begun testing training strategies for carrier-based special mission aircraft in preparation for its deployment on the Fujian, China's first aircraft carrier equipped with electromagnetic catapults, official media reported on Wednesday.

On Wednesday, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command conducted routine patrols in the South China Sea, according to Senior Colonel Tian Junli, spokesperson for the Southern Theater Command.

It has become routine that aviation forces from the army, navy and air force of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command to share airfields in trainings, with a Chinese military expert saying on Tuesday that such resource sharing and joint logistics support is vital to combat capability in cross-service joint operations.

On Tuesday, the air force of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command conducted a routine patrol in the airspace over Huangyan Dao, Senior Colonel Li Jianjian, spokesperson of the air force of the PLA Southern Theater Command, announced in a statement.

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command on Monday organized naval and air forces to conduct far seas drills passing through the Basilan Strait. The relevant operations strictly followed safe, standardized, and professional practices, fully complying with international law and norms, Tian Junli, spokesperson of the PLA Southern Theater Command said in a statement on Monday.

On Friday, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command conducted combat readiness patrols with naval and air forces in the territorial waters and airspace around China's Huangyan Dao and its adjacent areas, the PLA Southern Theater Command announced on Saturday.

On the first day of the Chinese New Year, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command released a short video and a series of posters titled "Using force to achieve peace," showcasing the determination and resolve of the troops in the theater, who remain at their posts to protect family reunions, uphold their original mission to ensure the happiness of the people, and defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Military experts told the Global Times this not only demonstrates the PLA's "commitment to being capable of fighting" but also highlights the "responsibility of a force that advocates peace to achieve peace."

The China Coast Guard (CCG) held a special maritime law enforcement briefing on Sunday, providing an overview of its 2024 efforts on maritime law enforcement and introducing plans for 2025. In response to recent foreign media speculations over the "South China Sea ecological environment," CCG spokesperson Liu Dejun responded to a question from a Global Times reporter and introduced the CCG's efforts to protect marine ecosystems, particularly in the South China Sea.

At the beginning of this year, the China Coast Guard (CCG) released a video for its training mobilization for 2025. In addition to various types of CCG vessels, the patrol aircraft and shipborne helicopters featured prominently. Zhang Jianming, head of the law enforcement department of the CCG, said that the CCG has developed initial capabilities for coordinated ship-aircraft law enforcement and remote joint operations, during an interview event on maritime law enforcement held by the CCG on Sunday.

A China Coast Guard (CCG) spokesperson on Saturday said two Philippine vessels have been expelled for unlawfully intruding into waters near Tiexian Jiao of China's Nansha Qundao.

On Friday, with China's permission, the Philippines dispatched a civilian ship to deliver living supplies to its illegally “grounded” warship at Ren'ai Jiao. The China Coast Guard (CCG) inquired about and verified it and monitored the entire process, CCG spokesperson Liu Dejun said in a statement on Friday.

China's new-generation CH-YH1000 unmanned transport aircraft on Monday completed a full-load taxiing test under full working conditions in Zhanghe Airport in Jingmen, Central China's Hubei Province. This cargo drone has been described as a "pickup truck in the air," and will hopefully provide a new logistics solution to "remote regions that lack free shipping."

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's first Type 054B frigate, the Luohe, was officially commissioned on Wednesday. The 5,000 ton-class warship features advancements in stealth, combat command systems, and integrated firepower control.

China's CH-YH1000 unmanned transport aircraft on Monday completed a full-load taxiing test under full working conditions in Zhanghe Airport in the city of Jingmen, Central China's Hubei Province. The next step will involve its maiden flight following optimizations, the drone's maker said on Tuesday.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command held a joint maritime and air combat patrol in South China Sea from Friday to Saturday with the aim of safeguarding peace and stability in the region, the PLA Southern Theater Command announced in a statement on Saturday.

A top Chinese warplane designer said at a recent forum that he dreams of making aircraft like mobile phones, a remark an analyst said on Saturday will be a paradigm shift for what people know in the past if realized.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has extended Spring Festival greetings to the country's military veterans. ​

The Lai Ching-te authorities, in collusion with foreign forces, have been making constant provocations for "Taiwan independence". It is now the biggest source of chaos that undermines peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits and the Asia Pacific. We warn the Lai Ching-te authorities and separatists that any attempt to seek independence by force is just like holding back the tide with a broom, and will eventually lead to self-destruction, Wu Qian, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, said on Friday when commenting on Lai Ching-te's recent claims that countries like China and Russia threaten the rule-based international order and undermine peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond and Taiwan needs to continue to raise "defense budget" and enhance "defense capabilities.

The military at all levels firmly followed the orders and directives of President Xi Jinping and the Central Military Commission (CMC), and fully supported local disaster relief efforts to ensure the safety of people's lives, property, and social stability, Wu Qian, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense said on Friday when asked to further introduce the rescue efforts being actively carried out by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) and Armed Police Forces in the earthquake relief operations in Xigaze of Xizang.

China stays committed to the path of peaceful development and a defense policy that is defensive in nature. The launching of the Type 076 amphibious assault ship is a normal arrangement in the development of the PLA Navy. It is not targeted at any specific entity, region or country, Wu Qian, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense said on Friday.

Wu Yanan, commander of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command, and the commander of the French navy in the Pacific region, Rear Admiral Guillaume Pinget, held a video conference on the morning of Friday to conduct an in-depth exchange of views on issues of mutual concern, Wu Qian, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, said on Friday.

Chinese naval hospital ship Peace Ark completed its Mission Harmony-2024 on Thursday and returned to a military port in Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang Province, as reported by China Bugle.

In recent years, China and Pakistan have been enjoying high level, pragmatic naval cooperation. In addition to joint exercises and training operations such as the Sea Guardian series bilateral exercises and AMAN series multinational exercises, the two countries have also carried out cooperation in military equipment such projects involving Type 054A/P guided missile frigates and Hangor-class submarines.