China showcased its advanced military capabilities during a Beijing parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II. Among the unveiled weaponry were the DF-5C intercontinental ballistic missile and the LY-1 shipborne laser weapon system, demonstrating China’s advancements in strategic nuclear deterrence and directed-energy weapons. The event also included various drones and missiles, highlighting the sophistication of its defense-industrial complex. The parade, attended by leaders like Putin and Kim Jong Il, served as a message to the U.S. and its allies, signaling China’s growing military might and ambition.
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China is set to unveil an array of “new-generation” military hardware, including previously unseen weapons, during its September 3 parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender. This display, the most comprehensive since 2019, will highlight the advancements of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), showcasing domestically developed systems, including unmanned and “intelligent” capabilities. The parade will emphasize the PLA’s advancements in deterrence through the presentation of air- and missile-defense assets, alongside strategic missile forces. Images from rehearsals suggest a focus on advanced missiles and unmanned undersea vehicles, further demonstrating China’s rapid military modernization.
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China’s nuclear warhead count rose by an estimated 100 in 2024, reaching 600, surpassing all other nations in expansion rate, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Despite a slight overall global decrease to 12,241 warheads, the report highlights a worrying new nuclear arms race. The US and Russia possess the largest arsenals, holding 5,177 and 5,459 warheads respectively. China’s Foreign Ministry countered these findings, asserting that its nuclear arsenal remains minimal and solely for national security.
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Footage of Chinese “Shuiqiao” barges conducting amphibious landing drills in the South China Sea has raised concerns about a potential invasion of Taiwan. These massive barges, reminiscent of WWII’s Mulberry harbors, feature long bridges facilitating rapid offloading of heavy equipment and troops, potentially bypassing beach defenses. Analysts suggest the barges, while vulnerable, could be a crucial component of a Chinese invasion force, addressing a key logistical challenge. However, others posit that their primary function might be humanitarian aid delivery, although their existence nonetheless signals a significant military capability.
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Joint U.S.-Japan military plans for a Taiwan contingency are nearing completion, aiming to deploy missile units to bolster regional defenses. These plans include stationing U.S. Marine Littoral Regiments, equipped with HIMARS, in Japan’s Nansei Islands. Furthermore, a U.S. unit specializing in space, cyber, and electromagnetic warfare will be deployed to the Philippines. The strategy anticipates a coordinated response involving both nations’ forces in the event of a Taiwan emergency. Details remain unconfirmed pending official statements.
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John Q. Hosedrinker