Monthly Archives: February 2019

China just finished a month of unannounced drills in the South China Sea to test its wartime command system

China tested its navy, air force, and missile unit with drills in the South China Sea and western and central Pacific. The month-long war games included live-fire exercises. The exercise had no pre-planned scenarios and no advance notice was given in order to simulate wartime conditions. China has conducted a month of drills in the […]

China’s Logistics Modernization is Changing the Pacific Military Balance

The well-worn formulation that “amateurs study tactics, while professionals study logistics” has significant explanatory power when considering the rapidly changing balance of power in the western Pacific. The well-worn formulation that “amateurs study tactics, while professionals study logistics” has significant explanatory power when considering the rapidly changing balance of power in the western Pacific. This […]

CHINA’S FAR SEAS NAVAL OPERATIONS, FROM THE YEAR OF THE SNAKE TO THE YEAR OF THE PIG

Every year, about this time, the leaders of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) send their regards to Chinese sailors deployed overseas during the Lunar New Year. Every year these messages are covered by the Chinese press. Few in China pay attention to these reports. Fewer foreign observers even know of them, but they should. […]

Philippines advised to treat Chinese firms fairly

Two Chinese companies are reportedly interested in buying the Philippines’ largest shipyard, once an important US naval base in the Pacific region. Some Philippine politicians have expressed concern over a possible Chinese takeover, saying it will be a very significant national security issue. An unexpected dilemma is brewing in the Philippines. Since the start of […]

China is working on killer robot ships of its own

ABU DHABI –The Chinese shipbuilder China Shipbuilding and Offshore International Company is developing a small unmanned surface vessel that China wants to function essentially like the uninhabited baby brother of a U.S. Arleigh Burke destroyer. The JARI USV is a 20-ton, 15-meter boat that is orders of magnitude smaller than the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s […]

Tensions continue to simmer in the South China Sea

BEIJING — This is our weekly look at recent developments in the South China Sea, where China is pitted against smaller neighbors in multiple disputes over islands, coral reefs and lagoons in waters crucial for global commerce and rich in fish and potential oil and gas reserves: The top American military commander in the Indo-Pacific […]

US steps up freedom of navigation patrols in South China Sea to counter Beijing’s ambitions

The United States has stepped up its freedom of navigation operations in the disputed South China Sea as it challenges Beijing’s efforts to strengthen its maritime claims in the region. American officials have signalled Washington will boost measures to counter China’s expansion in the area, and include allies in future missions, but observers say Beijing […]