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Newsweek
6 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
China Flexes Island-Seizing Capability in Contested Waters
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. China demonstrated its island-seizing capabilities by deploying air-cushioned landing craft in the South China Sea, where it is engaged in territorial disputes with neighboring countries. In contrast to more-conventional landing boats, air-cushioned landing craft—also known as Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC)—are capable of rapidly reaching landing sites that are difficult to access due to their speed and cross-country capability, an expert told Newsweek. Newsweek has reached out to the Chinese Defense Ministry for further comment via email. Why It Matters China's territorial claims in the South China Sea cover most of the waters and overlap with those of others, including the Philippines, an ally of the United States. The East Asian power has built outposts on islands under its control, aiming to assert its sovereignty in the region. As part of its military buildup, China now possesses the world's largest navy by hull count, with more than 370 ships and submarines—including a rapidly growing fleet of amphibious vessels designed to project military power—such as troops and tanks—from sea to shore. In addition to remote islands in the South China Sea, amphibious vessels play a key role in potential conflicts across the Taiwan Strait, which lies between China and Taiwan. Beijing claims the self-governed island as part of its territory and has threatened to take it by force. What To Know The Chinese military released two undated sets of photos on social media on Tuesday, showing its LCAC fleet assigned to the Southern Theater Command conducting maritime exercises and combat training aimed at further enhancing amphibious combat capabilities. In one set of photos, an LCAC was seen landing on a beach at an undisclosed location, while the other—reported to have been taken at a "certain area" in the South China Sea—shows at least three LCACs sailing in formation and entering an amphibious warship. Alex Luck, an Australia-based naval analyst, identified the LCACs shown in both releases as the Type 726, which the U.S. military designates as the Yuyi-class. This class of LCAC is designed to transport armored vehicles from amphibious warships to landing zones ashore. Unlike preceding LCAC classes, which were limited to carrying personnel and light cargo between 6 and 16 tons, the Type 726 can transport about 60 tons of payload—enough for one heavily armored vehicle, such as a tank, in addition to troops and lighter vehicles. China operates another type of large LCAC, the Zubr-class. It acquired two units built in Ukraine and assembled two more using parts delivered from Ukraine, Luck told Newsweek. As of 2023, another pair of vessels had been manufactured with minor modifications. The Zubr-class has a displacement of over 500 tons and can transport three tanks, with a top speed exceeding 50 knots [57.5 mph]. The Type 726 displaces 180 tons and can reach up to 55 knots [63 mph]. On July 15, 2025, Chinese Type 726 Landing Craft, Air Cushion sail in formation in the South China Sea. On July 15, 2025, Chinese Type 726 Landing Craft, Air Cushion sail in formation in the South China Sea. Chinese military By comparison, the LCACs operated by the U.S. Navy have a payload capacity of 60 to 75 tons and a top speed of over 40 knots [46 mph]. They are capable of accessing more than 70 percent of the world's coastline, while conventional landing craft can reach only about 15 percent. What People Are Saying The Pentagon commented in its Chinese military report 2024: "The [People's Liberation Army Navy]'s expanding fleet of large modern amphibious warships enable it to conduct a wide range of expeditionary operations wherever [People's Republic of China] interests are threatened or in support of [People's Republic of China] participation in internationally sanctioned operations." Alex Luck, an Australia-based naval analyst, told Newsweek: "[People's Liberation Army Navy] maintains an operational base for Zubr and Type 726 off Zhanjiang on Nansan Island … The location highlights the utility of the designs around the [South China Sea], in addition to serving as an operational hub, from which the Type 726 can also support the amphibious assault fleet wherever needed." What Happens Next Earlier this year, footage circulating on social media showed that China had constructed landing barges that could be used for the rapid transfer of tanks and other vehicles from ships to shore.
Gulf Insider
09-07-2025
- Science
- Gulf Insider
China's Mysterious "Bohai Sea Monster" Spotted For First Time
China's mysterious 'Bohai Sea Monster' wing-in-ground effect (WIG) craft has been seen in full for the first time, according to a report. The Ekranoplan, which is a special ultra-low flying aircraft made up of features from ships, airplanes, and hovercraft, was first spotted in the northwest area of the Yellow Sea, by submarine warfare expert HI Sutton. These craft are designed to fly below the radar horizon, while being much faster than ships. Naval News reports: The aircraft features a flying boat hull with a distinctive T-tail arrangement with two vertical stabilizers. This configuration is not found on regular aircraft but has been used on several Ekranoplans including some in China. It appears to have a comparatively short wingspan and large tail, typical of jet engines are mounted above the wing. These have slightly flattened nozzles suggesting downward angled thrust. This two is indicative of an Ekranoplan design. Soviet-designed ekranoplans, massive ground-effect vehicles, are built for rapid troop and armored vehicle deployment in amphibious assaults, a role typically filled by hovercraft in China's Navy (PLAN). This new model could signal an aggressive push for beach-storming transport capabilities, according to Naval News. China isn't the only superpower with an ekranoplan. The U.S. is forging ahead with the Liberty Lifer, a cutting-edge ekranoplan aimed at hauling heavy cargo, troops, and gear across the vast Pacific. This beast could slash the Pentagon's logistical nightmares. The appearance of the WIG is the latest sign of China's growing sea power. In April, satellite images exposed alarming activity at China's secretive Qingdao First Submarine Base, the nerve center for its nuclear-powered submarine fleet. Naval expert Alex Luck revealed that Google Earth's latest update had shown six Chinese submarines docked at a pier, with another in drydock. Five of these underwater war machines are armed with conventional weapons, signaling Beijing's aggressive naval buildup on its eastern coast. A recent Pentagon report warned that China's submarine fleet is set to surge from 60 to 65 by the end of 2025, with projections of a menacing 80 subs within a decade. As Beijing ramps up its military muscle, the Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman, Gen. Dan Caine, has raised red flags about the U.S.'s readiness. 'The U.S. does not have the throughput, responsiveness, or agility needed to deter our adversaries,' Gen. Caine told the Senate Armed Services Committee, sounding a dire alarm about the growing Chinese threat.
Miami Herald
03-07-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
China Eyes More Overseas Missions for Growing Naval Fleet
China is building a new fleet of replenishment ships-capable of providing supplies to other vessels at sea-as the East Asian power's navy expands its overseas presence. Newsweek has reached out to the Chinese Defense Ministry for comment via email. China possesses over 370 naval vessels, making it the world's largest navy by hull count and surpassing its rival, the United States. Over the past year, Chinese warships have conducted missions farther from home-including in Europe and Africa, as well as around Australia in the South Pacific-challenging America's naval dominance. According to a Pentagon report, China has a "sizable force of highly capable logistical replenishment ships," which support long-distance, long-duration deployments-such as recently concluded dual aircraft carrier operations in the broader western Pacific. Since early June, photos circulated on social media indicate that China has launched and tested several newly built Type 903A replenishment ships. A number of vessels from this class-as well as their predecessor, the Type 903-are already in service. Both the Type 903 and Type 903A vessels can carry fuel oil, fresh water, cargo, and ammunition, according to open-source information. Australia-based naval analyst Alex Luck estimates that China has likely constructed an additional four Type 903A ships. The new ships were constructed at shipyards in Guangzhou and Wuhu, the analyst wrote in a January article for the specialist outlet Naval News. It remains to be seen whether the new ships are Type 903A vessels or further improved versions of this class. The Type 903/A fleet forms the backbone of China's replenishment capability, Luck told Newsweek, adding that China's doubling of this type of ship is not unreasonable, given both the growing demand and the need to build resilience for conflict scenarios. Despite drawing less attention than the larger Type 901 replenishment ships, the Type 903 ships are considered "far more crucial" to China's navy for operating across island chains in the western Pacific, as well as more expeditionary missions, the analyst explained. China's acquisition of multiple new replenishment ships indicates its seriousness in pursuing the goal of having a world class military by mid-century, Tom Shugart, an adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security, told Newsweek. Tom Shugart, an adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security, told Newsweek: "Platforms like [replenishment ships] are essential for furthering the [People's Liberation Army] Navy's reach as it operates further and further from home on a regular basis." Australia-based naval analyst Alex Luck told Newsweek: "I've long held the view that the current Type 903/A-fleet is rather insufficient considering the very high rotational tempo the type experiences across [People's Liberation Army Navy] operations." China continues its naval buildup by launching more warships while operating 307 shipyards, at least 35 of which are linked to military or national security projects. Related Articles Taiwan Readies Soldiers, Civilians for Largest China Invasion DrillsUS and China's Aircraft Carriers Show Force in Contested WatersUS Ally Detects Chinese Military Near Coast: PhotosDalai Lama Issues Update on Succession 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
03-07-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
China Eyes More Overseas Missions for Growing Naval Fleet
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. China is building a new fleet of replenishment ships—capable of providing supplies to other vessels at sea—as the East Asian power's navy expands its overseas presence. Newsweek has reached out to the Chinese Defense Ministry for comment via email. Why It Matters China possesses over 370 naval vessels, making it the world's largest navy by hull count and surpassing its rival, the United States. Over the past year, Chinese warships have conducted missions farther from home—including in Europe and Africa, as well as around Australia in the South Pacific—challenging America's naval dominance. According to a Pentagon report, China has a "sizable force of highly capable logistical replenishment ships," which support long-distance, long-duration deployments—such as recently concluded dual aircraft carrier operations in the broader western Pacific. What To Know Since early June, photos circulated on social media indicate that China has launched and tested several newly built Type 903A replenishment ships. A number of vessels from this class—as well as their predecessor, the Type 903—are already in service. Meanwhile one other newly produced Type 903A may have been undergoing sea trials already. The AOR-design is again in active production both at Wuhu Shipyard and COMEC (formerly GSI), Guangzhou. Same source. — Alex Luck (@AlexLuck9) June 5, 2025 Both the Type 903 and Type 903A vessels can carry fuel oil, fresh water, cargo, and ammunition, according to open-source information. Australia-based naval analyst Alex Luck estimates that China has likely constructed an additional four Type 903A ships. The new ships were constructed at shipyards in Guangzhou and Wuhu, the analyst wrote in a January article for the specialist outlet Naval News. It remains to be seen whether the new ships are Type 903A vessels or further improved versions of this class. The Type 903/A fleet forms the backbone of China's replenishment capability, Luck told Newsweek, adding that China's doubling of this type of ship is not unreasonable, given both the growing demand and the need to build resilience for conflict scenarios. Despite drawing less attention than the larger Type 901 replenishment ships, the Type 903 ships are considered "far more crucial" to China's navy for operating across island chains in the western Pacific, as well as more expeditionary missions, the analyst explained. China's acquisition of multiple new replenishment ships indicates its seriousness in pursuing the goal of having a world class military by mid-century, Tom Shugart, an adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security, told Newsweek. The Chinese Type 903A replenishment ship CNS Kekexilihu is seen in Qingdao, China, on April 20, 2024. The Chinese Type 903A replenishment ship CNS Kekexilihu is seen in Qingdao, China, on April 20, 2024. Anna Ratkoglo/Sputnik via AP What People Are Saying Tom Shugart, an adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security, told Newsweek: "Platforms like [replenishment ships] are essential for furthering the [People's Liberation Army] Navy's reach as it operates further and further from home on a regular basis." Australia-based naval analyst Alex Luck told Newsweek: "I've long held the view that the current Type 903/A-fleet is rather insufficient considering the very high rotational tempo the type experiences across [People's Liberation Army Navy] operations." What Happens Next China continues its naval buildup by launching more warships while operating 307 shipyards, at least 35 of which are linked to military or national security projects.
Miami Herald
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
China Reveals Details of Dual Aircraft Carrier Operations in West Pacific
The Chinese navy said on Monday that its two aircraft carriers repeatedly encountered foreign warships and aircraft while operating simultaneously in the broader western Pacific. Both CNS Liaoning and CNS Shandong maintained "high vigilance and responsiveness" to combat scenarios, handling the situation "professionally and soundly," China's navy said. Newsweek has contacted the Chinese Defense Ministry for further comment by email. The Liaoning and the Shandong were deployed for about two weeks in June on the eastern side of a U.S. defensive line known as the first island chain-comprising Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines in the western Pacific. Japan, a U.S. treaty ally, closely monitored the dual Chinese aircraft carrier deployment-the second such operation since October in the South China Sea-during which one of its patrol aircraft was intercepted by missile-armed fighter jets launched from the Shandong. Both the Liaoning and the Shandong have completed "far-sea combat-oriented training" and returned to their respective home ports of Qingdao and Sanya, according to China's navy. Regarding the "coordinated and systematic" training, both Chinese aircraft carriers conducted a series of drills-including reconnaissance and early warning, counterstrikes, maritime assaults, air defense and aircraft flight operations-under "combat conditions." Official footage shows fighter jets conducting takeoffs and landings aboard the Liaoning and the Shandong, both day and night, while the aircraft carriers receive supplies. Without naming specific countries, the Chinese navy accused foreign warships and aircraft of conducting "up-close reconnaissance maneuvers, tracking, and surveillance" against its aircraft carrier groups, prompting the deployment of carrier-based aircraft. It remains unclear whether any country besides Japan has surveilled the Chinese naval groups. The U.S. Navy dispatched a destroyer to monitor the Liaoning at close range in April 2021. An official photo showed U.S. naval officers "casually" observing the Chinese aircraft carrier. The dual aircraft carrier training enhanced the Chinese military's ability to safeguard the East Asian power's sovereignty, security and development interests, according to the Chinese navy, which added that the drills were part of a "routine arrangement" under its annual plan. Meanwhile, China's Defense Ministry announced that the Shandong and three other warships were scheduled to make a port call in Hong Kong-a special administrative region of China-on Thursday for a five-day visit to promote the country's military development. The Chinese navy said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Monday: "During the mission, the two [aircraft carrier] groups, in coordination with relevant arms of the service, conducted joint drills on maritime strikes, air and missile defense, anti-submarine warfare, and integrated long-range support, and thus significantly enhanced real combat capabilities." Alex Luck, a naval analyst in Australia, wrote on X on Monday: "'Far sea' in [People's Liberation Army]/Chinese terminology usually refers to blue water operations. As opposed to 'near seas,' traditionally associated with coastal aka green water ops." It remains to be seen whether the Chinese navy-which possesses the world's largest fleet of warships by hull count-will conduct dual aircraft carrier operations regularly in the future. Related Articles Exclusive - India Hopes for Imminent US Trade Deal, Minister Tells NewsweekUS Citizen Charged in North Korean IT Employment SchemeUS Military Issues Update on China's Rocket Force ThreatChina Reveals Fighter Jets Expelled Foreign Military Aircraft 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
