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Newsweek
a day ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
China Reveals Major Boost to Aircraft-Carrier Force
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. Chinese media reported that the number of fighter pilots recruited for the country's aircraft-carrier fleet hit a record high this year, as part of the East Asian power's rapid naval buildup. Newsweek has reached out to the Chinese Defense Ministry for further comment via email. Why It Matters China operates the world's largest navy by hull count, with over 370 ships and submarines in service, including two aircraft carriers. In June, both aircraft carriers were simultaneously deployed to the broader Western Pacific, demonstrating the country's growing naval power. While the United States continues to possess the world's largest aircraft carrier fleet—with 11 operational vessels—the Chinese navy is set to commission its third and most-advanced aircraft carrier, with reported plans to build the nation's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. File photo: The Chinese aircraft carrier CNS "Shandong" sails into Hong Kong on July 3, 2025. File photo: The Chinese aircraft carrier CNS "Shandong" sails into Hong Kong on July 3, 2025. Chan Long Hei/AP Photo What To Know China Central Television reported on Friday that the People's Liberation Army Navy—the official name of the Chinese navy—has recently concluded its pilot recruitment for the year. The intake includes high school graduates, students from naval aviation schools, and recent bachelor's and master's degree graduates from both military and civilian universities, the report said. It described the recruitment sources as "increasingly diverse and optimized." The report said that both the number of candidates meeting the standards for carrier-based fighter pilots and the proportion of qualified applicants have reached record levels. While the report did not provide exact figures, it added that "tens of thousands of young students" across China had "enthusiastically" signed up for naval pilot recruitment, significantly expanding the recruitment and selection base compared to previous years. Citing a military expert, Chinese state media Global Times said that the recruitment performance aligned with the development of the country's carrier-based aircraft, referring to the increasing variety and number of planes designed to operate from aircraft carriers. Last November, the Chinese military officially unveiled two carrier-based fighter jets—the J-15T and the J-15D. Unlike the original J-15 variant, the T model is capable of taking off from all three Chinese aircraft carriers, which use two different aircraft launching systems. Meanwhile, the D variant of the J-15 family is designed to conduct electronic warfare missions, matching its U.S. counterpart—the EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft. The Chinese military is also developing a stealth carrier-based fighter aircraft as one of the variants of the J-35 family, alongside the J-35A, which is designed for the nation's air force. Chinese J-15 carrier-based fighter jets are displayed during the open event of the aircraft carrier CNS "Shandong" in Hong Kong on July 3, 2025. Chinese J-15 carrier-based fighter jets are displayed during the open event of the aircraft carrier CNS "Shandong" in Hong Kong on July 3, 2025. Dai Menglan/China News Service/VCG via AP What People Are Saying Chinese military affairs expert Fu Qianshao told the Global Times on Friday: "The fact that pilot recruitments have reached a new high shows that the intake is steadily increasing, which aligns with the development trend of China's carrier-based aircraft." The Pentagon commented in its report on Chinese military power: "In 2023, the [People's Liberation Army] transferred the majority of [People's Liberation Army Navy] land-based fighter and bomber aircraft, air defense, and airfield units to the [People's Liberation Army Air Force] to refocus [People's Liberation Army Navy] efforts on developing a carrier-based aviation force." What Happens Next Chinese pilots assigned to carrier-based aviation units will need to be capable of both flying aircraft and operating electronic warfare systems in the future, the Global Times reported—raising the bar for professional skills and expanding the demand for talent across disciplines.
Japan Times
21-07-2025
- Business
- Japan Times
China and Vietnam plan first joint army drill amid U.S. tariffs
China and Vietnam plan to hold their first joint army training exercise this month, a sign of deepening military ties as the two countries grapple with U.S. tariff policies. The exercise aims to strengthen practical cooperation between the two militaries, the Chinese defense ministry said in a Sunday statement. It will take place in southern China's Guangxi region, which borders Vietnam. China and Vietnam have carried out joint naval patrols in previous years, but the coming exercise would be the first such exchange between their armies. Vietnam, an export powerhouse that last year had the world's third-biggest trade surplus with the U.S., is seeking to persuade Washington to lower tariffs on Vietnamese goods. The Southeast Asian nation was caught off guard by U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement earlier in July that they had agreed to a 20% tariff, it was reported. Vietnam is also striving to balance relations with its largest trading partner, China, which has warned nations against cutting deals at Beijing's expense. After Trump announced the pact with Vietnam in July, China's commerce ministry said it was "assessing' the situation. Chinese President Xi Jinping called for joint efforts with Vietnam to oppose "unilateral bullying' during his visit to the country in April.
Newsweek
17-07-2025
- 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.
Miami Herald
03-06-2025
- General
- Miami Herald
Map Tracks Chinese Aircraft Carrier Near US Allies
A Newsweek map shows that the Chinese aircraft carrier CNS Liaoning continues to operate in the western Pacific Ocean during its deployment near Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines. The Liaoning was conducting routine training not aimed at any specific country, said Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Chinese Defense Ministry, on May 29. Newsweek has reached out to the Chinese Defense Ministry for further comment by email. China has the world's largest navy by hull count, with more than 370 vessels-including two aircraft carriers in service. Beijing has been expanding its military reach and presence beyond the First Island Chain, a U.S. containment strategy formed by Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines. The Liaoning has been tracked underway since late May, operating in the East China Sea and transiting the Miyako Strait-a key waterway in the First Island Chain-toward the Philippine Sea. It was later captured in satellite imagery while sailing near the Philippines. The deployment of the Liaoning comes as two U.S. aircraft carriers-USS Nimitz and USS George Washington-operate simultaneously in the South China Sea and the Philippine Sea, respectively, maintaining a U.S. naval presence and projecting power across both seas. The Joint Staff of the Japanese Defense Ministry issued an update on Monday, revealing that as of May 30, the Chinese aircraft carrier and at least three other vessels were tracked in waters east of the Philippines, continuing their southward transit through the Philippine Sea. The accompanying Chinese vessels were identified by their hull numbers as the destroyers CNS Qiqihar and CNS Tangshan, as well as the supply ship CNS Hulunhu. One of the photos released by the Japan Joint Staff shows the Liaoning and the Hulunhu conducting underway replenishment at an undisclosed location in the western Pacific Ocean. With regard to the Liaoning's flight operations with fighter jets and helicopters, the Japan Joint Staff reported that between May 25 and 29, the Chinese aircraft carrier conducted a total of 260 takeoffs and landings while operating near Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines. Japan deployed its navy to monitor and gather intelligence on the Chinese naval task group, while Japanese fighter jets were scrambled in response to the Liaoning's flight operations. The U.S. Naval Institute News reported that the Chinese aircraft carrier's latest position "marks one of the furthest recorded points it has sailed to on its deployments from China." Of the American aircraft carriers operating in the western Pacific Ocean, officially released photos show the Nimitz continuing its scheduled South China Sea deployment as of May 30. Meanwhile, the George Washington is scheduled to arrive at its home port at Yokosuka naval base in Japan on Wednesday morning, local time, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said. Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said on May 28: "What I can tell you is that China's military vessels' activities in relevant waters are fully consistent with international law and international practice. We hope Japan will view this from an objective and reasonable perspective." Japan's defense white paper 2024 said: "China has been intensifying its activities across the entire region surrounding Japan, including in the East China Sea, particularly in the area around the Senkaku Islands, the Sea of Japan, and the western Pacific Ocean, extending beyond the so-called first island chain to the second island chain." The Senkaku Islands are an islet group in the East China Sea, ruled by Japan but claimed by China as the Diaoyu Islands. The Sea of Japan is also known as the East Sea in South Korea. It remains to be seen whether the Liaoning will sail east toward Guam-the westernmost U.S. territory in the Pacific and a strategic hub at the center of the Second Island Chain. Related Articles China Says US Violated Trade Truce With Three MovesUS Announces 'Game Changer' Missile Upgrade to Rival ChinaMap Shows China's Arms Sales Footprint Around the WorldXi Jinping Could Save America With One Simple Announcement | Opinion 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Miami Herald
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Footage Shows China and Ally Flexing Military Muscles
The Chinese military released footage showing it and Cambodia, one of Beijing's closest partners in Southeast Asia, conducting a military drill near the contested South China Sea. The bilateral exercise, code-named Golden Dragon 2025 and held in Cambodia, enhanced both sides' capabilities in "jointly maintaining maritime security," said the Chinese navy on X, formerly Twitter. The drill demonstrated both countries' militaries "have been well aligned in partnership for responding to all kinds of security threats," the Cambodian Defense Ministry said. China has described its relations with Cambodia as "unbreakable and rock-solid," with both sides maintaining close military cooperation, including the construction of a joint logistics and training center at Cambodia's Ream naval base, which was put into service in April. The center, which is China's second publicly acknowledged overseas base, enables the East Asian power to project and sustain its military presence in the South China Sea, where its territorial claims cover most of the waters and overlap with those of neighboring countries. In a video released on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, the Chinese navy announced that a "combined joint field training exercise" was conducted at sea and in the air near Port Sihanoukville in Southwestern Cambodia, as part of Exercise Golden Dragon 2025, on Monday local time. Chinese and Cambodian naval vessels were seen sailing in formation, the footage shows, while military personnel boarded a ship, subdued suspected hijackers, and rescued hostages. A Chinese Type 056A corvette, CNS Panzhihua, fired its gun at sea targets during the drill. Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Chinese Defense Ministry, stated on Thursday that the seventh iteration of the Exercise Golden Dragon series, which commenced on May 14 and concluded on Wednesday, focused on counterterrorism and humanitarian assistance operations. The exercise marked the first time the recently inaugurated joint center at Ream naval base was used to support drills at sea, the Chinese spokesperson said, claiming that the war game enhanced the two militaries' "command coordination and emergency response capabilities." Meanwhile, the Cambodian Defense Ministry stated that the joint exercise achieved "excellent results," noting that the two militaries overcame obstacles and difficulties and are now ready to contribute to maintaining peace and security in the region and worldwide. Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Chinese Defense Ministry, said on Thursday: "China and Cambodia are iron-clad friends with rock-solid relations. The Chinese and Cambodian militaries will work in concert to act on the important consensus between leaders of the two countries." Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said on April 12: "I highly appreciate China, which is an important partner supporting Cambodia's development in all sectors in all circumstances and without complicated conditions." It remains unclear whether China will conduct further military exercises in Cambodia as tensions in the South China Sea remain high, with the United States having deployed an aircraft carrier to the region. Related Articles China Reacts to Trump Tariffs BombshellChinese Bombers Seen in South China Sea Amid US Aircraft Carrier PatrolHow China Became the World's Largest Debt CollectorChina Learns New Lessons From Russia-Ukraine War: Report 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
