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South China Morning Post
01-07-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Beijing's military parade not focused on Taiwan, but its message will be
When Beijing stages a grand military parade this autumn, observers will be watching for signals being sent towards Taiwan, with both military hardware and historical connections sending both public and political messages. The event, to be held on September 3, will mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. It will feature the latest and most advanced weapons of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), and a speech by Chinese President Xi Jinping that is expected to hint at China's foreign policy and the future direction of the country's military. While Taiwan will not be the theme of the event, Beijing has already started telegraphing messages towards the self-ruled island. Military preparations The PLA is expected to showcase advanced weapons, including its latest fifth-generation fighter jet, intercontinental ballistic missiles and cutting-edge uncrewed equipment, much of which was commissioned with the Taiwan conflict scenario in mind. The PLA Navy's newest carrier-based aircraft may also make an appearance. Last week, state media reported that China might unveil some new models of carrier-based fighter jets. Chinese aircraft carriers were deployed near Taiwan recently, launching fighter jets towards the east coast of Taiwan. Military commentator Wei Dongxu told state broadcaster CCTV that carrier-based aircraft meant the aircraft carriers were 'combat-ready'. He added that a flyover at the parade could bring 'more surprises', a hint that the current model J-15T and even J-35 fighter jets, which have been modified to accommodate catapult take-offs, might put in an appearance.
South China Morning Post
17-06-2025
- General
- South China Morning Post
Chinese state media says Fujian aircraft carrier may be commissioned by end of year
The Fujian , China's most advanced aircraft carrier, is expected to be commissioned by the end of the year, according to state broadcaster CCTV. Advertisement In a feature broadcast on Tuesday, the third anniversary of the ship's launch, Wei Dongxu, a CCTV military commentator, said: 'The sea trials of the Fujian have made very good progress and it is expected to enter service this year.' On Monday state media dropped another hint that the ship would soon be entering service by referring to an 'era' when the Chinese navy would have three carriers Satellite images of the ship circulating on social media over the weekend showed 36 newly painted spaces on the flight deck for warplanes, a higher capacity than the country's two existing carriers. Song Zhongping, a military commentator and former PLA instructor, said the new markings suggested that the Fujian 'is getting prepared to be commissioned'. Advertisement 'The aircraft carrier will [then] enter trial service to continue testing the adaptability and coordination between the carrier and aircraft or other weapon systems,' he said.
