Latest news with #CASC
South China Morning Post
29-06-2025
- South China Morning Post
Video teases new Chinese blackout bomb that can knock out enemy power stations
China's state broadcaster posted a video on Thursday featuring what appeared to be a new type of graphite bomb that it said could knock out enemy power stations and cause a 'complete loss of electricity' across a targeted area. A social media channel run by CCTV shared an animated video showing the weapon being launched from a land-based vehicle before ejecting 90 cylinder-shaped submunitions. These canisters bounced upon impact before detonating mid-air, dispersing fine, chemically treated carbon filaments designed to short-circuit high-voltage power infrastructure The weapon aims to disrupt enemy command and control systems by triggering widespread electrical outages over an area of at least 10,000 square metres (107,639 sq ft), according to the channel. CCTV cited an account from the state-owned China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) , a contractor affiliated with the Ministry of National Defence. However, the broadcaster offered no details about the weapon's designation or its status. It referred to the weapon as 'a mysterious type of domestically made missile'. It remains unclear which stage of development it has reached, or if it has been deployed by the Chinese military.
NDTV
17-06-2025
- Business
- NDTV
Inside China's 'Low-Cost' Arms Exports, Serving Everyone From Pak To West Africa
During Operation Sindoor, the Pakistani armed forces displayed their 'Made in China' export-variant arsenal. This included the use of the HQ-9P and HQ-16 surface-to-air missiles, the PL-15E air-to-air missile, the JL-10CE fighter, and the co-produced JF-17 'Thunder' Block III jet. Pakistan is China's biggest client, accounting for 63% of China's total arms export basket between 2020 and 2024. From a Pakistani perspective, China accounts for 81% of its defence imports. China's arms exports to Pakistan are one part of a complex military production, export, and diplomacy ecosystem that Beijing has built. Over the years, China has focused on becoming self-reliant in the defence manufacturing domain. This process has included making export variants of major weapons. That said, there are challenges that China faces in its defence export agenda. These include political issues and quality-related concerns that make Beijing the lesser-preferred option over the world's top three defence exporters: the US, Russia, and France. Nonetheless, China's defence export market is expanding. And this has significant implications for India. Growing Military-Industrial Complex China's military-industrial complex comprises a few, large corporations that focus on innovation and self-reliance. These primarily include the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC), Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC), and China North Industries Group Corporation (NORINCO). They are all State-Owned Defence Enterprises, largely under the administrative control of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) of the State Council. Many of them have been on the Global Fortune 500 lists, and together, they own over 2000 subsidiaries, R&D labs, listed companies and global branch institutions. NORINCO International Ltd., for example, owns oil fields in Iraq and operates R&D and manufacturing facilities in Saudi Arabia. These entities operate on the concept of 'Military-Civil Fusion'. This means that their production cycles conform to the operational requirements of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), and most commercial/civilian products can also be deployed for military purposes at the Party-state's request. Hence, these firms concentrate their expertise on a particular industrial cluster of importance to the PLA. The CETC, for example, is the PLA's primary radar, communications infrastructure, and electronics supplier. AVIC, and specifically, its main subsidiary, the Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group (CAIG), has its hand in the production of most of China's J-series fighter jets. CSSC, which is the world's largest shipbuilding group, produces most of the PLA Navy's warships. Together, CAIG, CASIC and CASC have also produced most of China's military drones, such as the CH 'Rainbow' series, the Wing Loong series, and the Wuzhen High-Altitude, Long Endurance (HALE) UAV series. The agenda and priorities for defence production, R&D and safety and quality are laid down by China's chief regulatory body in the military-industrial domain, the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense (SASTIND). Naturally, defence production must comply with SASTIND's technological, safety and quality certification standards. In addition, party and government institutions like the Ministry of Industry and IT, Ministry of Commerce, and the Logistics Department of the Central Military Commission, together lay down regulations regarding ideological commitment of defence SOEs, innovation and export control, and management of talent. China's Export Philosophy Since 2022, China's defence budget has consistently witnessed a year-on-year rise of 7.2%. A significant chunk of this money goes into producing defence goods. Of course, part of this expansion of defence production is driven by a profit motive, with Chinese weapons finding their way to warring parties. An example is Myanmar, where Chinese arms are available to both the junta government, and the Rakhine-based insurgent group, the 'Brotherhood Alliance'. Sometimes, China is also a supplier of last resort for entities seeking low-cost military equipment. One example is Pakistan, which has imported low-cost export variants of the Chengdu J-10C fighter jet. Many of these entities, however, have also included non-state actors such as insurgent groups in Chad and Syria, who were found to be in possession of the Chinese-made FN-6 Man-Portable Air Defence System (MANPADS). Despite the controversies arising from such sales, China veils its exports and uses 'non-interference' in internal matters of other countries as justification. A 'Technological Gap' It is worth noting that Beijing only prioritises international sales of export variant arms, which are usually of lower quality, and keeps the most advanced and efficient defence systems for itself. Chinese commentators also seem to acknowledge that even though China has a cost advantage with a few arms and ammunition, there exists a 'technological gap' and a lack of competitiveness against Western alternatives in major arms, such as fighter jets, aircraft carriers, and large warships. Hence, Beijing believes in maintaining loyal clients, who are developing economies with restricted international options. This can explain why, in addition to Pakistan, China has emerged as the largest arms supplier for West Africa too, accounting for 26% of the region's arms imports in the last five years. It is establishing a footprint in the Middle East as well, but is not a dominant player yet. Further, China entangles arms sales with defence cooperation and norm entrepreneurship in global security. Xi Jinping's flagship Global Security Initiative (GSI) aims to do just this. Many GSI-friendly countries have become China's top arms importers. With economies in the ASEAN and Indian Ocean Region (IOR), China has penned joint military cooperation agreements, which provide its arms and ammunition exports a boost. For example, in the aftermath of the recent establishment of a China-Indonesia Joint Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue on April 21, 2025, Jakarta announced that it is finalising a deal to buy 42 J-10CE fighters from Beijing. Further, with hard basing in Djibouti and likely soft basing in areas like Cambodia's Ream Naval base and Myanmar's Kyaukphyu port, Chinese troops and naval vessels are finding homes abroad and are testing capabilities in the Indian Ocean. Changing Export Basket For the longest time, China specialised in the sales of military-grade Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW), which include MANPADS, guided anti-tank weapons, mortars and cannons, rifles, and machine guns. Until 2012, most of these weapons went to developing countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Nigeria, and Venezuela. More recently, China's defence export products have featured an extensive arsenal of submarines, aircraft, missiles, and artillery, uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), electronic, communications, and light vehicle components. Since 2011-12, China has gained substantial traction in drone exports. In civilian space, China is already the world's largest producer and exporter of drones. Between 2017 and 2024, the UAE, Serbia, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, DR Congo, and Pakistan were some of the largest importers of China's armed, surveillance & reconnaissance, and attack UAVs. In terms of exports of missile technology, China delivered 896 FN-6 portable surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) to Pakistan in 2021, 200 of the QW-11 SAMs to Bangladesh in 2024, and a total of 390+ SAMs and anti-ship/ land attack missiles of various classes to Cambodia. In terms of maritime defence, China's most infamous CSSC shipyards have been the largest suppliers of naval hulls to US allies like Singapore. Since 2010, more than 70% of Bangladesh's defence imports have also come from China. These include two submarines positioned at BNS Pekua, and purchased by Dhaka for a price of $203 million. It is evident that China is expanding its arms export market share, albeit at a slow rate. India's main concerns, however, remain the actors who are acquiring Chinese weaponry and their level of dependence. Especially in India's immediate neighbourhood, Pakistan, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka are emerging as China's key defence clients. This presages the PLA's enhanced presence in the region. (Manoj Kewalramani is the Chairperson of the Indo-Pacific Studies Programme at the Takshashila Institution. Anushka Saxena is a Research Analyst with Takshashila's Indo-Pacific Studies Programme.)
Gizmodo
10-06-2025
- Science
- Gizmodo
China Set for Critical Orbital Refueling Test With 2 U.S. Satellites Watching Closely
Two Chinese satellites are about to rendezvous in geostationary orbit, docking with one another for an experimental demonstration that could extend the longevity of spacecraft. Shijian-21 and Shijian-25 performed a series of maneuvers this past weekend, reaching a close distance of just two degrees of longitude from one another on Monday, according to space situational awareness company COMSPOC. The pair are set to meet on Wednesday for a docking procedure for China's first on-orbit refueling test in geostationary orbit (GEO), acting like a space gas station to extend the lifespan of satellites. China's satellites aren't alone, however, as two U.S. surveillance spacecraft are lurking nearby to watch it all happen, with the Pentagon fearing the technology could represent a significant milestone in China's space ambitions. The two satellites were developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, a subsidiary of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. Shijian-25 launched in January while Shijian-21 lifted off earlier in 2021. Around a year after its launch, Shijian-21 docked with a defunct Chinese satellite, the Beidou-2 G2 navigation satellite, and towed it to the graveyard orbit above GEO, SpaceNews reported at the time. Since then, Shijian-21 appeared to have run out of fuel—until it recently sprang back to life with maneuvers of its own to get closer to Shijian-25. It's likely the target of the in-orbit refueling test, in which Shijian-25 will attempt to transfer about 313 pounds (142 kilograms) of hydrazine to extend the satellite's life by eight years, according to Universe Today. The refueling test has raised concerns in the U.S. about China's growing space capabilities, prompting officials to closely monitor the situation. Two surveillance satellites, USA 270 and USA 271, part of the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program, performed maneuvers of their own to approach the vicinity of the Chinese satellites, according to COMSPOC. 'While these U.S. assets aren't directly involved, their proximity adds complexity to the local SSA picture — and raises strategic awareness concerns,' the company wrote on X. The U.S. has previously carried out in-orbit refueling tests of its own. In 2019, Northrop Grumman refueled a satellite in space to extend its lifespan by five years, becoming the first company to do so. The U.S. Space Force is also preparing its own set of orbital refueling tests, known as Tetra-5 and Tetra-6, using hardware from Northrop Grumman and other commercial suppliers. For now, the U.S. will stick to watching its space rival carry out the orbital maneuver from a safe distance.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
China launches Tianwen-2 to chase Moon-origin asteroid, explore hybrid comet
China has launched its most ambitious deep space mission yet. On Wednesday, the Tianwen-2 probe lifted off atop a Long March 3B rocket at 1:31 pm Eastern (17:31 UTC) from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan province. The mission aims to collect samples from a near-Earth asteroid and later survey a comet in the main asteroid belt, marking the country's first asteroid sampling effort. Tianwen-2 is now en route to asteroid 469219 Kamoʻoalewa (2016 HO3), a small rocky body orbiting close to Earth. The probe is expected to reach the asteroid in mid-2026 and return samples to Earth in 2027. After the sample return, it will continue its journey toward comet 311P/PANSTARRS, with arrival expected around 2035. The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) confirmed the successful launch just over an hour after liftoff. Xinhua reported that 'the spacecraft unfolded its solar panels smoothly,' and the China National Space Administration (CNSA) officially declared the mission a success. Discovered in 2016 by researchers in Hawaii, Kamoʻoalewa is believed to be a fragment of the Moon. Scientists hope to analyze its structure, mineral content, and origin. It is roughly 40 to 100 meters in diameter. Depending on surface conditions, the mission will employ three sampling methods — hover sampling, touch-and-go, and anchored drilling. Tianwen-2 will then use Earth's gravity to redirect itself toward comet 311P. The comet orbits between Mars and Jupiter and displays asteroid-like behavior, making it ideal for studying transitional objects in the solar system. Reaching and sampling small celestial bodies is more challenging than orbiting planets. The mission must navigate weak and irregular gravity fields, which rule out traditional orbiting methods. 'These bodies have extremely weak and irregular gravity fields,' Franco Perez-Lissi, Ramses mission systems engineer at the European Space Agency (ESA), told SpaceNews. 'So we cannot rely on traditional orbiting like we do around the planet.' Tianwen-2 must closely match the asteroid's rotation and speed for successful sampling. Perez-Lissi likened the maneuver to 'trying to dock a boat with a mountain floating in space and tumbling really unpredictably and with almost no gravity.' The probe carries 11 science payloads, including spectrometers, high-resolution cameras, a radar sounder, and particle detectors. These will study the composition, geological features, magnetic fields, and solar wind interactions at both the asteroid and the comet. Past missions like NASA's OSIRIS-REx and JAXA's Hayabusa2 have returned organic materials, including amino acids and nucleobases—key building blocks of life. Tianwen-2 follows the successful Tianwen-1 Mars mission and precedes plans for Mars sample return and Jupiter system exploration. These missions are part of a long-term roadmap that includes the International Lunar Research Station and a Venus sample return. According to Xinhua, Shan Zhongde, head of the CNSA, 'expressed his expectation of yielding groundbreaking discoveries and expanding humanity's knowledge of the cosmos.' China continues to invest heavily in space, with its Tiangong space station now operational and a crewed Moon mission planned for later this decade. Tianwen-2 could mark another leap forward in China's 'space dream,' as articulated by President Xi Jinping.
AU Financial Review
29-05-2025
- General
- AU Financial Review
In Pictures: ‘Many nations, one mob'
Skip to navigationSkip to contentSkip to footerHelp using this website - Accessibility statement Aunty Kathleen Hopkins and Aunty Ada Simpson, Cherbourg: 'We live for the church and the power of God.' One of the women grew up in the dormitory. The other was raised as a camp kid. But together, they've shared a lifetime of laughter right here on these very church steps. Through sorrow and survival, joy and justice, these women have leaned on each other and their faith. The church has been their anchor: a place of resilience, strength, and unwavering community. They say it was God who helped them survive and thrive. Prayer was their medicine. Service, their offering. And today, their story is a testament to a spirit that could never be broken. 'Faith is our foundation. The church has always been our guiding light shaping our journey, keeping our spirits strong.' Zakirrah, Normanton: standing on the cracked earth of Normanton, Queensland, may be the youngest person to deliver official Welcome to Country speeches in Australia. A Traditional Owner of Normanton, she began this important role at just seven and is now nine years old. Welcome to Country is an ancient tradition, once practised when travelling between Nations. Visitors would signal at the border with smoke and wait for warriors to escort them to the Elders. The Elders, through ceremony, sought the ancestors' blessing, and once welcomed, the entire Nation took responsibility for the visitor's care and safety. It was also a way for Nations to welcome and acknowledge each other's traditional lands marking rites of passage, exchanging, bartering, celebrating, and welcoming. Through ceremony, these shared practices strengthened the connections between people and reinforced respect for the land and its custodians. Today, this practice continues as a sign of respect for the land, its Traditional Custodians, and the enduring connection First Nations peoples have to Country. It acknowledges the ancestors and reinforces the responsibility of communities to care for one another and their shared environment. Mayor Bruce Simpson – Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council (CASC): Mayor Simpson's enthusiastic participation in the All Shades Project was to showcase his leadership achievements through the lens of art. His request for a grand piano and theatre setting was to showcase that he initially wanted to become the first Aboriginal concert pianist. He is from the strength of great leaders of the Wakka Wakka, Wangan and Koa tribes. Brayden, Delta Downs: Australia's First Indigenous-Owned Cattle Station: . In 1982, it became Australia's first Indigenous-owned and operated cattle station, returning to the care of the Kurtijar people. Since then, it has flourished as a proud testament to the vision, resilience, and dedication of its community. Brayden said, 'I wanted to be photographed here because this place represents the future we've built for ourselves. Delta Downs is more than a cattle station – it's a living example of what we can achieve when we work together and care for Country. Every day here is about growth, connection, and pride in who we are.' Rubber dingy shot. 'The ocean is our playground, our highway, and our home. We wanted to be photographed here on Kirriri [Hammond Island] because the water is where we belong. Out here, we make our own boats, find our own adventures, and move the way our ancestors did, always connected to the sea. Life on the island is about freedom, fun, and knowing that the ocean will always be part of who we are.' Kababinna, Sunshine Coast: 'The ocean is alive – it moves, breathes, and connects us to something greater. I wanted to be photographed here on Gubbi Gubbi Country because this place fills me with wonder. The way the water crashes against the rocks, the energy of the ocean – it reminds me of how powerful and free we are. Every wave, every drop, every moment out here is something to respect and cherish. I chose to be photographed near the saltwater. Unya Jagun (my country) Biren Jagun (saltwater country) is where I always feel my strongest and where my people have always belonged. To stay strong in my culture is a necessity for me, and I am learning every day. In the words of my grandfather (GuGu Yalanji): 'Gurri milka wulun' – don't forget. 'Gurri gingy gingy' – don't get confused.' Gordon Browning, Gympie: 'My name is Gordon Browning, I am a proud Bundjalung/ Coodjinburra and South Sea Islander man from Fingal Heads. I currently live in the Gympie Regional Council and have worked in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health for the last 25 years. I started my health career in 1999, as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health worker at the Gympie Hospital. This picture was taken on our property just outside of Gympie, my totem is the mibunn (sea eagle). When I paint up, this is my grounding to my culture, my country and our law/lore. I have been blessed to have to support from my beautiful wife, our four children, and three grandchildren.' Mandji, Marcus Beach: 'My name is Mandji. My name comes from the Gubbi Gubbi word meaning 'friend'. I am a proud Bundjalung Yugambeh and South Sea Islander woman. I have spent my life privileged to grow up around strong First Nations family, Elders, and community, and I take pride in my culture. I am mother to my Kubill Muyumm (beautiful little boy), who is my absolute world. To be Aboriginal to me is such a special feeling and privilege. It gives me strength every day, knowing that I'm walking in the footsteps of my ancestors. Through the salt water, air, the bush, and the flames of the fire, I can hear my old people guiding me as a mother and helping me walk through this society, a society that I was born into and one I have chosen to birth my son and daughter into.' Adrian Bauwens, Cherbourg: 'Galang Gumba Daru – G'day. I'm Adrian, a man of the Wakka Wakka people. I am grateful to be able to share with you some insight into my connection with country. What you can see here in the photo is an ancient practice from our culture – fire on country. To many of us, fire is an important element of country and its wellbeing. The land loves a good fire that is performed in a cultural way. Everything on country greatly benefits from our fire practices; from plants, to animals, to fungi and insects. There is something for everyone when a fire comes through. As someone who works in the environmental field, this is something I am passionate about – helping country to stay strong and healthy. It's hard to describe, but whenever we do these burns, I like to think of country really enjoying the fire. Almost like it's happy and celebrating, or even dancing. There's just something so calming about being in the presence of country during a burn.' Simon Thornalley, Mooloolaba: Launched in early 2020, Saltwater Eco Tours is the vision of Simon Thornalley, a young Indigenous man of Torres Strait Island descent who was born on the Sunshine Coast and introduced to his sailing lifestyle by his parents who were world-class sailors and environmentalists themselves. That vision was to establish a unique tourism experience that would inspire a deeper connection to Indigenous culture and the ocean. Collaboration with Traditional Owners of the Kabi Kabi First Nation people ensures that Saltwater Eco Tours delivers an authentic local visitor experience, sharing the timeless wisdom of the world's oldest continuous living cultures, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Alongside his partner Jenna, Traditional Owner Aunty Bridgette Chilli and their experienced crew, the company prides themselves on authenticity, passion and a genuine love for the ocean. Toshianna Josiah, Yaggra Station: This is where I feel strongest - on horseback, with the dust rising and the sun setting behind me. It's in these moments that I know exactly who I am.' Toshianna is a true horsewoman and fearless bull rider. She's been in the saddle since she was seven, riding with spirit, courage, and grace. We thank our Creator for her natural talent and a nity. Her dream lives in the rodeo arena, where she feels most alive riding bulls, drawn to the thrill and challenge. She's forged in the rhythm of the land and the strength of the saddle. The station is more than a place of work - it's where her roots run deep. It's where resilience is inherited, where hard work is worn like a badge of honour, and where the bond between rider and horse is unbreakable. As the dust swirls in the golden light, Toshianna rides on - carrying her ancestors, her dreams, and her future in every stride Tia Pitman is a former gymnast turned professional roller skater, who is making waves in skate parks, on social media, and the performance stage. With her gymnastics background, Tia brings dynamic movement, fearless tricks, and creative expression to the world of roller skating, inspiring a new generation of skaters and performers. This image captures her passion, skill, and unstoppable energy. Old Crow, Kowanyama: 'I wanted to be photographed here because I've been working these machines since I was 16. It's what I love, and it's what I've done all my life. Every day, I get up, climb in, and get to work. It's not just a job – it's part of who I am.' Aleon, Hammond Island: Beauty of Kirriri. 'The saltwater is where I feel alive, wind in my hair, salt on my lips, shells in my pocket, and sand on my feet. The water holds our stories that our spirit connects to the sea. Where our forefathers sailed, bring hope for you and me. This is my happy place where the sky meets the sea. Kirriri Island is a place where you long to be and a home to me.'
