China's Type 052 guided-missile destroyer Harbin, hull number 112, often hailed as “China's No. 1 warship” and the lead ship of the country's second generation of domestically built destroyers, was decommissioned on Friday in Qingdao, East China's Shandong Province.

China's Type 052 guided-missile destroyer Harbin, hull number 112, often hailed as "China's No. 1 warship" and the lead ship of the country's second generation of domestically built destroyers, was decommissioned on Friday in Qingdao, East China's Shandong Province.

Multiple types of aviation equipment, including the Y-20 transport aircraft, Wing Loong-2 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and Mi-171 helicopter, have been deployed to support rescue and relief efforts after a devastating mudslide originating on the Nepalese side of the China-Nepal border and hitting Gyirong Port in Southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region.

Bangladesh is advancing plans to purchase Chinese-made J-10CE fighter jets, attack helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicle systems, according to multiple media reports. Zahed Ur Rahman, the Bangladeshi prime minister's adviser on information and broadcasting, cited the fighter's "real-world experience" during the 2025 India-Pakistan military conflict as an important factor behind Dhaka's interest.

Chinese state broadcaster CCTV News released a dedicated 12-second video on Tuesday, which showcased for the first time a Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) test launch of a black-coated missile, stating that it was a test of the missile's extreme performance limits.

After the China-Belarus Swift Eagle 2026 joint training exercise concluded on Monday, footage released by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force on Tuesday showed the Z-20K helicopter was in action. A Chinese military affairs expert said the drill's choice to carry out helicopter rappelling, air assault and parachute insertion over fixed-wing transport highlights the counter-terrorism's need for flexibility and precision, and proves the Z-20K is now combat-ready for such missions.

Chinese state media on Monday released footage from the first day of flight training held Saturday during the China-Egypt Eagles of Civilization 2026 joint training exercise, showing PLA J-16s engaging in air combat drills against Egyptian MiG-29 and Rafale fighters. A Chinese expert said this is the first joint exercise featuring both the J-16 and the Rafale, reflecting strong mutual trust and a high level of coordination between the two air forces.

State media released footage on Saturday showing the latest training scenes of the Type 054A guided missile frigate Ningde, marking its official commissioning into the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy.

Recent media attention has focused on Taiwan region's purchase of 66 F-16V (Blk 70) fighter jets from the US, the first two of which are now en route to the island. A mainland expert said the induction of these jets cannot change the cross-Straits air power balance. Their performance is comparable to the PLA's J-10C, but against the likes of J-16, J-20 and J-35, their tactical value is limited. The real gap, however, is not in individual aircraft, but in the PLA's already mature air combat system.

According to Chinese military sources, on Saturday, the Philippines drew in external countries to stir up trouble in the South China Sea by organizing socalled "joint patrols". The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) kept full-time tracking and surveillance of the relevant parties, and the situation remained well under control.

A US P-8A anti-submarine patrol aircraft transited the Taiwan Straits on Friday, with the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) tracking and monitoring it throughout the transit, a Chinese military source told the Global Times.

Multiple types of aircraft and personnel from the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force participating in the China-Egypt Eagles of Civilization 2026 joint training arrived at an air base in Egypt early Friday morning after an intercontinental deployment, according to an official release from the PLA Air Force.

The PLA Southern Theater Command said on Friday that three Philippine aircraft illegally entered China's territorial airspace over Huangyan Dao without approval, prompting Chinese naval and air forces to track, monitor and issue verbal warnings to the aircraft.

In August, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force is actively conducting joint training with three countries - Belarus, Thailand and Egypt - across three distant regions, with some training content and footage already released by official sources.

China North Industries Group Corporation (NORINCO Group), a state-owned defense company, is set to showcase its Fuxi special-purpose humanoid robot, which can conduct all-weather reconnaissance, intelligent patrols and operations in hazardous areas, while allowing human operators to remotely control the robot's movements in real time.

#PLA Navy Task Force 83, comprising the training ship Qi Jiguang and the amphibious dock landing ship Kunlunshan, returned home on Monday after successfully completing its far-sea comprehensive training and visit missions to #Russia, #Vietnam, #Brunei and #Indonesia. #GTMilitaryWatch

A state media video released on Sunday showed that the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's first batch of female shipborne pilot trainees have all passed their daytime shipborne landing qualification assessments and have now entered the night landing training and evaluation phase.

China firmly opposes the unfounded accusations and smears made by the Philippines and Australia against China. Regarding the Philippine side's deliberate provocations and attacks on the Chinese personnel at Ren'ai Jiao, the China Coast Guard has issued a statement and released evidence. The Chinese side took necessary countermeasures, which were professional, restrained and beyond reproach, Chen Xi, a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of National Defense (MND), said on Friday.

China has deployed multiple types of aircraft, including fighter jets, fighter-bombers, early-warning aircraft and aerial refueling tankers, as well as ground-based air defense equipment, for the joint air force exercise "Falcon Strike-2026" in Thailand, China Central Television (CCTV) reported on Thursday.

The Swift Eagle 2026 joint training for airborne troops from China and Belarus commenced on Wednesday with an opening ceremony at a Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force training center, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

The Chinese Navy's guided-missile frigate Honghe (Hull 523) and the Indonesian Navy frigate KRI I Gusti Ngurah Rai completed all scheduled exercises in waters east of China's Taiwan Island on Wednesday morning, marking the conclusion of a China-Indonesia maritime passage exercise, according to the PLA Eastern Theater Command.

Following China's Ministry of National Defense's announcement on Tuesday that the Chinese and Indonesian navies will hold a navigation exercise in waters east of Taiwan Island in mid‑August, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities on the island fiercely opposed and smeared this legitimate maritime military cooperation, while hyping up the so‑called "China threat" narrative. Their provocative response stands in stark contrast to their weak, accommodating stance toward Japan and the Philippines, whose illegal maritime delimitation in waters east of Taiwan has undermined China's legitimate maritime rights and interests.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy hospital ship, Auspicious Ark, deployed for Mission Harmony-2026, made a technical stop at the PLA's support base in Djibouti on Tuesday local time, where it is scheduled to provide medical services. A Chinese expert said that in addition to addressing the healthcare challenges facing Chinese military personnel stationed overseas, the ship can extend humanitarian medical assistance locally, thereby demonstrating China's commitment to fulfilling its responsibilities through concrete actions.

The PLA Navy's 49th escort taskforce set sail from a military port in Sanya, South China's Hainan Province on Wednesday, heading for the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somalia to relieve the 48th escort taskforce and continue escort missions. The guided-missile destroyer Kunming is undertaking an escort mission for the first time. #GTMilitaryWatch

A video released by official media on Tuesday showcased the development of the Chinese ­People's Liberation Army (PLA)'s latest wheeled infantry fighting vehicle (IFV). A military expert said that this new model represents comprehensive improvements in firepower, protection, mobility, informatization and ergonomics and it can now be considered to be entering mass deployment.

In mid-August, China's naval ship Honghe will conduct a navigation exercise with an Indonesian Navy ship at east of the Taiwan island. The drill will focus on subjects including communication drills and underway replenishment. It aims to boost the two navies' capacity for joint operations, deepen practical bilateral cooperation and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability, according to China's Ministry of National Defense on Tuesday.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's Type 075 amphibious assault ship Hubei recently completed a full combat qualification assessment in the South China Sea, the PLA Southern Theater Command announced on Monday.

J-20, J-16 and J-10C fighter jets of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force now have virtual simulation platforms, enabling air-ground coordinated combat and virtual-real tactical integration, while meeting operational requirements for joint training among the three aircraft types, according to a recent report by Chinese official media.

The Sansha maritime safety administration in South China's Hainan Province issued a navigation warning stating that military exercises would be conducted on Sunday in two areas delineated by two sets of coordinates, with entry prohibited. According to the map, the areas are located on the western and northeastern sides of the Xisha Qundao.

A video released by state media on Saturday showed how Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Army soldiers, through coordinated teamwork, can use portable air defense missiles to shoot down stealth fighters, detailing the training and the principles behind it.

China's Ministry of National Defense on Friday urged the Philippine side to immediately stop its illegitimate acts violating China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and stop its provocations and propaganda, and vowed to take firm and effective countermeasures against any provocative attempts to make waves and stir up troubles in the South China Sea.

A documentary on the domestically developed Y-20 large transport aircraft family, aired by state media on Wednesday evening, revealed that the Y-20B can switch between transport and aerial refueling functions. A pilot said the aircraft could also take on roles including bomber, early warning aircraft and electronic warfare platform.

State media released footage on Tuesday showing the PLA Air Force's systematic application of three types of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which provide intelligence support to the PLA Army, Navy and Rocket Force. Among the three, the GJ-3A armed reconnaissance drones made its first public appearance.

In the latest episode of a PLA documentary focusing on joint operations, striking footage shows two J-20 stealth fighters escorting an H-6N bomber carrying a large missile under its fuselage, rather than the smaller missiles typically seen under the wings. A military affairs expert says the missile could be a powerful air-launched ballistic missile capable of conducting anti-ship or ground-strike missions.

Footage released by state media on Monday showed a rare scene of at least six DF-17 hypersonic missile launch vehicles of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Rocket Force appearing together in a single frame.

China's state broadcaster has aired footage of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force's intelligent strike-planning system, showing more than 100 tactical units conducting coordinated strikes with split-second precision after it passed its final live-fire test. Chinese military experts said the technology reflects the PLA's accelerating shift from platform-centered operations toward AI-enabled, system-of-systems warfare.

The annual Han Kuang military drills of the Taiwan region are set to kick off on Wednesday, with certain media of the island hyping up highlights that they claimed as “the first time.” Yet a mainland military affairs expert said the unrealistic gambits of Taiwan's regional authorities are pursued unscrupulously with blatant disregard for local residents' livelihoods, and such tactics are entirely futile.

Recently, footage showing the Type 076 amphibious assault ship Sichuan conducting a live-fire launch of countermeasures was released to the public for the first time. At the same time, footage of the ship's electromagnetic catapult test using a dead load was also disclosed for the first time, according to the CCTV News.

Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun said on Friday that the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) will serve as a steadfast bulwark for China's national reunification, resolutely thwart any attempt at "Taiwan independence" separatism or external military interference.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command (STC) on Saturday conducted joint maritime and air drills in the territorial waters, airspace, and surrounding maritime and air areas of China's Huangyan Dao, in response to the current situation in the South China Sea and the actions of certain countries in the region that are undermining peace and stability, according to a statement released on PLA STC's official Wechat account.

August 1, 2026 marks the 99th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA). This year's Army Day holds special significance as it falls during the critical year for achieving the PLA's centenary goals. According to official reports, reaching the PLA centenary goals and speeding up the building of world-class armed forces are strategic imperatives in China's efforts to build a modern socialist country in all respects.

A newly released video aired by CCTV on Friday showed the PLA Army's KVD002 armed reconnaissance drone successfully conducting a live-fire strike against a moving naval target off China's southeastern coast. A Chinese military expert said that extensive fielding of medium and large-sized drones signals that the PLA Army has attained full combat and support capabilities.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command (STC) and the China Coast Guard (CCG) conducted patrols in the territorial sea and airspace of China's Huangyan Dao and its surrounding areas on Thursday. The PLA has deployed new equipment such as the Navy's Type 054B frigate and the Air Force's JL-10 jet.

When asked to comment on the recent repeated intrusions by Philippine government vessels into the waters under China's jurisdiction around Huangyan Dao, where the China Coast Guard lawfully expelled them, as well as the so-called "joint patrols" conducted by the Philippines, the US and Japan in the relevant waters, Jiang Bin, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, said on Thursday that defense and security cooperation among relevant countries should not target any third party or undermine regional peace and stability.

Recently, Japanese vessels and aircraft have provoked and harassed a Chinese naval formation carrying out routine training missions. The Global Times obtained an exclusive audio recording in which Japan's Self-Defense Forces referred to itself as the "Japan Navy." In response, the Chinese navy task group has taken firm stance and corrected Japan's mistaken rhetoric.

The Chinese and Russian naval task force participating in the maritime joint patrol arrived in Vladivostok, Russia, on Wednesday, marking the conclusion of the joint patrol, according to China's Ministry of National Defense.

Footage released by state media on Wednesday revealed for the first time a Type 052D destroyer launching the YJ-20 hypersonic anti-ship missile, which debuted at the 2025 V-Day military parade, indicating the missile can now be carried out by not only Type 055 large destroyers, but also more numerous 052D vessels, significantly enhancing the overall anti-ship capabilities of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, a military affairs expert said.

Check highlights in the promo video released ahead #PLA 99th anniversary! First-ever footage of new multi-functional decoy projectiles launched from the Type 076 assault ship Sichuan and live-fire firing of large-caliber rockets from the Type 191 long-range rocket artillery showcase the PLA's long-range precision firepower capabilities, per China Military Bugle on Tuesday.

Recent public images show #Z-20J helicopters operating from both Type 071 and Type 075 amphibious vessels, signaling a significant upgrade in China's amphibious assault capabilities, an expert said, highlighting the helicopters' advantages in scenarios in #TaiwanStraits and #SouthChinaSea directions

Japan's Ministry of Defense Joint Staff on Saturday again reported the latest location of the China-Russia joint naval task group, claiming that it had confirmed four Chinese and Russian naval vessels proceeding northeast through waters southeast of Cape Nosappu, Hokkaido. A Chinese expert said the joint patrol is likely to complete a circumnavigation of Japan, demonstrating the two navies' ability to break through the so-called island chain blockade while deterring Japan's right-wing forces.

China's state broadcaster on Saturday released footage showcasing the expanding Z-20 helicopter family and its service across the country's ground, naval and airborne forces, with images of the shipborne Z-20J conducting takeoff and landing training aboard a Type 075 amphibious assault ship drawing particular attention.

The 16th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, also known as Airshow China, will be held from December 7 to 13, 2026, in Zhuhai, South China's Guangdong Province, following relevant approvals, the Zhuhai Airshow Group Co Ltd said in an announcement on Friday.

The China Coast Guard (CCG) on Friday took control measures in accordance with the law against multiple Philippine vessels engaged in illegal activities in the waters under China's jurisdiction off Huangyan Dao.

In response to questions about China's decision to conduct live-fire drills in the Taiwan Straits, taken just one day after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met in the Philippines and discussed, among other topics, the Taiwan question, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Thursday that "relevant Chinese authorities have already released information" regarding the exercise.

Zhangzhou maritime safety administration issued a navigation warning stating that live-fire drills will be conducted in some areas of the Taiwan Straits from 6 am to 6 pm on Thursday and from 6 am to 6 pm on Friday, according to the website of China's Maritime Safety Administration. Entry into the designated areas is prohibited, the website showed.

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi on Tuesday played up claims that Chinese naval vessels conduct drills in Japan's so-called "exclusive economic zone" during a meeting with defense chiefs from Italy, Japan, the UK and Canada in London, vowing to continue monitoring Chinese and Russian naval activities around Japan and strengthen surveillance in surrounding air and sea areas, Japan's NHK reported on Wednesday. The meeting also discussed Canada's participation in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), according to Canada's Department of National Defence.

China has firmly rejected Japan's "concerns" over Chinese naval vessels' live-fire drills in Japan's so-called exclusive economic zone (EEZ), with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian telling reporters on Tuesday that Japan's objections are baseless. Lin added that China's competent authorities have already made clear China's stance regarding the China-Russia joint military exercises and maritime patrols.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy Task Force 83, comprising the training ship Qijiguang and the amphibious dock landing ship Kunlunshan, set sail on Monday from a military port in Zhanjiang, South China's Guangdong Province, with over 900 naval cadets and crew members aboard, continuing its far-sea comprehensive training and visit mission, China's Ministry of National Defense said on Tuesday.

During the latest incident in which Philippine illegally “grounded” vessel No.57 deployed two rubber boats that approached a small China Coast Guard patrol boat in a dangerous manner in the waters near China's Ren'ai Jiao on Monday, an image obtained by the Global Times on Tuesday shows that one Chinese law enforcement officer was injured during the malicious assault launched by the Philippine side.

At around 9 am on Monday, while a small China Coast Guard (CCG) patrol vessel was conducting a routine patrol in waters near China's Ren'ai Jiao, the Philippine illegally “grounded” vessel No. 57 deployed two rubber boats. Ignoring repeated clear warnings from the Chinese side, the Philippine rubber boats approached the Chinese patrol vessel at high speed in a dangerous manner and attempted to surround and ram it, according to an official statement from the CCG released on Monday.

China-Russia military cooperation follows the principles of non-alliance, non-confrontation, and not targeting any third party. It plays an important role in safeguarding the two nations' sovereignty and security and upholding international and regional peace and stability, Jiang Bin, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense (MND), said on Friday.

The Taiwan region and the US have reportedly agreed to jointly produce an attack drone known as the Chien Feng I (Mighty Hornet I). The Taiwan region has also reportedly decided to purchase dozens of unmanned surface vessels and unmanned underwater vehicles incorporating US technology as part of its efforts to counter the Chinese mainland, according to reports by Taiwan-based media outlets including Taipei Times.

The Y-9 anti-submarine aircraft debuted with upgrades in #SouthChinaSea exercise following its display at 2025 V-Day military parade, per photos released consecutively by #PLA. This indicates that the new anti-submarine aircraft has been put into operational training and achieved initial combat capability, with upgraded radar and magnetic anomaly detector enhancing its search, attack and survivability amid South China Sea's underwater environment that is more complex than the East China Sea and Yellow Sea, military affairs expert said.

At 12:01 pm on July 6, a Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy submarine-launched strategic missile carrying a training dummy warhead burst from the sea, pierced through the ocean surface, and streaked across the blue sky, leaving a white vapor trail as it arced toward its designated target area in relevant high seas of the Pacific Ocean. From launch to impact confirmation, the entire process was made public through an official notification in less than an hour, catching wide attention.

The "Joint Sea-2026" exercise between China and Russia concluded at a military port in Qingdao in east China's Shandong Province Monday, with all planned exercise missions finished.

The at-sea phase of the China-Russia “Joint Sea-2026” exercise concluded on Saturday, marking the first time Chinese and Russian navy submarines have been featured together in the same image during the drill, according to China Bugle, an official media account affiliated with the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) news media center. A military affairs expert told the Global Times that this demonstrated a high level of mutual trust between the two countries that goes beyond the ordinary.

Vessel open day events and national defense education activities were held simultaneously in four cities on Friday to mark the fifth anniversary of the implementation of China's Coast Guard Law, with the domestically designed and built Lingshan, -- featuring long endurance, excellent seaworthiness, integrated multi-dimensional operational capabilities, and a helicopter deck capable of accommodating multiple helicopter types, -- emergeding as a highlight, CCTV News reported on Saturday.

A widely circulated video on social media has offered a full view of China's new Type 076 amphibious assault ship Sichuan, showing work on its electromagnetic catapult, arresting gear and flight-deck markings has been completed. A Chinese expert told the Global Times that construction of the Sichuan and its overall outfitting process have progressed rapidly, and the vessel is expected to be delivered soon in the near future.

A Chinese military spokesperson on Thursday denounced Japan for accelerating the weaponization and militarization of space.

Chinese and Russian naval vessels on Thursday started to carry out live-force, live-fire maritime drills in designated areas near the city of Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province.

Under clear skies in the port city of Qingdao in East China's Shandong Province on Wednesday, Chinese and Russian warships participating in the "Joint Sea-2026" exercise were moored side by side at the dock. The national flags of China and Russia flew alongside each other atop the ships' main masts.

China notified relevant countries in advance of the test launch of a nuclear submarine-based strategic missile, which demonstrates the openness and transparency of the Chinese armed forces, a defense spokesperson said on Tuesday.

Chinese-built L-15E advanced trainer jets made their first appearance at a major US airshow as part of the UAE's national aerobatic display team, attracting attention from international defense observers and earning high praise for their performance capabilities. A Chinese expert said the UAE bringing Chinese trainer aircraft to a US airshow highlights the aircraft's world-class performance. It also shows that the Chinese trainer aircraft is earning broad recognition and confidence from international users.

The Japanese fishing vessel Zuiho Maru illegally entered China's territorial waters off Chiwei Yu. China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels took necessary control measures in accordance with the law, issued warnings, and expelled the vessel, CCG spokesperson Jiang Lue said on Tuesday.

Japan's Ministry of Defense's Joint Staff claimed 10 cases of Chinese naval activities and one update on China-Russia joint aircraft activity over a 7-day period from June 25 to July 1, closely prying into the routes of Chinese warships transiting international straits around Japan en route to far-sea training, a frequency that has drawn international attention.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's 83rd task force, currently on a far-sea comprehensive training and visit mission, arrived in Vietnam's southern hub Ho Chi Minh City on Sunday for a four-day goodwill visit. This marks the first visit of Chinese naval vessels to this city in nine years. A military affairs expert told the Global Times that the visit aims to enhance mutual trust and deepen practical cooperation between the Chinese and Vietnamese navies.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy on Monday successfully conducted the test launch of a strategic missile by a submarine, Xinhua News Agency reported at 1 pm, just 59 minutes after the launch took place. Experts interviewed by the Global Times widely agreed that the launch was smooth, the outcome was successful, and all intended objectives had been met.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy on Monday successfully conducted the test launch of a strategic missile by a submarine, a spokesperson for the PLA Navy said.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy on Monday successfully conducted the test launch of a strategic missile by a submarine.

Chinese and Russian navies will hold the "Joint Sea-2026" naval exercise in July in waters and airspace near the port city of Qingdao, East China's Shandong Province, China's Ministry of National Defense announced Sunday.

Jiang Lue, spokesperson for the China Coast Guard (CCG), stated that on Saturday, the CCG task group led by CCGS Xiushan replaced the task group led by CCGS Daishan to continue law-enforcement patrols in the waters east of China's Taiwan Island in accordance with the law.

"Standing on the deck of the warship, I truly felt the weight of the phrase, 'A strong motherland is our strongest backing.' As the country's military strength continues to grow, Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability are supported by the strongest possible guarantee,” a local resident of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) told the Global Times on Thursday, voicing welcome to the two Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy vessels that arrived in the city.

Some foreign media outlets followed a Serbian report this week that the country plans to procure China's HQ-9 long-range air defense missile system, with local media also speculating that Serbia may acquire Chinese fighter jets in the future. A Chinese military affairs expert told the Global Times on Thursday that Serbia appears to be building an air defense architecture with Chinese-made systems as its backbone, and that the growing cooperation reflects the advantages of Chinese equipment as well as the rising level of defense collaboration between the two countries.

Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy ships Nanning and Hengyang entered the waters of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Thursday morning.

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command (STC) and the China Coast Guard (CCG) on Tuesday conducted separate patrol operations in the waters surrounding China's Huangyan Dao, resolutely safeguarding the country's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.

The PLA Southern Theater Command (STC) naval and air forces conducted a routine patrol in the South China Sea on Saturday and Sunday, said Senior Captain Zhai Shichen, spokesperson for the PLA STC, on Monday.

From June 27 to 28, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command conducted a routine patrol in the South China Sea, said Zhai Shichen, spokesperson for the PLA Southern Theater Command.

Regarding the 11th China-Russia joint strategic air patrol announced by China's Ministry of National Defense (MND) on Saturday, a Chinese military expert told the Global Times that this year's joint patrol was marked by two key features — systematic deployment integrating bombers, fighter escorts, electronic warfare aircraft and aerial refueling, and high combat readiness.

As the camera slowly pans across the tarmac, three members in China's Y-20 large domestic transport aircraft family - the Y-20A, Y-20B and YU-20 - stand side by side. This rare scene appeared in an exclusive new Y-20 promotional video released on Sunday by China Bugle, an official media account affiliated with the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) news media center.

"Outrageously audacious! Japan actually simulated an attack on the Liaoning aircraft carrier," CCTV.com, is which under China Media Group, reported in a post on its official Sina Weibo on Saturday.

The air forces of China and Russia conducted the 11th joint strategic air patrol over the Sea of Japan, the East China Sea and the Western Pacific on Saturday, demonstrating their resolve and capability to jointly safeguard regional peace and stability, China's Ministry of National Defense (MND) said Saturday.

On June 26 local time, the guided-missile destroyer Tangshan (Hull 122), part of the 48th Chinese PLA naval escort taskforce, arrived at Port Victoria in Seychelles for a five-day friendly visit, China's Ministry of National Defense (MND) said on Saturday.

A Chinese military spokesperson on Thursday rebutted recent remarks by the Japanese defense minister questioning the transparency of China's defense spending, denouncing them as smears and a conspiracy theory.

Some foreign media outlets have reported since Monday that Bangladesh is planning to buy up to 24 Chinese J-10CE fighter jets, though China has yet to confirm the news. A military affairs expert told the Global Times that Bangladesh has a long history of defense ties with China. Although the reports have not been independently verified, the attention from foreign media reflects that China's technological progress and the quality of its military industry are gaining growing international recognition, experts said.

On Monday, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's Liaoning carrier group returned to its home port after completing far-sea combat-oriented training, the military channel of CCTV reported, noting that the group maintained high alert and responded professionally to repeated close-range Japanese harassment during the exercise. Regarding the first publicly reported joint drill between the carrier group and an amphibious assault ship group, a military affairs expert told the Global Times that the PLA Navy is boosting its multi-mission coordinated combat capabilities in far-sea operations.

Chinese official media has publicly shown the launch of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Rocket Force's DF-17 hypersonic missile for the first time, accompanied by the first official disclosure of a military commentator said could be an upgraded variant of the DF-26 intermediate-range ballistic missile.

Foreign media outlets reported that the military in the Taiwan region fired its High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) on the western coast of the island on Wednesday, but according to media on the island, four live rounds failed to launch. A Chinese mainland military affairs expert told the Global Times that the premise underpinning Taiwan's high expectations with the HIMARS is fundamentally flawed, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) will not allow such threats to materialize and is more than capable of countering them.

A China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel formation on Wednesday conducted a patrol in China's territorial waters of Diaoyu Dao and its affiliated islands.

The Japanese Defense Ministry on Monday began transporting a missile launcher and other equipment to Minamitorishima, the country's easternmost island in the Pacific, ahead of plans to build a missile firing range and conduct live-fire exercises there, NHK reported. Chinese military affairs experts warned that Japan's deployment of Type 12 surface-to-ship missiles on Minamitorishima would pose threat to regional security.

In response to a question regarding a law enforcement patrol conducted by a formation of the China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel Daishan in waters east of Taiwan Island on June 1, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Tuesday that China has an exclusive economic zone and continental shelf in the waters east of Taiwan island, and Japan and the Philippines, by bypassing China and unilaterally launching so-called “maritime delimitation talks,” have severely violated international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, as well as the basic norms of international relations, and have seriously infringed upon China's maritime rights and interests. China absolutely will not allow this, Lin said.