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People's Liberation Army Navy (China)

Latest in People's Liberation Army Navy (China)

A view of the Chinese Type 052D guided missile destroyer from the Seasats Lightfish uncrewed surface vessel.
People's Liberation Army Navy (China)

Chinese Destroyer’s Encounter With U.S. Drone Boat Highlights Future Rules Of Engagement Issues

By Howard Altman, Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Jul 30, 2026

Evidence has emerged indicating that China’s feared YJ-20 hypersonic anti-ship missile is now also being fielded aboard the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s (PLAN) Type 052D class destroyers. These warships are far more numerous than the Type 055 ‘super destroyers,’ on which the missile was previously integrated, suggesting that the PLAN intends to distribute the weapon across a much broader portion of its surface fleet rather than reserving it exclusively for its largest combatants.
People's Liberation Army Navy (China)

China Fires YJ-20 Hypersonic Anti-Ship Missile From Smaller Destroyer

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jul 29, 2026

03 September 2025, China, Peking: Unmanned underwater drones ride along on military transporters at Tiananmen Square in Beijing during a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Photo: Johannes Neudecker/dpa (Photo by Johannes Neudecker/picture alliance via Getty Images)
People's Liberation Army Navy (China)

U.S. Coast Guard Seeking Technology To Hunt And Kill Uncrewed Underwater Vehicles

By Howard Altman

Posted on Jul 24, 2026

A very large and interesting-looking vessel is taking shape at a shipyard in southeastern China. What can be seen of it so far points strongly to it being the largest naval resupply ship anywhere in the world.
People's Liberation Army Navy (China)

China Is Building A Monster Supply Ship For Its Carrier Groups

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 17, 2026

Apparently for the first time, an image has appeared showing a Chinese J-15T carrier-based fighter launching while carrying four anti-ship missiles. The photo offers the clearest indication so far that China’s rapidly evolving carrier force is overcoming one of its longstanding operational constraints: getting heavily loaded strike fighters airborne from its flattops.
People's Liberation Army Navy (China)

Chinese J-15 Fighter Seen Launching From A Carrier With Four Anti-Ship Missiles For First Time

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jul 9, 2026

China has fired a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) – either a JL-2 or a JL-3 – out into the Western Pacific for the first time in years, if not decades.
People's Liberation Army Navy (China)

China’s Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile Test In The Pacific Is A Big Deal

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 6, 2026

A new type of submarine that appears to lack a traditional sail has emerged in China. The same shipyard launched a smaller 'sailless' submarine — a technology demonstrator — eight years ago.
People's Liberation Army Navy (China)

New Large Chinese Submarine With Very Unique Feature Just Caught On Satellite Imagery

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jun 3, 2026

Less than a year after we got our first proper look at China’s wing-in-ground effect (WIG) craft, dubbed the ‘Bohai Sea Monster,’ the aircraft has appeared again, with evidence that it has a combat role, likely including launching weapons. We can also confirm that, contrary to some earlier assessments, the craft is powered by four turboprop engines, rather than turbofans. The possibility of propeller engines is something that we had raised in previous coverage.
People's Liberation Army Navy (China)

China’s “Bohai Sea Monster” Reappears With Apparent Weapons Hardpoints

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 25, 2026

What looks to be a new 155mm naval gun has been installed on a Chinese weapons trials ship.
People's Liberation Army Navy (China)

China’s Largest Modern Naval Gun To Date Just Appeared On A Test Ship

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Feb 19, 2026

Iran is hosting a joint naval exercise with China and Russia amid ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran
People's Liberation Army Navy (China)

What Iran’s Naval Exercise With China And Russia In The Strait Of Hormuz Actually Means

By Howard Altman

Posted on Feb 18, 2026

China has converted a cargo ship to a arsenal ship and drone carrier.
People's Liberation Army Navy (China)

Chinese Cargo Ship Converted To Launch Advanced Combat Drones Emerges (Updated)

By Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Jan 2, 2026

TAIWAN - DECEMBER 29: (----EDITORIAL USE ONLY - MANDATORY CREDIT - TAIWAN'S MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEFENSE/HANDOUT' - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS----) A screen grab from a video shows fighter jet as Taiwanâs Ministry of National Defense said the islandâs armed forces conducted rapid response exercises on Monday in response to aircraft and naval activity by Chinaâs Peopleâs Liberation Army in Taiwan on December 29, 2025. In a statement posted on social media, the ministry said the armed forces closely monitored the situation and carried out joint sea and air operations involving all service branches.The ministry said Taiwanâs Coast Guard also remained on high alert as part of the response. No further details on the scale or duration of the activities were immediately provided. China launched joint military drills Monday around Taiwan in a stern warning against 'Taiwan Independence' separatist forces and external interference, according to state-run media.The Eastern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) dispatched fighter jets, bombers and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in coordination with long-range rocket forces to conduct drills code-named 'Justice Mission 2025' in the Taiwan Strait and areas to the north, southwest, southeast and east of Taiwan Island, Xinhua news agency reported, citing Shi Yi, a spokesperson for the theater command.
People's Liberation Army Navy (China)

China Launches Snap “Warning” Drills Around Taiwan Simulating A Total Blockade

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Dec 29, 2025

The Chinese military has published a video showing what it says is the launch of a YJ-20 hypersonic anti-ship missile from one of its Type 055 ‘super destroyers.’
People's Liberation Army Navy (China)

YJ-20 High-Speed Anti-Ship Missile Seen In Action On China’s Type 055 Super Destroyer

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Dec 29, 2025

Type 076 seen carrying loyal wingman drone mockup or prototype.
People's Liberation Army Navy (China)

Chinese Loyal Wingman Drone Design Appear Set For Deck Trials

By Thomas Newdick

Updated on Dec 27, 2025

China has shown an cargo ship packed with launchers, radar, and close-in-weapon systems.
People's Liberation Army Navy (China)

Chinese Cargo Ship Packed Full Of Modular Missile Launchers Emerges

By Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Dec 25, 2025

We have gotten our best look so far at China’ mysterious, trimaran-hulled vessel, the purpose of which remains unknown.
People's Liberation Army Navy (China)

China’s Mysterious Submarine-Ship Hybrid Breaks Cover

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Dec 3, 2025