# Indo-Pacific
Latest news and articles about Indo-Pacific
Total: 91 articles found
The Underwater Great Wall: China’s Submarine Force Marks 72 Years of Strategic Expansion
The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is celebrating the 72nd anniversary of its submarine force, a pillar of China’s maritime strategy. The milestone underscores Beijing's successful transformation of a fledgling fleet into a sophisticated 'Underwater Great Wall' capable of projecting power and ensuring nuclear deterrence.
China’s Hypersonic Sword: DF-17 Salvo Drills Signal New Era of Regional Deterrence
China has showcased advanced live-fire exercises involving the DF-17 hypersonic missile, demonstrating high operational maturity and multi-vehicle salvo capabilities. The drill signals a significant enhancement in the PLA’s ability to overwhelm regional missile defenses and underscores a shift in the strategic balance of power.
Japan’s Final Frontier: The Transformation of the Air Self-Defense Force into a Space Power
Japan plans to rename its Air Self-Defense Force to the 'Air and Space Self-Defense Force' by late 2026, marking a shift toward orbital defense and enhanced long-range strike capabilities. The move has triggered domestic protests over constitutional concerns and regional alarm regarding the potential for offensive space operations and closer US-Japan integration.
Power Projection on the Pedestal: China’s ‘Steel Dragon’ Carriers Redefine the Dragon Boat Festival
Beijing is utilizing the traditional Dragon Boat Festival to project naval strength, framing its three aircraft carriers as the modern equivalent of ancient dragon boats. This propaganda effort highlights the technological milestone of the Fujian carrier while reinforcing a narrative of national rejuvenation and maritime dominance.
Catapulting to the Top: The Strategic Significance of China’s Electromagnetic Naval Leap
China's CNS Fujian carrier utilizes advanced electromagnetic catapults to surpass traditional steam systems, significantly enhancing its ability to launch heavy aircraft and increase operational sortie rates. This technological leap positions the PLAN as a formidable peer to the US Navy in carrier aviation.
A New Axis of Autonomy: France and India Redefine Strategic Sovereignty
Prime Minister Modi's visit to France has culminated in a new strategic roadmap focusing on defense and AI, driven by France's need for new allies after European defense projects stalled. The partnership represents a shared pursuit of strategic autonomy against the backdrop of US tech restrictions and shifting global alliances.
China’s ‘10,000-Ton’ Titans: Type 055 Destroyers Flex Blue-Water Muscle in High-Intensity Drills
The Chinese Navy recently conducted high-intensity, 24-hour combat drills featuring the elite Type 055 destroyer Nanchang and the Type 052D Xining. These exercises were designed to test the fleet's ability to perform complex offensive and defensive operations in a real-world combat simulation.
Guns vs. Butter: Protests in Tokyo Signal Domestic Frictions Over Takaichi’s Hawkish Turn
Mass protests erupted in Tokyo against Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s military expansion policies and the revision of Japan’s key security documents. Demonstrators linked the increase in defense spending to rising domestic costs of living and expressed fears over the erosion of pacifism and free speech.
Arming the Alliance: Washington Accelerates High-End Munitions Sales to Seoul
The U.S. has approved a $292 million sale of advanced AMRAAM missiles to South Korea, following a massive $4.2 billion helicopter and upgrade package last month. These sales aim to significantly boost Seoul's air superiority and anti-submarine capabilities amidst rising regional tensions.
Unmasking Tokyo: Beijing’s Rhetorical Offensive Against Japan’s Defense Pivot
China has sharply criticized Japan's recent defense policy shifts, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian claiming Tokyo has 'removed the mask' of being a peaceful nation. The critique focuses on Japan's increased military spending, missile deployment, and easing of arms export rules.
Projecting Power: China’s ‘Guangxi’ Amphibious Assault Ship Reaches High-Intensity Combat Readiness
China's second Type 075 landing helicopter dock, the Guangxi (Hull 32), has completed a series of high-intensity combat drills, signaling its readiness for complex amphibious operations. This development marks a significant upgrade in the PLA Navy's ability to project power and conduct vertical air-sea assaults in regional flashpoints.
Beijing Signals Escalation Over Japan-Philippines Maritime Security Cooperation
China's Foreign Ministry has issued a stern warning against the deepening maritime security ties between Japan and the Philippines. The statement reflects Beijing's growing concerns over a coordinated regional containment strategy aimed at its territorial claims in the South and East China Seas.