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Chinese navy to make regular visits to Hong Kong, in move praised by analysts

South China Sea: Chinese military says reef patrols stepped up amid Philippines tension

China, Pakistan talk security as they target terrorism against belt and road projects

‘Groundless’: China dismisses report of corruption probe into Defence Minister Dong Jun

China’s military

Spotlight on China’s military development

News

China

Military

Could China strangle Europe’s weapons output with cotton?

Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

A worker holds nitrocellulose in its first stage of being processed. Photo: Getty Images

European politicians and arms producers have complained that China has cut its supply of nitrocellulose, known as guncotton, but experts say Europe would rather not ramp up production.


China lacks an advanced bomber. Can the H-20 ‘Water’ quench its need?

The Chinese Air Force is believed to be on the verge of showcasing the H-20 bomber to the world. Photo: X/SouthToday5

Beijing intends the H-20 next-gen stealth bomber to match the United States’ B-2 Spirit and B-21 Raider bombers. Photo: X/SouthToday5

‘A new generation of equipment would bring a new generation of combat power,’ PLA Air Force deputy commander says of mystery project.


US military still has an edge, but China is catching up with hi-tech weapons

Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun (centre) exits after a bilateral meeting with his US counterpart Lloyd Austin on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 31. Photo: AFP

China’s third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, features an advanced electromagnetic catapult system. Photo: CCTV

Analysts say PLA is narrowing gap with drones and hypersonic missiles. But can it compete with Washington’s growing Pacific alliances?


The US wants to decouple its military supplies from China – but can it?

China is a major producer of components used in equipment such as night-vision goggles. Photo: Reuters

US F-35s use an array of materials and components sourced from China. Photo: AFP

China’s key role in global supply chains means it will be a real challenge to stop using all the materials and components it produces to make weapons.


This is a four-part series covering China’s military development, from weapons and aircraft to its role in the global supply chain and how it compares with the United States.


Series