People's Liberation Army • Table.Briefings

January 26th, 2026

Power struggle in China’s military leadership: Nuclear weapons data leaked to the US?

Corruption, intrigue and accusations of leaking secrets: A wave of purges in China’s military has brought down the country’s top general.

By Andreas Landwehr

Talk of the Town | People's Liberation Army

January 25th, 2026

Power struggle at the top of the military: Nuclear weapons data leaked to the US?

Corruption, intrigue and allegations of leaking secrets. China’s purge wave in the military has brought down the top general. How combat-ready is the People’s Liberation Army?

By Andreas Landwehr

Talk of the Town | Military

January 12th, 2026

Navy: A new aircraft carrier every 20 months

The Pentagon is warning of a massive expansion of China’s aircraft carrier fleet. Beijing aims to challenge US dominance in the Pacific – also with a possible campaign against Taiwan in mind.

By Andreas Landwehr

News

June 2nd, 2025

PLA: Former top military official Xu Qiliang passes away.

The former deputy chairman of the Central Military Commission died in Beijing on Monday. He was 75 years old.

By Emily Kossak

News

April 28th, 2025

Military build-up: China's military spending grew by seven percent in 2024.

China has increased its military spending again in 2024. Last year, global military expenditure grew more than ever since the end of the Cold War. The region could drift into a dangerous arms spiral.

By Emily Kossak

Feature

April 16th, 2025

Corruption: What the disappearance of a general says about Xi's claim to power.

Corruption and factional fighting are widespread in China's armed forces. Now the second-highest official in the People's Liberation Army may have been overthrown. How far can Xi trust his military?

By Andreas Landwehr

Feature

April 8th, 2025

Communist Party: How the new 'power manager' is supposed to protect Xi

The initial course is being set in the run-up to the next party congress. In a surprising role swap, Xi's confidant Shi Taifeng will become the new "head of personnel". This could be one of many staffing decisions expected this year.

By Andreas Landwehr

Analyse

April 1st, 2025

Taiwan: What is known about China's surprise military drills

The People's Liberation Army has surprisingly launched large-scale military drills around Taiwan. The deployment of the Shandong aircraft carrier battle group is attracting particular attention. Taiwan has put its troops on increased operational readiness.

By David Demes

News

March 10th, 2025

Military: China, Iran and Russia conduct naval drill

China, Iran, and Russia are conducting joint naval drills in the Gulf of Oman. The drill also includes attacks against maritime targets.

By Emily Kossak

Feature

November 28th, 2024

'Wind and shadow': What's behind the investigations against high-ranking military officials

First rumors about China's Defense Minister, then a member of Xi's top military leadership is ousted. Corruption is part of the system and sows doubt about the military's combat readiness.

By Andreas Landwehr