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
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
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
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
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
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
For the first time since 1980, the People's Liberation Army has fired an intercontinental ballistic missile over the Pacific. The weapons test raises some worrying questions.
By Redaktion Table
Taiwan aims to step up deterrence against the People's Liberation Army with new, expensive defense projects. Their main goal is to break through a potential blockade. But the island is also preparing for hybrid warfare – and is strengthening its defenses against disinformation campaigns.
By David Demes
Admiral Lee Hsi-min was the Chief of the General Staff for Taiwan's armed forces from 2017 to 2019. He sat down with China.Table to discuss the risk of invasion by the People's Republic of China, the need for a paradigm shift in Taiwan's defense strategy, and his book "Overall Defense Concept: An Asymmetric Approach to Taiwan's Defense." The interview was conducted by David Demes in Taipei.
By David Demes
