China's military modernisation stories

Oct 30, 2026

China conducts combat readiness patrols around Scarborough Shoal in South China Sea

China's military conducted naval and air combat readiness patrols around Scarborough Shoal on Friday, escalating tensions with the Philippines over the disputed reef. The Chinese coastguard also carried out exercises featuring water cannons and drones near disputed reefs to prepare for "foreign infringement."

Oct 30, 20265 sources

Oct 29, 2026

China deploys over 50 vessels across waters from Japan to Philippines, Taiwan warns

Taiwan has raised alarm over China's deployment of more than 50 naval and official vessels operating across a wide swath of the western Pacific, stretching from southern Japan down to Taiwan and off the Philippines. The deployment includes 34 warships and the aircraft carrier Liaoning, with Taiwan officials describing the threat level as "obvious."

Oct 29, 20265 sources

Top claims

▪Chinese defence ministry spokesman Zhang Xiaogang responded on October 29, 2026, urging Manila to recognize reality and refrain from challenging Beijing's resolve to defend its territorial sovereignty.
▪Mainland Chinese authorities stepped up public criticism of Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro following his sanctioning in June 2026.
▪The People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command announced that it strengthened its patrols around Scarborough Shoal during October 2026.

People involved

Wang Xiaogang

Subtopics

South China Sea disputes2 Wars & conflicts2 World affairs2 China-Taiwan conflict1 Maritime claims1 Maritime security1 Naval operations1 Northeast Asian security1 Taiwan Strait conflict1 Territorial disputes1

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