Chinese military modernization stories

Jul 6, 2026

China Conducts Rare Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile Test in Pacific Ocean

China test-fired a long-range ballistic missile from a nuclear submarine into the Pacific Ocean, drawing criticism from Australia, New Zealand, and Japan over actions threatening regional peace and stability.

Jul 6, 2026·13 sources

Jun 27, 2026

China strips six generals and former financial regulator of lawmaker posts

China removed six military lawmakers, former financial regulator Li Yunze, and Politburo member Ma Xingrui from their National People's Congress positions, signaling a major purge within the country's political and military leadership.

Jun 27, 2026·1 source

May 30, 2026

US Defense Secretary Urges Asian Allies to Increase Military Spending Against China

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore that Asian allies must ramp up defense spending to counter China's military buildup, while striking a measured tone on US-China relations and reassuring partners about American commitment to the region.

May 30, 2026·14 sources

May 9, 2026

China Sentences Two Former Defense Ministers to Suspended Death Sentences for Bribery

China handed suspended death sentences to former defense ministers Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu after convicting them of accepting bribes, marking a significant anti-corruption action within China's military leadership.

May 9, 2026·1 source

Top claims

▪China operates a fleet of six Type 094 Jin-class ballistic-missile submarines.
▪The Pentagon projects China's People's Liberation Army is on track to field more than 1,000 nuclear warheads by 2030.
▪China notified regional governments, including Australia, New Zealand, and Japan, of the planned test shortly before it occurred.