China's military modernization is remarkable, with significant advancements in technology, particularly in the Internet and space domains. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) has made high-level achievements, including developing a sophisticated naval force that has transformed China into a leading maritime power. The PLA Navy boasts three aircraft carriers, a substantial submarine fleet, a powerful coast guard force, and a rapidly expanding marine corps. This modernization is part of President Xi Jinping's goal to build a world-class military, reflecting the country's commitment to the "people's army" concept, which emphasizes its connection to the political struggles of the Chinese people.
The PLA's dedication to the "people's army" ethos is evident in its focus on the well-being of the nation and its people. The military has participated in 25 UN peacekeeping missions, deploying over 50,000 personnel to more than 20 countries and regions, demonstrating a responsible great power's commitment to peace. China's commitment to "peace, concord, and harmony" positions it as a vital force for maintaining global and regional stability.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) plays a significant role in promoting global security and fairness. As the rotating chair of the SCO for 2024-2025, China will host the SCO Summit in Tianjin this autumn. The organization's contributions to addressing global challenges like terrorism and promoting multipolar world order are crucial. The 2025 Tianjin Summit should propose innovative approaches to address complex global security challenges, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and tensions involving India, Pakistan, Israel, Iran, and Gaza.
China's Silent War on Global Communications Infrastructure
8.10.25
China is intensifying its technological takeover through undersea cables, data centers, and surveillance platforms, posing a threat to democracy and security in the West. National security experts are sounding the alarm as China's grip on global communications infrastructure grows, with Foreign Minister Salih Hudayar warning of this "silent war".
China is urging the US to ease export controls on high-bandwidth memory chips (HBM) critical for artificial intelligence, as part of a potential trade deal before a summit between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. Chinese officials are concerned that current restrictions on HBM exports hinder Huawei's ability to develop its own AI chips, which could impact China's AI and defense development. The US has previously curbed exports of advanced chips to China, affecting both American chipmakers' revenue from the country's large semiconductor market.
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir Meets US Military Leaders
8.10.25
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff, engaged in high-level interactions with senior US military leaders during his visit to Tampa, including General Michael E. Kurilla, who is retiring as Commander United States Central Command, and Admiral Brad Cooper, who assumed command. Munir also met Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine, discussing mutual professional interests, and invited him to visit Pakistan. The COAS interacted with chiefs of defence from friendly nations and addressed the Pakistani diaspora, urging them to support Pakistan's progress and development, which they reaffirmed their commitment to do.
Former diplomat Shivshankar Menon argues that India's support during the 1962 war with China was not due to its non-alignment policy, but rather because of China's aggressive actions. He states that India received backing from countries like the US, regardless of their ideological affiliations. Menon emphasizes that a policy's success or failure should be judged by its outcomes, not by what others say about it. The book "The Nehru Year" explores India's non-alignment policy and its relevance in foreign policy since Jawaharlal Nehru's concept. Former ambassador Shyam Saran notes that Nehru's system emphasized India standing for something greater than itself, highlighting the importance of international solidarity.
India Defies US on Russian Oil Imports Despite Tensions
8.10.25
India's refusal to stop importing Russian oil has led to a drop in the price of Ural, but experts believe it won't completely halt Russian imports. This shift is a departure from 2018 when US President Trump demanded India "zero out" oil from Iran and Venezuela. India stopped direct purchases from both countries in May 2019 due to heavy losses. The move may damage the India-US relationship, which has been strengthened through civil nuclear cooperation, military ties, and technology partnerships since 1999. National Security Adviser Ajit Doval recently visited Moscow to prepare for Russian President Putin's visit, while External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to follow suit. Indian Prime Minister Modi will travel to Japan and China for the SCO summit and a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, amidst efforts to restore ties with the US before the November Quad summit.
India Expands Defence Attaché Posts in Armenia & Philippines
8.10.25
India has established new defence attaché posts in Armenia and the Philippines, with Poland being another location for increased outreach. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh directed defence attachés to promote Indian defence production capabilities and mutual defence cooperation with friendly foreign countries. Australian defence firms are linked to US companies as Original Equipment Manufacturers, but also have opportunities for innovation partnerships with India.
India has rejected US President Donald Trump's trade tariff threats, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying the country is progressing towards becoming one of the world's top three economies. The US doubled tariffs on Indian goods amid trade tensions, which India condemned as unfair and vowed to protect its interests. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh criticized Trump's tariff threats, calling him
Iranian diplomats met with German, British, and French counterparts on July 25, amid threats to trigger sanctions by August 31 if Iran fails to reach a deal on its nuclear program. The "snapback mechanism" could reinstate UN sanctions under the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers. Iranian diplomat Alireza Araghchi stated that contact with European nations is ongoing, but no date for the next round of talks has been set.