People's Liberation Army Navy
Coverage of People's Liberation Army Navy in the Nexus archive.
- China launches rare submarine ballistic missile as Pacific allies strengthen defense ties before NATO summit
China launched a submarine-launched ballistic missile with a dummy warhead from a nuclear-powered submarine during a routine training exercise, highlighting its growing sea-based nuclear capabilities. The launch occurred as U.S. allies in the Indo-Pacific strengthen defense ties and ahead of a NATO summit addressing China's strategic challenges, with New Zealand noting the missile landed in the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone.
- China says test fired missile in Pacific Ocean, alarming regional powers
China test-fired a strategic missile from a submarine in the Pacific Ocean on July 6, which it described as part of routine military training. Regional nations including Japan and New Zealand were informed in advance, but the launch drew immediate condemnation and concern over China's growing nuclear capabilities.
- China’s Navy Is Shifting Pressure Beyond the Taiwan Strait
China’s navy is shifting pressure beyond the Taiwan Strait, despite not conducting a large-scale military exercise targeting Taiwan after the Trump-Xi meeting. The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) remains active, though not through the anticipated large-scale drills.
- American subs rule beneath the waves, but China’s are catching up
The United States has traditionally dominated the underwater realm with its submarines, but China is rapidly catching up and may eventually surpass them. Underwater drones may also become a game-changer in this field. This development has significant implications for global naval power dynamics.
- Soft power ‘win’ for Beijing as Chinese medical ship treats 5,400 for free in PNG
China's hospital ship Silk Road Ark completed a 7-day visit to Papua New Guinea, providing free medical services to 5,493 patients and performing 339 surgeries before departing Wednesday. The mission is viewed as effective soft power diplomacy for Beijing, as China can undertake surgical risks that Western nations like the U.S. and Australia are reluctant to assume due to liability concerns.
- How Advanced Is China’s Third Aircraft Carrier?
China commissioned its third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, on November 5, 2025, marking a significant advancement in its naval capabilities. The Fujian features an electromagnetic catapult launch system (EMALS) and displaces 80,000 tonnes, making it more advanced than China's previous carriers but still lagging behind U.S. nuclear-powered carriers in certain aspects.