China & Asia - Washington Institute For Defence & Security

07 Mar 23

Li Keqiang’s Appointment as Premier Signals Further Centralization of Power in China Under Xi Jinping’s Leadership

China’s political Landscape: Xi Jinping’s Guy Li Set to Become China’s Next Premier On March 7, 2023, China announced that Li Keqiang is set to become the country’s next premier. Li is a longtime acolyte of President Xi Jinping, and his selection as premier indicates that Xi’s influence and power will continue to grow. Li’s […]

06 Mar 23

China’s Military Advancement: An Analysis of the Latest Developments

China has been rapidly advancing its military capabilities in recent years, becoming a significant global player in the field. The country’s focus on developing advanced technology has been a key driver behind its military advancements, with China investing heavily in research and development in areas such as artificial intelligence, hypersonic weapons, and unmanned vehicles. As […]

03 Jul 22

Taiwan: A Chinese invasion is not imminent, but the US is keeping a careful eye on the situation, according to Gen. Milley.

China is obviously building the capability to attack at some time, but doing so would be a political decision, according to Gen Mark Milley China claims Taiwan is a separatist colony that must be reunified with the mainland, even if it means using force. It has accused the United States of encouraging Taiwanese independence and […]

21 Jun 22

China claims to have tested a missile-interception system.

China conducted a land-based missile interception test that “achieved its planned goal,” according to the Defense Ministry, defining it as defensive and not directed at any specific nation. As part of an ambitious modernization project led by President Xi Jinping, China has increased research on all types of missiles, from those that can destroy satellites […]

12 Jun 22

The Chinese defense chief believes it is up to the United States to strengthen bilateral ties.

Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe said on Sunday that it was up to the US to strengthen the bilateral relationship, which he described as “vital.” “We request the U.S. side to stop smearing and containing China. Stop interfering in China’s internal affairs. The bilateral relationship cannot improve unless the U.S. side can do that,” Wei, […]

12 Jun 22

Myanmar’s junta cannot defeat insurgents and must restore democracy, according to a US official.

According to a top US ambassador, Myanmar’s military is unlikely to be able to overcome the insurgents battling its authority and should restore democracy after seizing power last year. “It’s hard to see today how they could realistically think they can win,” said Derek Chollet, the State Department counsellor. “They’re losing territory. Their military is […]

01 Jun 22

China claims to have undertaken a “readiness patrol” surrounding Taiwan.

The Chinese military stated on Wednesday that it recently conducted a battle readiness patrol in the seas and airspace surrounding Taiwan, citing “collusion” between Washington and Taipei as justification. China, which claims democratically controlled Taiwan as its own territory, has increased its military maneuvers around the island in the last two years or so in […]

23 May 22

Biden warns the US is prepared to use force to safeguard Taiwan, sparking a retaliatory response from China.

President Joe Biden of the United States warned on Monday that he would be prepared to use force to defend Taiwan, evoking praise from the democratic, self-ruled island but fierce rebuke from China. When asked if the US would protect Taiwan if it was invaded during a joint press conference with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio […]

17 May 22

A satellite image depicts a probable new Chinese nuclear submarine capable of launching cruise missiles

A submarine observed in a satellite shot at a Chinese shipyard appears to be a new class or subtype of nuclear-powered assault submarine with a new stealthy propulsion system and cruise missile launch tubes. Planet Labs provided Defense News with a satellite image of the shipyard in Huludao in Liaoning province, northern China, taken on […]

15 May 22

Bleeding Outward: The Threat of Extremist Spillover from Afghanistan to Central Asia

Following a chaotic US withdrawal in August of 2021, Afghanistan has been under control of the Taliban, the fundamentalist group which had ruled the country briefly in the 90’s. A security vacuum left by US forces has sparked concerns among neighbors that conflict might not end at the nation’s borders. The fear of extremist spillover […]