Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Further Reading

• Institute Reports Sizable Drop in N. Korea-China Trade VOA 01 Feb 2016 -- Bilateral trade between North Korea and China fell nearly 15 percent last year in what appeared to be a reflection of a troubled relationship between the two countries, South Korea's state-run policy research institute said Sunday.
• Provocation no good for peace in South China Sea People's Daily 31 Jan 2016 -- Sending a warship to another country's territorial waters without notice is hardly the right thing to do, regardless protocols and codes.
• China drives off US destroyer intruding into Xisha Islands waters People's Daily 31 Jan 2016 -- The People's Liberation Army sent warnings and drove away a US navy destroyer intruding into Chinese territorial waters of Xisha Islands in the South China Sea, the Ministry of National Defense said on Saturday.
• US Patrols in S China Sea 'Real Dilemma for Regional States' Sputnik 31 Jan 2016 -- China has strongly condemned the United States for sending a US Navy destroyer to conduct a patrol near the Paracel Islands in the disputed South China Sea.
• China Strongly Condemns US for Sending Warship to South China Sea Sputnik 31 Jan 2016 -- The Chinese Defense Ministry accused America of violating China's laws by patrolling near the Paracel Islands archipelago, conducted by a US Navy destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur.
• China censures US for sending warship to South China Sea Press TV 30 Jan 2016 -- China has censured the United States for sending a warship very close to one of the country's artificial islands to the South China Sea.
• US warship conducts operation near China-claimed island Press TV 30 Jan 2016 -- The United States has sent a destroyer sailing near an island claimed by China in the disputed South China Sea, in a move that could highten Washington-Beijing tensions.
• US Warship Sails Near Disputed Island in S China Sea Escalating Tensions Sputnik 30 Jan 2016 -- The USS Curtis Wilbur destroyer has sailed within 12 nautical miles of Triton Island, an island claimed by China in the Parcel Islands chain in the South China Sea.
• Beijing Protests US Sail-By in South China Sea VOA 30 Jan 2016 -- A U.S. Navy warship sailed through South China Sea waters claimed by China Saturday in a 'freedom of navigation' exercise, which China denounced as 'grave misconduct.'
• Taiwan no hindrance to navigation freedom in South China Sea: MOFA CNA 30 Jan 2016 -- The Republic of China (Taiwan) has held Taiping Island, the largest island in the Spratly Islands, for more than 60 years and has never had a military conflict with another country in the South China Sea, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Saturday.
• US warned on Diaoyu Islands statement People's Daily 30 Jan 2016 -- Beijing urges Washington to 'be cautious in words and actions in regard to the Diaoyu Islands issue', the Ministry of National Defense said on Friday, a stern warning over recent remarks by a top United States Navy official.
• Beijing's policy toward Taiwan remains unchanged: Chinese official CNA 30 Jan 2016 -- Beijing's basic policy toward Taiwan will remain unchanged despite political changes in Taiwan, a Chinese official said Saturday.
• China Charges Canadian with Spying VOA 29 Jan 2016 -- China said Friday it has charged a Canadian national with spying and stealing state secrets.
• Taiwan still trying to contact Beijing through hotline: acting premier CNA 29 Jan 2016 -- The hotline connecting officials in Taiwan and mainland China in charge of bilateral relations is still in place, and efforts continue to be made to reach the head of the Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) in Beijing, Acting Premier Simon Chang (張善政) said Friday.
• Taiwan President Visits Disputed South China Sea Island VOA 28 Jan 2016 -- The president of Taiwan, a staunch but overlooked claimant in Asia's biggest maritime territorial dispute, flew to a contested island Thursday to send a signal that has reached as far as Washington.
• Ma reiterates Taiping Island is an 'island,' not a 'rock' CNA 28 Jan 2016 -- President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) on Thursday reiterated that Taiping Island in the disputed South China Sea is an 'island,' not a 'rock', as he sought to solidify Taiwan's sovereignty claim over the island, after he visited it earlier in the day.
• Ma reaches Taiping Island, proposes map for peace initiative CNA 28 Jan 2016 -- President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) landed on the Taiwan-administered Taiping Island in the South China Sea at around 11 a.m. Thursday and shortly after his arrival, made a speech in which he proposed a road map for his South China Sea peace initiative.
• U.S. 'disappointed' over Ma's Taiping Island visit CNA 28 Jan 2016 -- The United States government on Wednesday expressed its disappointment over a visit by President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) to Taiping Island in the South China Sea, saying that such action is 'unhelpful' to resolving the dispute in the region.
• Taiwan, China had no communication on Ma's Taiping trip: MAC CNA 28 Jan 2016 -- Taiwan did not contact China ahead of President Ma Ying-jeou's (馬英九) visit to Taiping Island in the South China Sea, as there was no need to do so, Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) said Thursday.
• Cross-Strait Chinese share responsibility to protect Nansha Islands: FM People's Daily 28 Jan 2016 -- Chinese people from the mainland and Taiwan have a shared responsibility to protect the Nansha Islands, a spokesperson said on Thursday following Taiwanese leader Ma Ying-jeou's trip to the Taiping Island in the South China Sea.
• Marine Biologists: Artificial Islands Devastating South China Sea Ecosystems VOA 28 Jan 2016 -- For years, overfishing in the territorially contested South China Sea has depleted local fish stocks.
• Commentary: There is no 'House of Cards' in China's anti-corruption campaign People's Daily 28 Jan 2016 -- The American television drama series "House of Cards" features U.S. politicians' ruthless pragmatism and manipulation in political struggle. As inappropriate as it is, some people still compare China's anti-corruption campaign to "House of Cards", insinuating anti-corruption is a tool for power struggle to discriminate against dissidents. Is this just alarmism?
• Chinese provinces lower GDP growth target for 2016 People's Daily 28 Jan 2016 -- Twenty-four Chinese provinces and municipalities recently set their GDP goals for 2016 during their annual sessions of People's Congress and Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference which help set the tone for the year ahead. Unlike in the previous year, 15 regions have adjusted their GDP growth rates downwards while six maintained the same figure as before.
• China Coast Guard Vessels Patrol near Diaoyu Islands, Refuting Japan's Warning People's Daily 28 Jan 2016 -- Four China Coast Guard vessels sailed within a 12-nautical-mile range of the Diaoyu Islands and patrolled there for about 2 hours in the morning of January 27, 2016, reported the Janpanese news agency Jiji Press.
• Plans for N. Korea Missile Test Reported; China, US Disagree on Sanctions VOA 28 Jan 2016 -- U.S. and South Korean officials are privately saying they believe North Korea is preparing a missile launch within the next week.
• U.S. Secretary of State reaffirms one-China policy People's Daily 27 Jan 2016 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry reaffirmed the three Sino-U.S. joint communiques and one-China policy during his talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi Wednesday in Beijing.
• Press Availability With Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi US Dept. of State 27 Jan 2016 -- Press Availability by John Kerry, Secretary of State
• Remarks With Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi US Dept. of State 27 Jan 2016 -- Remarks by John Kerry, Secretary of State
• 3 Chinese naval ships arrive in Bangladesh for goodwill visit People's Daily 27 Jan 2016 -- Three Chinese naval ships, comprising the guided-missile frigates Liuzhou, Sanya and the comprehensive supply ship Qinghaihu Wednesday arrived at Bangladesh's southeastern seaport city Chittagong, some 242 km southeast of capital Dhaka, for a five-day goodwill visit.
• Kerry to China: US 'Will Protect Allies' in Face of North Korean Threat VOA 27 Jan 2016 -- The United States and China agreed Wednesday to work together to ensure that North Korea ends its nuclear-weapons program, but high-level talks in Beijing indicated the two sides disagree on whether and what sort of sanctions to use against Pyongyang following its underground nuclear test three weeks ago.
• China urges the U.S. not to make mischief in Asia Pacific People's Daily 26 Jan 2016 -- China hopes the U.S. could play a constructive role in Asia-Pacific region instead of stirig up enmity and disharmony, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on a regular press conference Tuesday.
• Iran-China discussing Arak reactor Press TV 26 Jan 2016 -- Iran said on Tuesday that it has signed a basic agreement with China to re-design a heavy water reactor in Arak during the visit to Tehran by the Chinese President Xi Jinping over the weekend.
• Is China Using Business Deals to Expand Middle East Influence? VOA 26 Jan 2016 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping wrapped up his first visit to the Middle East last Sunday with Saudi Arabia, Iran and Egypt pledging to enhance their relationships with Beijing. The visit, which took place after economic sanctions were lifted on Iran, resulted in an economic bonanza for China, which bagged deals worth $600 billion.
• Kerry Asking China to Rein In North Korea's Nuclear Tests VOA 25 Jan 2016 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, now in Beijing, will urge China to do more to press North Korea to stop its controversial nuclear tests during his talks beginning shortly in the Chinese capital.
• No sand in eyes: China's top graft-buster vows strengthened discipline People's Daily 25 Jan 2016 -- China's top graft-buster Wang Qishan has vowed to further tighten the screw of regulations in the fight against corruption in 2016.
• China's Progress in Developing Hypersonic Weapons Unsettles Pentagon Sputnik 24 Jan 2016 -- Although Beijing has repeatedly stated that its efforts to modernize its military are aimed strictly at boosting China's defense capabilities, US military officials never miss an opportunity to present these developments as an alarming trend.
• Chinese president meets Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei People's Daily 24 Jan 2016 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei met here Saturday, pledging to beef up practical cooperation between the two countries and jointly safeguard security, peace and stability in the region and around the world.
• Pentagon: Beijing Making 'Self Isolating' Moves in S China Sea Sputnik 23 Jan 2016 -- US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter has stated that Beijing is taking steps which will lead to international isolation amid ongoing tensions over disputed territories in the South China Sea.
• Supreme Leader: Iran gov't, nation keen on enhanced ties with China IRNA 23 Jan 2016 -- Supreme Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei said on Saturday that Iranian government and nation have been seeking expansion of relations with independent and reliable states such as China.
• Larijani: Majlis supports development of ties with China IRNA 23 Jan 2016 -- Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani on Saturday called for expansion of economic ties between Iran and China in the fields of oil, gas, railway and transfer of modern technology and knowledge.
• Iran, China Agree To $600 Billion Trade Deal After Sanctions Lifted RFE/RL 23 Jan 2016 -- Iranian President Hassan Rohani says Iran and China have agreed to expand bilateral relations and boost trade to $600 billion over the next 10 years.
• Khamenei: Iran Never Trusted West, Seeks Closer Ties with China VOA 23 Jan 2016 -- Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is calling for closer economic and security ties with China, saying Iran has 'never trusted the West.'
• New combat support branch to play vital role People's Daily 23 Jan 2016 -- The newly-established Strategic Support Force of the People's Liberation Army will take charge of the military's space, cyberspace and electronic warfare operations, according to a senior PLA expert.
• China's leader seeks 'new chapter' in ties with Iran Press TV 23 Jan 2016 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping, the first head of state visiting Iran since sanctions were lifted on Tehran, is poised to sign letters of intent with the Islamic Republic for a new chapter in strategic economic cooperation.
• President Xi's visit to Iran historic event: Rouhani Press TV 23 Jan 2016 -- Iran's President Hassan Rouhani says Chinese President Xi Jinping's official visit to Iran marks a 'historic' event in relations between Tehran and Beijing.
• US Hopes to Work with China to Ensure Iran's Compliance in Nuclear Nonproliferation VOA 22 Jan 2016 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in Iran for an official state visit expected to see the two countries expand diplomatic relations and economic ties.
• China's Navy Chief Affirms Readiness to Defend Islands in S China Sea Sputnik 22 Jan 2016 -- Earlier this month, China conducted several successful test flights at a newly-built airfield in the South China Sea apparently to test whether airport facilities are suitable for civil aviation.
• Xi Jinping's Charm Offensive: China Extends a Helping Hand to the Mideast Sputnik 22 Jan 2016 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping is visiting Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Iran as part of a five-day trip, which has seen Beijing ink billion-dollar deals and boost ties in the Middle East at a time when Washington's presence in the oil-rich region is becoming less pronounced.
• China backs establishment of independent State of Palestine Press TV 22 Jan 2016 -- China has lent its support to the establishment of the State of Palestine with East al-Quds (Jerusalem) as its capital.
• Xi says China not to seek proxies or fill 'vacuum' in Middle East People's Daily 22 Jan 2016 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said in Cairo Thursday that China will neither look for proxies nor try to fill any 'vacuum' in the Middle East.
• Vice President Upbeat on China's Economy People's Daily 22 Jan 2016 -- Chinese president issued an upbeat assessment of the country's economic prospects while attending the World Economic Forum in Switzerland on Thursday. His remarks were made shortly after lower growth figures for China in 2015 triggered global concern.
• China determined and capable of defending islands and reefs in South China Sea, says PLA Navy chief People's Daily 21 Jan 2016 -- The amount of defense facilities on islands and reefs of the Nansha Islands totally depends on the level of threat China faces, and China will not seek militarization in the region, said China's Navy chief to his U.S. counterpart on Wednesday.
• In wake of Taiwan elections, Chinese TV reports PLA live-fire drill CNA 21 Jan 2016 -- A state-run television network in China reported Wednesday that a live-fire drill had been conducted recently by the Chinese military off China's southeast coast, the first report of a military exercise following Taiwan's presidential and legislative elections last week.
• Vietnam Warns China Not Drill for Oil in Disputed Area Sputnik 21 Jan 2016 -- Following a recent rig settlement by Beijing, Vietnam has demanded that China not drill for oil in disputed waters to avoid a repeat of the 2014 deadlock over resource exploration and extraction in the South China Sea.
• China on high alert against Japan's attempt to poke its nose in South China Sea issue People's Daily 20 Jan 2016 -- China is on high alert against Japan's attempt to poke its nose in the issue of the South China Sea, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in response to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's latest interview with Financial Times on Jan.19.
• Vietnam says China moves oil rig into disputed waters Press TV 20 Jan 2016 -- Vietnam says China has moved an oil rig into disputed waters in the South China Sea, calling on Beijing to stop drilling and remove the rig from the area.
• 6.9% GDP growth statistic reliable: Director of NBS People's Daily 20 Jan 2016 -- Chinese economic growth decelerated to a 25-year low of 6.9 percent in 2015, down from 7.3 percent in 2014, according to data released on Tuesday by the National Bureau of Statistics.
• China jails former party chief of Urumqi for corruption Press TV 20 Jan 2016 -- A court has sentenced a former chief of China's Communist Party from the northwestern city of Urumqi to 12 years in prison over corruption.
• Xi arrives in Saudi Arabia on 3-nation Mideast visit People's Daily 19 Jan 2016 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Saudi Arabia Tuesday on the first stop of his three-nation tour of the Middle East, as the world's second-largest economy seeks closer political and economic ties with the region.
• China's growth slows to 6.9%, but within 'reasonable' range People's Daily 19 Jan 2016 -- Chinese economic growth decelerated to the 25-year low of 6.9 percent in 2015, down from 7.3 percent in 2014, according to data released Tuesday by the National Bureau of Statistics.
• Chinese President Xi arrives in Saudi Arabia as part of Mideast tour Press TV 19 Jan 2016 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in Saudi Arabia on the first leg of his five-day Middle East tour seeking to bolster relations with major countries in the region.
• Full text of Chinese President's signed article on Saudi newspaper: Be Good Partners for Common Development Xinhua 18 Jan 2016 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping published a signed article titled "Be Good Partners for Common Development" on Saudi newspaper Alriyadh on Monday ahead of his state visit to the country. The following is the English version of the article
• Beijing Calls on US to Stick to 'One-China Policy' Regarding Taiwan Issue Sputnik 18 Jan 2016 -- Chinese Foreign Ministry urges the US side to adhere to one-China policy, not to interfere in China's internal affairs, to oppose Taiwan independence and to do more for the development of US-China relations, according to ministry's spokesperson Hong Lei.
• Long March 7 and Long March 5 scheduled to make maiden flights in 2016 People's Daily 18 Jan 2016 -- 'China's new generation carrier rockets, Long March 7 and Long March 5, will make their respective maiden flights in June and at the end of September to the beginning of October in 2016,' said Lei Fanpei, the chairman of China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASC).
• Chinese navy ships start Sri Lanka tour People's Daily 18 Jan 2016 -- The 21st Chinese naval escort taskforce, comprising the guided-missile frigates Liuzhou, Sanya and the comprehensive supply ship Qinghaihu, arrived here on Sunday for a five-day visit.
• Don't Even Think About It! China Reacts Strongly to Taiwan Elections Sputnik 17 Jan 2016 -- Hours after Taiwan put an independence-minded president and party into power, China responded by suggesting there could be repercussions if the island pushes further away from the mainland.
• China Waits, Watches as Taiwan Elects New President VOA 17 Jan 2016 -- Taiwan's president-elect received jubilant approval at home and a cautious response in China a day after her sweeping victory. Taiwanese mainstream media called the election a mass win for a once struggling opposition party that historically dislikes Beijing. Officials in China are expected to wait and watch for now.
• China Aims for the Moon With New Rockets Sputnik 17 Jan 2016 -- China's space industry revealed that its new rockets would be used for an unmanned moon mission capable of returning soil samples, as well as a delivery vehicle for a new space station.
• China's Navy warships pay first visit to Timor-Leste People's Daily 17 Jan 2016 -- A Chinese Navy task force on Saturday arrived in Dili, capital of Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, to pay a five-day official visit to the country.
• China urged to respect Taiwan's general election results CNA 17 Jan 2016 -- Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC,大陸委員會) has called on China to respect the results of Taiwan's presidential and legislative elections that concluded Saturday.
• China warns Taiwan against independence activities Press TV 16 Jan 2016 -- China has warned Taiwan against any independence activities, after the leader of Taiwan's pro-independence opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) emerged victorious in the island's presidential election.
• China launches Belarusian telecom satellite People's Daily 16 Jan 2016 -- China sent a Belarusian telecom satellite into intended orbit from southwest China's Xichang Satellite Launch Center at 12:57 a.m. Beijing time on Saturday.
• Formidable Boost: China to Produce Cutting-Edge Aircraft Sputnik 16 Jan 2016 -- The People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLA) will soon receive a substantial improvement in its aerial combat and transportation capabilities, according to military observers.
• China to land probe on dark side of moon in 2018 People's Daily 15 Jan 2016 -- China has officially begun a new round of lunar exploration and will send the Chang'e-4 probe to the far side of the moon in 2018, China's State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense (SASTIND) announced Thursday.
• Unprecedented Reform: Why China's Military Restructuring is Raising Concern Sputnik 15 Jan 2016 -- China is modernizing its military in light of a large-scale reform of the Chinese People's Liberation Army. Currently, the focus seems to be on organizational reform and restructuring. The reforms come at a time when Beijing is becoming more assertive about territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
• China, Economy Focus of Taiwan Elections VOA 14 Jan 2016 -- Taiwan will hold a general election Saturday to elect the 14th president and vice president of the Republic of China, and all 113 seats of the 9th Legislative Yuan.
• Japan Expands Military Presence in S China Sea Amid Tensions With China Sputnik 14 Jan 2016 -- Japan is set to boost its presence in the South China Sea in 2016 with Japanese anti-submarine reconnaissance aircraft making transits in locations along the South China Sea waters.
• China Gears Up to Play Bigger Role in Middle East Politics VOA 14 Jan 2016 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping's first official visit to the Middle East next week is a signal of Beijing's intention to be a major player in Mideast affairs, analysts say.
• China refutes Philippines' protest against test flights in S. China Sea People's Daily 13 Jan 2016 -- China refuted the Philippines' protest against test flights at a newly built airport in the South China Sea, stressing the test flights fall totally within China's sovereignty.
• China warns Japan against provocations on Diaoyu Islands People's Daily 13 Jan 2016 -- China has warned Japan against taking any provocative actions on the issue of Diaoyu islands or to face the consequences.
• China Skeptic Leads in Taiwan Presidential Race VOA 13 Jan 2016 -- Taiwan's anti-China opposition party is holding its lead ahead of Saturday's pivotal presidential election even as the ruling Nationalist Party gains ground. The opposition's edge in opinion polls reflects popular discontent in Taiwan about how the current president has handled improved ties with old rival China.
• China to launch Long March-5 rocket this year People's Daily 13 Jan 2016 -- China has made a major breakthrough in key technologies for its new generation heavy-lift launch vehicle, Long March-5 (LM-5), and plans to do a test launch later this year, according to China National Space Administration on Tuesday.
• China Seen as Key to Blunting N Korea's Aggression VOA 13 Jan 2016 -- The road to successfully blunting North Korea's military adventurism and potentially forcing the rogue nation to give up its nuclear weapons program runs through Beijing, a panel of experts told a U.S. congressional hearing Wednesday.
• Russia will deliver S-400 system to China in 2017: report CNA 13 Jan 2016 -- Russia will deliver its S-400 advanced surface-to-air missile system and 40N6E anti-air missiles to China in 2017, the latest edition of the Canada-based Kanwa Defense Review has said.
• Winning wars top responsibility amid increasing challenges: PLA Daily People's Daily 13 Jan 2016 -- Winning wars should be the top responsibility for the reorganized military agencies of the Central Military Commission (CMC), a PLA Daily commentary said on Wednesday.
• Xi urges confidence in overcoming corruption People's Daily 13 Jan 2016 -- China is gaining ground to overcome corruption, President Xi Jinping said at an anti-graft meeting on Tuesday, urging confidence in the campaign.
• Full text of China's Arab Policy Paper People's Daily 13 Jan 2016 -- The Chinese government on Wednesday issued its first Arab policy paper. Following is an English version of the paper:
• Vietnamese accusation against China's test flight does not hold water: FM People's Daily 12 Jan 2016 -- The Vietnamese accusation claiming that China's test flights to the newly built airport on Yongshu Jiao affected regional security does not hold water, said a spokesperson of China's Foreign Ministry at a press conference Monday, adding that China had informed the Vietnamese side of the flight plan in advance.
• China wants dialog on Korean Peninsula nuclear issue People's Daily 12 Jan 2016 -- All sides concerned should work together to bring the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue to the negotiation table, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday.
• China builds second mega coast guard ship People's Daily 11 Jan 2016 -- A second domestically-produced coast guard ship, CCG (China Coast Guard) 3901, has been completed recently and is ready to start protecting China's maritime rights, said a report in the Global Times on Monday, citing unconfirmed source.
• Taiwan-China Relations Seen Staying on Track After January Election VOA 11 Jan 2016 -- The ocean strait that divides China from Taiwan was once a potential military flashpoint. Taiwan rules itself, but China says the two must eventually unify. Now Taiwan's anti-China party leads in opinion polls ahead of a presidential election Saturday. But signs show that the worst in relations may be over.
• China a step closer to manned moon landing People's Daily 11 Jan 2016 -- A part for the Long March 9 rocket was successfully developed in April 2015.
• China Calls on Iran, Saudi Arabia to Show Restraint Amid Tensions Sputnik 11 Jan 2016 -- Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Ming said that he hoped Iran and Saudi Arabia would make mutual efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region, according to China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei.
• Beijing Silent on Washington's Show of Force in Korea VOA 11 Jan 2016 -- While China remains non-committal on how to respond to North Korea's fourth nuclear test, the United States and South Korea are exercising their limited options to increase deterrence and punitive measures against the Kim Jong Un government.
• Xi urged military leaders to follow Party leadership People's Daily 11 Jan 2016 -- President Xi Jinping urged military leaders to unswervingly follow the Communist Party of China (CPC)'s absolute leadership over the armed forces while meeting with the new heads of reorganized military organs on Monday.
• China Building Its First Aircraft Carrier Using Soviet Plans Sputnik 10 Jan 2016 -- The first aircraft carrier to be made in China will be constructed according to the same blueprints used in building the Liaoning, a carrier which was constructed in Soviet Ukraine in the 1980's and later sold to the People's Liberation Army.
• New US Navy Document Shows Fear of Russia and China Rising Sputnik 09 Jan 2016 -- A new US Navy document shows a fear of Russia and China's new naval strengths, which challenge its supremacy amid shrinking procurement budgets.
• U.S. Navy hypes Russia and China's challenge to its maritime superiority People's Daily 08 Jan 2016 -- The U.S. is to strengthen its naval power in order to compete with rising Russian and Chinese military capabilities, the Chief of U.S. Naval Operations wrote in a recent strategy report.
• China wary as S.Korea, US discuss deployment People's Daily 08 Jan 2016 -- China on Thursday expressed concern over the current developments on the Korean Peninsula, urging all members of the Six-Party Talks to return to the negotiation table after South Korea and the US discussed deploying strategic weapons in response to North Korea's nuclear test.
• Views Mixed on China's Response to N. Korea Nuclear Test VOA 08 Jan 2016 -- North Korea has often blamed the 'hostile policy' of the United States for its development of nuclear weapons.
• MOFA lists facts on Diaoyutai Islands CNA 07 Jan 2016 -- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday listed 10 facts to emphasize that the Diaoyutai Islands are an inherent part of the Republic of China's territory.
• Philippines Denounces China's Test Flights in Spratlys VOA 07 Jan 2016 -- The Philippines on Thursday denounced China after a pair of Chinese civilian jet airliners landed on a newly created island in a disputed section of the South China Sea.
• China Successfully Conducts Test Flight at New Airport in South China Sea People's Daily 06 Jan 2016 -- China conducted successful test flights at a newly built airport in the Nansha Islands of the South China Sea on January 6, 2016.
• China conducts more test flights in disputed waters Press TV 06 Jan 2016 -- China has landed two more planes on a contested reef in the South China Sea amid controversy about its previous flight, which according to Beijing was conducted to test the readiness of a newly-built runway for civil aviation.
• China Conducts More Test Flights at New Airfield in South China Sea Sputnik 06 Jan 2016 -- China has conducted several successful test flights at a newly-built airfield in the South China Sea on Wednesday.
• China Condemns N. Korea's Purported Hydrogen Bomb Test VOA 06 Jan 2016 -- North Korea's key diplomatic ally China has voiced firm opposition to what Pyongyang said was its first hydrogen bomb test Wednesday. Beijing said it will lodge a formal protest and has called on its northern neighbor to give up on its ambitions for nuclear weapons.
• Chang'e-3 landing site on moon named 'Guang Han Gong' People's Daily 06 Jan 2016 -- The landing site of China's first moon lander Chang'e-3 has been named 'Guang Han Gong' or 'Moon Palace', more than two years after the spacecraft made a successful soft-landing on the moon in December 2013.
• China, Britain issue statement on Syria People's Daily 06 Jan 2016 -- China and Britain issued a statement on Syria issue in Beijing Tuesday, agreeing to advance counter-terrorism and a political settlement in parallel.
• Whether to set up ADIZ over South China Sea or not will be based on full assessment of security situation: FM People's Daily 05 Jan 2016 -- China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and their adjacent waters and China's test flight to the newly built airport on Yongshu Jiao falls totally within China's sovereignty, said a Foreign Ministry spokesperson Monday.
• Tensions Swell as China Lands Civilian Plane on Islands in S China Sea Sputnik 05 Jan 2016 -- Chinese foreign ministry officials confirmed on Saturday that a test flight by a civilian plane landed on one of the islands in the South China Sea, the first time Beijing has used a runway in the area.
• Protests Lodged Over Chinese Plane Landing on Artificial Island VOA 05 Jan 2016 -- Tensions are rising between China and its regional neighbors after Beijing tested out a runway on one of its artificial islands in the South China Sea.
• President pleased at Beijing's plan to open cross-strait transit CNA 05 Jan 2016 -- President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) on Tuesday expressed his appreciation of a decision by China to allow its nationals to transit through Taiwan on overseas trips.
• '2nd aircraft carrier to have military focus' People's Daily 04 Jan 2016 -- China's second aircraft carrier, which is now under construction, will focus on military operations rather than training and technological experiments, according to a senior military researcher.
• 'Chinese Dream': Beijing Unveils Major Military Restructure Sputnik 04 Jan 2016 -- China unveiled three new units to its military: a force to oversee strategic missiles, an army general command and strategic support force, Chinese state media reported.
• China Punished Some 29,000 Officials in Anti-Corruption Campaign in 2015 Sputnik 04 Jan 2016 -- Beijing accused more than 29,000 of country's officials of the violations during the campaign for austerity and party discipline in 2015, Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) of the Communist Party of China (CPC) said in a report.
• Hanoi protest over test flight rejected People's Daily 04 Jan 2016 -- China has dismissed a protest by Vietnam after a Chinese civilian aircraft landed on one of the Nansha Islands, saying that the operation was carried out within Chinese sovereignty.
• China's Air Force Conducted Four Drills over the Western Pacific in 2015 People's Daily 04 Jan 2016 -- In the past year, China's air force held 4 drills over the western Pacific, aimed at enhancing its combat capabilities over long distances and in the open sea.
• China rejects Vietnam protest over flight test on disputed islands Press TV 03 Jan 2016 -- China has rejected as "unfounded" Vietnam's accusation that Beijing violated its sovereignty by conducting a flight test on an artificial island in the disputed waters of the South China Sea.
• Possibly armed Chinese vessel enter disputed waters near Diaoyutais CNA 03 Jan 2016 -- Four vessels operated by China's Coast Guard, including one possibly equipped with gun turrets, reportedly entered waters around the disputed Diaoyutai Islands on Sunday.
• China's 2nd aircraft carrier totally different from Liaoning People's Daily 03 Jan 2016 -- Military observers in China are suggesting the new Chinese aircraft carrier currently under construction is going to be quite different from the country's first vessel.
• Travel alert for China's Shanghai, Jiangxi raised after new H7N9 cases CNA 02 Jan 2016 -- Taiwan has raised a travel advisory for China's Shanghai City and Jiangxi Province by one level after two H7N9 avian flu cases were reported there, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said Saturday.
• New conditions require stronger Chinese military People's Daily 02 Jan 2016 -- On the very first day of 2016, China's Central Military Commission (CMC) released a guideline on deepening national defense and military reform. A day before that, the CMC announced the establishment of the General Command of Army, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Rocket Force and the PLA Strategic Support Force. The PLA is now standing at a new historical crossroads.
• China releases guideline on military reform People's Daily 02 Jan 2016 -- The Central Military Commission (CMC) has released a guideline on deepening national defense and military reform, about a month after CMC Chairman Xi Jinping called on a military administration and command system overhaul at a key meeting.
• Chinese man wanted on corruption charges returned from Africa People's Daily 02 Jan 2016 -- One of China's most-wanted fugitives suspected of bribery was brought home on Friday from the Republic of Guinea, following cooperation between the two countries' law enforcement departments.
• China restructures army aimed at efficiency Press TV 02 Jan 2016 -- Chin has introduced major changes to the structure of its military as part of efforts to reinforce its armed forces and maximize their efficiency vis-à-vis potential threats.
• To Strengthen Fighting Force, China Creates 3 New Military Units VOA 02 Jan 2016 -- China has created three new military units as it seeks to build a stronger, more efficient fighting force -- and at a time when it seeks to strengthen its position on maritime territory disputes.
• Chinese President Xi Jinping's New Year Speech 2016 People's Daily 01 Jan 2016 -- On New Year's Eve, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a New Year speech via China Radio International. The full text is as follows:
• It's (Finally) Official: China Creates Cyberwarfare Military Branch Sputnik 01 Jan 2016 -- China has long been rumored to possess cyberwarfare capabilities, and now the country's military has kicked off 2016 by creating a new military branch focused on the digital battleground.
• China inaugurates PLA Rocket Force as military reform deepens Xinhua 01 Jan 2016 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping conferred military flags on the general command for the Army of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), the PLA Rocket Force and the PLA Strategic Support Force at their inauguration ceremony held Thursday in Beijing.
• No worry necessary over China's second aircraft carrier: expert Xinhua 01 Jan 2016 -- A military expert said construction of China's second aircraft carrier is normal and the scale of China's aircraft carrier development is much smaller than that of the United States and even India.