2025 Issue 24

For the first time, the PRC’s two operational aircraft carriers performed simultaneous exercises in the Pacific, showcasing the Chinese Communist Party’s growing military capabilities far from its coastline.  During these exercises, Japanese officials reported close encounters with Chinese fighter jets, which followed their patrol planes at distances as close as 150 feet.

Japan is expanding its defense spending with a plan to reach 2% of GDP and deploying land-based anti-ship missile regiments in Okinawa to counter the PRC and strengthen ties with the U.S.

Washington and Beijing reached a tentative trade truce in London even as export controls on both sides are making bigger impacts.