PLA

Trump shelves Tomahawks after a call with Putin, a U.S. drone strike lifts two narco-boat survivors into a legal gray zone, and Xi yanks nine generals on the eve of the plenum, a trifecta that shows the world’s strongmen tightening their grip while the rules bend to fit the moment. It’s Saturday morning, October 18th, 2025. Here is your Morning Brief.

China’s new LD-3000 air defense system fires 12,000 rounds/min to crush drones, missiles, and more—outpacing the US Phalanx in range!

China’s new J-35 stealth jet claims F-35-level sensing and targeting, but can it truly rival US tech? The Pentagon’s keeping an eye on it.

The QBZ-191, a leap in China’s small arms development, departs from the bullpup design for a conventional layout, underscoring the PLA’s push for modernization and interoperability in combat equipment.

A SOFREP reader gives us an insider look at how special operations units of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army have used civilian shooters to help them hone their skills.

The Indian Army monitors the Chinese PLA at the LAC with help from Indian Navy MQ-9A drones.

The Chinese military has been increasing its amphibious combat skills and command capabilities, which were displayed during a recent landing exercise aired by state broadcaster CCTV.

An examination of Beijing’s strategy changes is provided in the China Military Power Report.

Taiwan’s military is not prepared for a Chinese invasion whatsoever.

China’s movement around Taiwan and the South China Sea has triggered the movement of Navies from the US and Asia.

When House Speaker Nancy Pelosi pushed her visit to Taiwan amid several warnings from China, it started an all-out provocation that limited the ports of Taiwan until today.

China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) had a lot to showcase this year including their very own swarm of tiny gyrocopters that reportedly has a robust anti-tank game.