An influential 1999 book co-authored by PLA strategist Qiao Liang argued that China should develop asymmetric advantages rather than matching the US weapon for weapon, emphasizing finance, cyberspace, and psychological operations.
Mao Zedong's 1929 Gutian meeting and his 1938 declaration that "the party commands the gun" established a foundational principle for the Communist Party's control over China's military, a bedrock that remains nearly a century later.
The first island chain has become a key arena for military competition between China and the US, with the PLA making progress in areas like dual-carrier operations and nuclear deterrence. The US and its allies are responding by expanding base access in the Philippines and conducting sophisticated defense drills.
Ukraine's President Zelenskyy appointed Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new armed forces commander, replacing Oleksandr Syrskyi, following nationwide protests over military strategy and the dismissal of tech-focused defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Drapatyi, a reformer, is expected to accelerate tech adoption in warfare.
Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko stated that Germany's nuclear weapons research will be considered in Russia's military strategy, citing concerns over changes in legislation and NATO's strengthening nuclear role.
The US Senate passed a resolution to halt further military action against Iran without congressional authorization, with four Republicans joining Democrats. President Trump criticized the vote as "meaningless" and "poorly timed."
Operation Sindoor saw India strike Pakistani airbases and intercept projectiles, compelling Pakistan to seek peace within 88 hours. The nuclear-armed neighbors maintain near-parity arsenals, with Pakistan possessing ~170 warheads and India ~172.
Germany introduces its first military strategy, 'Responsibility for Europe,' aiming to build the strongest conventional army in Europe, citing deterrence against Russia, marking a significant shift from its post-WWII anti-militarist stance.
Kirill Dmitriev, Russia's special presidential envoy for investment and economic cooperation, expressed surprise on X at a Financial Times article titled 'welcome return of German military might,' noting the historical implications given World War II. The FT article highlighted Germany's new military strategy aimed at making it the strongest conventional army in Europe.
The strategy sets out a three-phase expansion of troops and capabilities as Germany aims to become Europe’s strongest conventional force.
