Latest news with #PAP
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Inside the secret spy den building China's attack drones
Credit: CCTV At first glance it could be a school classroom, with bright fluorescent lights, posters on the wall and long tables down the middle. But look closer, and the students are actually Chinese paramilitary police officers, the notices are instructions on how to build attack drones, and there are CCTV cameras watching their every move. This is the workshop for one of China's feared armed police units, in the eastern Shandong province. In a rare glimpse into China's arms manufacturing, a dozen or so officers can be seen seated at the long tables tinkering with their creations. Another 40 or so unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are mounted on the wall in front of them as they work. Credit: CCTV Speaking to Chinese state media, which produced the footage, one uniformed officer explains that each of the drones are assembled by a member of the People's Armed Police (PAP) force in Shandong. For a skilled worker it should take 'no more than two hours' to complete one device. Known as 'China's other army,' the PAP is one of the country's police forces responsible for national security. Unlike the civilian police force, which handles routine law enforcement, the PAP falls under the Central Military Commission and is often deployed for border security, riot control and counterterrorism, and has been part of the violent campaign against the Uighurs in Xinjiang province and in Tibet. While the exact number of officers is unknown, reports estimate it could be anywhere from 500,000 to 1.5 million, spread out over 32 regional commands, each with at least one mobile unit. The direction of travel is clear. In 2010 the PAP budget was £6.8 billion. By last year, it had more than tripled, to £15.9 billion. The unit in Shandong is the latest example of what it has been spending that money on. The drones are not just for surveillance. In a combat drill last month, two members of a PAP unit in western Yunnan province worked together to take out a target behind a closed window. The first drone smashed the glass and the second flew through the gap to strike the target. Other camera drones can be armed with grenades, which are dropped on perceived threats. And then there are disruptor drones, fitted with systems that can locate, track and 'soft-kill' enemy UAVs, according to state television. Training is intense. Before being allowed to fly actual drones, the operators have to work on simulators for about two months, according to state television. Then they are let lose on complicated aerial assault courses, with tight turns and high speed manoeuvres, before being allowed to use them in the field. Credit: CCTV Experts have said that drones would be central to any conflict between China and Taiwan, should Beijing decide to attack the island, which it claims as its own despite staunch opposition from the government in Taipei. Both China and Taiwan's interest in drone warfare has expanded since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 given the central role that UAVs have played in the conflict. Earlier this month, China announced that its new drone mothership, known as the Jiu Tan, which is capable of releasing swarms of 100 kamikaze UAVs at once, would launch on its maiden voyage in June. In Shandong, the officer in the video explains that the team is producing first-person view (FPV) drones of different sizes, from 3-inch to 9-inch models, at what he calls the 'UAV innovation studio'. In the footage, the personnel are seen assembling drone frames as well as testing camera and antenna placements. The UAVs are designed for both reconnaissance and precision strikes. The studio also has a 3D printer, which is used to design and manufacture various components. The officer explains that it is currently making landing pads, which it can print in three minutes. He then shows the camera a drone with a 3D-printed ammunition mounting platform, which he says can carry different types of weapons, 'significantly enhancing the drone's strike capabilities.' There is variation in the vehicles too. Footage shows the unit using drones with long fibre optic cables, as seen in Ukraine and Russia. These drones do not rely on radio signals and therefore cannot be jammed by enemy signal blockers. While drones can be used for humanitarian purposes – such as during disaster relief operations – in the hands of the PAP they can also be weapons of oppression. The force's focus in recent years has been on Xinjiang province, where it has been responsible for the persecution of Uyghur Muslims, as well as Tibet. Xinjiang hosts the largest concentration of PAP mobile units in the country with an estimated 200,000 troops. They have been using surveillance drones for a number of years. Both Uyghurs and Tibetans have been targeted by the central government in Beijing for decades, with abuses ranging from mass detentions to forced sterilisations. The Uyghur Human Rights Project accused the PAP of being 'among the prime actors in carrying out the genocide' against the Uyghurs in Xinjiang. With their new tools, the PAP shows no sign of changing course. Beyond its domestic role, experts have also said that the PAP would likely play a key role in any future attack against Taiwan. In January, Chinese state media reported that some PAP officers in Fujian province had taken part in official combat training, which suggested that in the event of war, the forces could join the fight as a military unit. Lyle Goldstein, an Asia expert at Defense Priorities, a Washington-based foreign policy think tank, said that since China views Taiwan as one of its provinces, Beijing would see it as 'completely legal' to use armed police. The PAP could also play a central role if martial law were declared following an invasion of Taiwan. The International Institute for Strategic Studies said: 'As the PAP's mission sets have become more focused, their more centralised command structure, reorganisation and enhanced use of modern technologies have turned the PAP into a more potent force ready to carry out the CCP's vision of 'correct policy' and maintaining the Party's control.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
2 days ago
- Politics
- Telegraph
Inside the secret spy den building China's attack drones
At first glance it could be a school classroom, with bright fluorescent lights, posters on the wall and long tables down the middle. But look closer, and the students are actually Chinese paramilitary police officers, the notices are instructions on how to build attack drones, and there are CCTV cameras watching their every move. This is the workshop for one of China's feared armed police units, in the eastern Shandong province. In a rare glimpse into China's arms manufacturing, a dozen or so officers can be seen seated at the long tables tinkering with their creations. Another 40 or so unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are mounted on the wall in front of them as they work. Speaking to Chinese state media, which produced the footage, one uniformed officer explains that each of the drones are assembled by a member of the People's Armed Police (PAP) force in Shandong. For a skilled worker it should take 'no more than two hours' to complete one device. Known as 'China's other army,' the PAP is one of the country's police forces responsible for national security. 'Unlike the civilian police force, which handles routine law enforcement, the PAP falls under the Central Military Commission and is often deployed for border security, riot control and counterterrorism, and has been part of the violent campaign against the Uighurs in Xinjiang province and in Tibet. While the exact number of officers is unknown, reports estimate it could be anywhere from 500,000 to 1.5 million, spread out over 32 regional commands, each with at least one mobile unit. The direction of travel is clear. In 2010 the PAP budget was £6.8 billion. By last year, it had more than tripled, to £15.9 billion. The unit in Shandong is the latest example of what it has been spending that money on. The drones are not just for surveillance. In a combat drill last month, two members of a PAP unit in western Yunnan province worked together to take out a target behind a closed window. The first drone smashed the glass and the second flew through the gap to strike the target. Other camera drones can be armed with grenades, which are dropped on perceived threats. And then there are disruptor drones, fitted with systems that can locate, track and 'soft-kill' enemy UAVs, according to state television. Training is intense. Before being allowed to fly actual drones, the operators have to work on simulators for about two months, according to state television. Then they are let lose on complicated aerial assault courses, with tight turns and high speed manoeuvres, before being allowed to use them in the field. Experts have said that drones would be central to any conflict between China and Taiwan, should Beijing decide to attack the island, which it claims as its own despite staunch opposition from the government in Taipei. Both China and Taiwan's interest in drone warfare has expanded since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 given the central role that UAVs have played in the conflict. Earlier this month, China announced that its new drone mothership, known as the Jiu Tan, which is capable of releasing swarms of 100 kamikaze UAVs at once, would launch on its maiden voyage in June. In Shandong, the officer in the video explains that the team is producing first-person view (FPV) drones of different sizes, from 3-inch to 9-inch models, at what he calls the 'UAV innovation studio'. In the footage, the personnel are seen assembling drone frames as well as testing camera and antenna placements. The UAVs are designed for both reconnaissance and precision strikes. The studio also has a 3D printer, which is used to design and manufacture various components. The officer explains that it is currently making landing pads, which it can print in three minutes. He then shows the camera a drone with a 3D-printed ammunition mounting platform, which he says can carry different types of weapons, 'significantly enhancing the drone's strike capabilities.' There is variation in the vehicles too. Footage shows the unit using drones with long fibre optic cables, as seen in Ukraine and Russia. These drones do not rely on radio signals and therefore cannot be jammed by enemy signal blockers. While drones can be used for humanitarian purposes – such as during disaster relief operations – in the hands of the PAP they can also be weapons of oppression. The force's focus in recent years has been on Xinjiang province, where it has been responsible for the persecution of Uyghur Muslims, as well as Tibet. Xinjiang hosts the largest concentration of PAP mobile units in the country with an estimated 200,000 troops. They have been using surveillance drones for a number of years. Both Uyghurs and Tibetans have been targeted by the central government in Beijing for decades, with abuses ranging from mass detentions to forced sterilisations. The Uyghur Human Rights Project accused the PAP of being 'among the prime actors in carrying out the genocide' against the Uyghurs in Xinjiang. With their new tools, the PAP shows no sign of changing course. Beyond its domestic role, experts have also said that the PAP would likely play a key role in any future attack against Taiwan. In January, Chinese state media reported that some PAP officers in Fujian province had taken part in official combat training, which suggested that in the event of war, the forces could join the fight as a military unit. Lyle Goldstein, an Asia expert at Defense Priorities, a Washington-based foreign policy think tank, said that since China views Taiwan as one of its provinces, Beijing would see it as 'completely legal' to use armed police. The PAP could also play a central role if martial law were declared following an invasion of Taiwan. The International Institute for Strategic Studies said: 'As the PAP's mission sets have become more focused, their more centralised command structure, reorganisation and enhanced use of modern technologies have turned the PAP into a more potent force ready to carry out the CCP's vision of 'correct policy' and maintaining the Party's control.'
Independent Singapore
2 days ago
- Business
- Independent Singapore
‘Big party promotion!': Singaporeans react to Desmond Lee's appointment as PAP chair, but some look for DPM Gan
SINGAPORE: The ruling People's Action Party (PAP) announced on Thursday (May 29) changes to its Central Executive Committee (CEC). Significantly, the PAP said it appointed a new chairman, Desmond Lee, the Education Minister. Other changes include the appointment of Health Minister Ong Ye Kung as Party Treasurer, and Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat has taken over as assistant treasurer. Minister of State for National Development and Trade and Industry Alvin Tan, meanwhile, is now the head of Young PAP, and Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs Faishal, who has been appointed chairperson of the PAP Malay Affairs Bureau, will now be part of the CEC. Mr Lee had previously been the party's assistant secretary-general. He replaces former Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, who retired before this year's General Election. 'The CEC expressed its appreciation to outgoing chairman Mr Heng Swee Keat for his years of leadership and service to the Party and Singapore, and wished him a fulfilling retirement from politics,' the party said in a statement on its website. Some commenters reacting to the announcement from the PAP appear to feel that this is a major step up for Mr Lee. 'This is a big party promotion for the son of Lee Yock Suan. This adds to his promotion to Minister for Education, which is one of the big four portfolios (finance, defence, home affairs, and education),' wrote a Reddit user. Lee Yock Suan, the minister's father, was a longtime Member of Parliament (MP) and Cabinet member, having served as Minister for Labour and Minister for Education, among other roles. He retired from politics in 2006. Others noted that the younger Mr Lee's new role as Education Minister is a significant one as well. 'MOE sets the ethos for the future generation of the country. It is a heavy responsibility, like defence and finance. This is why all potential leaders of the country have been picked to helm MOE at some point (in) their political career (e.g., Chan Chun Sing, Heng Swee Keat, Tharman, Ong Ye Kung, Lawrence Wong),' one wrote. 'If we go further back, Tony Tan and Goh Keng Swee were also education ministers before,' another pointed out. One chimed in to say, 'The GE showed his pull in West Coast and from those who have worked with him, he is well regarded, albeit someone that is more of a quiet technocrat. Though he tends to be understated, his trajectory remains constant and will likely continue to be a presence, especially in the 4-5G and the PAP. All the more so given his age.' The commenter added that Mr Lee reminded them a little of Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong. Speaking of Mr Gan, some Facebook users wondered why he is not in the PAP CEC. 'Didn't see DPM Gan in the slate? What happened?' one wrote. 'Where is the task force man?' another echoed. /TISG Read also: Desmond Lee: The Dark Horse in the Cabinet
AsiaOne
3 days ago
- Politics
- AsiaOne
Jalan Kayu SMC, Punggol GRC form new town councils, Singapore News
Jalan Kayu SMC and Punggol GRC have established their own town councils following the 2025 General Election. The Ministry of National Development (MND) said on Friday (May 30) that it issued an order to put into effect the setting up of 19 town councils, which were formed at the request of the wards' respective MPs. As a result of changes to electoral boundaries, which involved some areas being transferred between towns, 12 town councils have been reconstituted, said MND, adding that five of them remain unchanged both in their boundaries and names. Under the Town Councils Act, elected MPs are either to form a town for their own constituency or group up to three constituencies together to form a town. Each town should be managed by its own town council. The new Jalan Kayu Town Council, comprising the SMC won by labour chief Ng Chee Meng, will be chaired by him. A town council was last formed with just one SMC after the 2011 General Election, where PAP candidate Sitoh Yih Pin took back Potong Pasir SMC from the Singapore People's Party. Sitoh ran the town council until the 2015 General Election, after which the constituency was grouped under the Jalan Besar Town Council. Punggol Town Council, which consists of the GRC won by the PAP slate helmed by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, will be chaired by Senior Minister of State for Transport and National Development Sun Xueling. Senior Minister of State for Education and Sustainability and the Environment Janil Puthucheary and Ms Yeo Wan Ling, will be vice-chairs, reported The Straits Times. Four town councils have been renamed following changes to electoral boundaries. Jurong-Clementi Town Council will be known as Jurong-Clementi-Bukit Batok Town Council, while Marine Parade Town Council has been renamed to Marine Parade-Braddell Heights Town Council. Pasir Ris-Punggol Town Council will now be Pasir Ris-Changi Town Council, while West Coast Town Council is to be known as West Coast-Jurong West Town Council. The remaining eight reconstituted town councils' names remain unchanged. For areas that will be transferred to other towns, town councils must complete the handover and takeover of management within 90 days, said MND. This means the two new town councils and 12 reconstituted town councils will take over management of the transferred areas from Aug 1 this year. Town councils can also mutually agree to complete the handover and takeover before Aug 1, provided they inform residents of this date, the ministry added. "MND encourages all town councils to work together to ensure a smooth transition, so that the needs of residents can continue to be served," it said. [[nid:718138]]
CNA
3 days ago
- Business
- CNA
Two new town councils established in Jalan Kayu and Punggol
SINGAPORE: Two new town councils have been established in Jalan Kayu and Punggol following the conclusion of the 2025 General Election. This brings the total number of town councils to 19, the Ministry of National Development (MND) said in a press release on Friday (May 30). Twelve town councils have been reconstituted due to changes in electoral boundaries, which resulted in some areas being transferred between towns, MND added. Five remain unchanged. Under the Town Councils Act, elected MPs are to form a town for their own constituency or by grouping up to three constituencies together to form a town. Each town is to be managed by its own town council. The new Jalan Kayu Town Council will comprise the Single Member Constituency won by labour chief Ng Chee Meng. He will chair the council. Punggol Town Council also comprises only the Group Representation Constituency, which was won by a People's Action Party (PAP) team led by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong. Four town councils have been renamed. Jurong-Clementi Town Council is now known as Jurong-Clementi-Bukit Batok Town Council. Marine Parade Town Council has been renamed Marine Parade-Braddell Heights Town Council. Pasir Ris-Punggol Town Council will now be Pasir Ris-Changi Town Council, while West Coast Town Council is now West Coast-Jurong West Town Council. The remaining eight reconstituted town councils are Aljunied-Hougang, Ang Mo Kio, Chua Chu Kang, East Coast, Holland-Bukit Panjang, Jalan Besar, Tampines and Tanjong Pagar Town Councils, and their names are unchanged. Bishan-Toa Payoh, Marsiling-Yew Tee, Nee Soon, Sembawang and Sengkang Town Councils will continue with their names and town boundaries unchanged. Town councils have up to 90 days to complete the handover and takeover of the management of the areas to be transferred. This means the two new town councils and the 12 reconstituted town councils will take over the management of the transferred areas from Aug 1. Town councils can also mutually agree to complete the handover and takeover before Aug 1. They will have to inform residents of this date. "MND encourages all town councils to work together to ensure a smooth transition, so that the needs of residents can continue to be served," said the ministry.
