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India.com
17-07-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Operation Sindoor: China sends another HQ-16 to Pakistan as Asim Munir's army trembles in India's fear, Shehbaz Sharif also plan to...
China-Pakistan relationship New Delhi: During 'Operation Sindoor', India launched a brutal attack on Pakistan, destroying its air defense network completely. The Indian Armed Forces targeted nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). It's been over 2 months now since India conducted Operation Sindoor, yet Pakistan continues to struggle with the aftermath. In a bid to support the bankrupt, China has once again stepped in to offer assistance. According to reports from open-source intelligence networks (OSINT), China has supplied a fresh batch of its HQ-16 medium-range surface-to-air missile systems to Pakistan. Reports suggest that China's Y-20 military transport aircraft was seen flying to Pakistan at least three times in recent weeks. These aircraft delivered consignments of the HQ-16 missile systems along with associated equipment. The Y-20 is a heavy-lift military jet capable of transporting up to 66 tons of military cargo. Why Was a New Batch of HQ-16 Needed? During Operation Sindoor, the Indian Air Force targeted key Pakistani airbases such as Noor Khan, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, and Bholari. The Indian Air Force destroyed Pakistan's HQ-16 and HQ-9P air defense systems, along with China-made YLC-8E radars, using BrahMos and SCALP cruise missiles. Can the HQ-16 stop BrahMos? The HQ-16 has a strike range of around 40 kilometers and is primarily designed to intercept drones, fighter jets, and slow-moving missiles. However, the BrahMos missile, which flies at speeds of Mach 2.8 to 3.0 (nearly three times the speed of sound) and cruises at low altitudes, is extremely difficult for the HQ-16 to intercept. How significant is the new shipment to Pakistan? Currently, Pakistan's air defense capability is almost negligible. During the operation, India destroyed two out of its three surveillance aircraft. In this situation, China sending a new batch of equipment is more about boosting Pakistan's military morale — but it will not alter the strategic balance.
The Star
13-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
China approves world's biggest amphibious plane, AG600, for mass production
China's home-grown AG600, the world's largest amphibious aircraft, has been given the green light for mass production, marking a step forward in building an independent and globally competitive aviation industry. The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) certified the plane on Wednesday, confirming that its developer, the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (Avic), has established a reliable system to consistently produce aircraft that meet safety standards, according to state broadcaster CCTV. Avic said the approval was a milestone towards a 'more high-end and standardised' civil aviation manufacturing sector, and that it 'strengthened China's ability to independently build a complete civil aviation ecosystem', CCTV reported. The development is part of China's broader push to build a self-reliant civil aviation industry and position itself as a major player in the global sector. The goal has gained urgency in light of the United States' recent technology curbs, including restrictions on jet engine exports. The AG600 is one of three large aircraft developed domestically, alongside the Y-20 strategic transport plane and the C919 narrowbody airliner – both in active service. China developed the AG600 to meet urgent needs in emergency rescue and natural disaster prevention and control, state media previously reported. With a maximum take-off weight of 60 tonnes and a practical range of 4,500 kilometres, the aircraft can carry up to 12 tonnes of water for firefighting missions. The AG600's development involved hundreds of supporting enterprises and tens of thousands of components, underscoring China's ability to coordinate the design and manufacturing of large specialised aircraft, as well as managing their complex supply chains, according to state news agency Xinhua. The project also provided 'replicable management experience and technical standards for future domestically developed aircraft', the report added. The AG600 entered batch production and final assembly in July last year, with the CAAC issuing a type certificate – confirming its design meets airworthiness standards – in April. Avic now plans to expand the AG600 product line and strengthen the country's aviation-based emergency response capabilities, according to Xinhua. - SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
Scottish Sun
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
China floods sea bases with nuke bombers, terrifying satellite pics show – as US warns Xi could SEIZE Taiwanese islands
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CHINA has deployed its most dangerous nuke bombers to a tiny but vital island sea base, satellite pictures show. The act of aggression comes after US intelligence warned that China could seize Taiwan's smaller islands as the first step of a full-scale invasion. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 A KJ-500 early warning plane and Y-20 transport aircraft parked on the tarmac on Woody Island Credit: Reuters 8 The two Chinese H-6 bombers are seen in this satellite photo Credit: Reuters 8 China could storm Taiwan's smaller islands ahead of a full invasion, US intelligence warned Aerial photos show two hulking H-6 bombers on an airfield on Woody Island in the South China Sea, taken on May 19. The long-range aircraft date back to the 1950s and were modelled on Soviet-era warplanes. But they've been souped-up to unleash modern weapons including hypersonic and nuclear missiles. They are considered China's most advanced bombers, and this is the first time they've been spotted on the outpost in five years. The photos also show two Y-20 transport aircraft and a KJ-500 early warning plane around Woody Island on the same day. The KJ-500 is thought vital to China's expansion of its air and sea campaign, as it tackles increasingly-complex operations. Woody is part of the the Paracel Islands, which are roughly halfway between China and Vietnam and the object of an ownership dispute between the two nations. China built a city called Sansha on Woody Island in 2012, which Beijing uses to lord over the rest of the Paracels and the Spratly Islands. Collin Koh, a Singaporean defence expert, said: "China's long-range bombers don't need to be on the Paracels so it does appear to be omni-directional signalling by Beijing - against the Philippines and against the US and other things that are going on." The clear act of aggression ominously plays into a prophecy made by US intelligence earlier this week about China's well-known ambitions to take Taiwan - which Beijing claims is rightfully theirs. When China is most likely to invade Taiwan… expert's chilling forecast A report warned that China could begin seizing Taiwan's smaller outlying islands as a precursor to a full-blown invasion. The vast majority of Taiwan's population lives on the main island, but Taipei also controls a smattering of smaller island chains. These include the Kinmen and Matsu islands close to the Chinese mainland, the Pratas and Taiping in the South China Sea, and the Penghu archipelago nearer to Taiwan. Storming these islands is one of the options on the table for China's military generals - who continue to brandish threats of a full-scale invasion of Taiwan. The danger was aired in the latest Worldwide Threat Assessment report earlier this month by the US Defence Intelligence Agency. The swarm of warplanes is the latest in a series of operation designed to intimidate Taiwan. 8 Soldiers of China's People's Liberation Army Navy patrol on Woody Island Credit: Reuters 8 An advanced Chinese H-6 bomber - two of which have been deployed to Woody Island Credit: EPA 8 Woody Island is part of the Paracels - which China and Vietnam both claim ownership of Credit: Reuters Last month, Xi Jinping launched a full round of army, navy and rocket forces exercises encircling Taiwan. Some 19 warships and 50 aircraft loomed near the island in what Beijing called a "stern warning" and "powerful deterrent against Taiwanese independence". And in March, chilling pictures showed Beijing's giant D-Day-style invasion barges. The giant troop-carrying barges are capable of delivering fleets of tanks and thousands of troops directly onto Taiwanese roads. The DIA report did not predict an all-out invasion of Taiwan in 2025, but said China could scale-up attacks elsewhere. The agency said: 'China possesses a variety of military options to coerce Taiwan, including increasing the frequency and scope of China's military presence operations, air and maritime blockades, seizure of Taiwan's smaller outlying islands, joint firepower strikes, and a full-scale amphibious invasion of Taiwan." 8 Xi Jinping has been ratcheting up aggression against Taiwan Credit: AFP 8 Taiwan runs regular military drills of its own to prepare for the threat of a Chinese invasion Credit: EPA It added: 'China appears willing to defer seizing Taiwan by force as long as it calculates unification ultimately can be negotiated, the costs of forcing unification continue to outweigh the benefits, and its stated redlines have not been crossed by Taiwan or its partners and allies.' The US intelligence report also warned that Beijing will continue terrorising Taiwan with its 'campaign of diplomatic, information, military and economic pressure' to achieve its long-term goal of 'reunification'. Taipei has not cowered in the face of China's bullying, flexing its military muscles in return. Last month it launched 14 days of war games to prepare for the "worst case scenario". The operations were part of Taiwan's annual Han Kuang series of military exercises that put the island's defence capabilities to the test. The computer drills used the US-built Joint Theater Level Simulation platform to simulate a full-scale assault on the island by China.
The Irish Sun
29-05-2025
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
China floods sea bases with nuke bombers, terrifying satellite pics show – as US warns Xi could SEIZE Taiwanese islands
CHINA has deployed its most dangerous nuke bombers to a tiny but vital island sea base, satellite pictures show. The act of aggression comes after US intelligence warned that China could seize Taiwan's smaller islands as the first step of a full-scale invasion. Advertisement 8 A KJ-500 early warning plane and Y-20 transport aircraft parked on the tarmac on Woody Island Credit: Reuters 8 The two Chinese H-6 bombers are seen in this satellite photo Credit: Reuters 8 China could storm Taiwan's smaller islands ahead of a full invasion, US intelligence warned Aerial photos show two hulking H-6 bombers on an airfield on Woody Island in the South China Sea, taken on May 19. The long-range aircraft date back to the 1950s and were modelled on Soviet-era warplanes. But they've been souped-up to unleash modern weapons including hypersonic and nuclear missiles. They are considered China's most advanced bombers, and this is the first time they've been spotted on the outpost in five years. Advertisement The photos also show two Y-20 transport aircraft and a KJ-500 early warning plane around Woody Island on the same day. The KJ-500 is thought vital to China's expansion of its air and sea campaign, as it tackles increasingly-complex operations. Woody is part of the the Paracel Islands, which are roughly halfway between China and Vietnam and the object of an ownership dispute between the two nations. China built a city called Sansha on Woody Island in 2012, which Beijing uses to lord over the rest of the Paracels and the Spratly Islands. Advertisement Most read in The US Sun Exclusive Collin Koh, a Singaporean defence expert, said: "China's long-range bombers don't need to be on the Paracels so it does appear to be omni-directional signalling by Beijing - against the Philippines and against the US and other things that are going on." The clear act of aggression ominously plays into a prophecy made by US intelligence earlier this week about China's well-known ambitions to take Taiwan - which Beijing claims is rightfully theirs. When China is most likely to invade Taiwan… expert's chilling forecast A report warned that China could begin seizing Taiwan's smaller outlying islands as a precursor to a full-blown invasion. The vast majority of Taiwan's population lives on the main island, but Taipei also controls a smattering of smaller island chains. Advertisement These include the Kinmen and Matsu islands close to the Chinese mainland, the Pratas and Taiping in the South China Sea, and the Penghu archipelago nearer to Taiwan. Storming these islands is one of the options on the table for China's military generals - who continue to brandish threats of a full-scale invasion of Taiwan. The danger was aired in the latest Worldwide Threat Assessment report earlier this month by the US Defence Intelligence Agency. The swarm of warplanes is the latest in a series of operation designed to intimidate Taiwan. Advertisement 8 Soldiers of China's People's Liberation Army Navy patrol on Woody Island Credit: Reuters 8 An advanced Chinese H-6 bomber - two of which have been deployed to Woody Island Credit: EPA 8 Woody Island is part of the Paracels - which China and Vietnam both claim ownership of Credit: Reuters Last month, Xi Jinping army , navy and rocket forces exercises encircling Taiwan. Advertisement Some 19 warships and 50 aircraft loomed near the island in what Beijing called a "stern warning" and "powerful deterrent against Taiwanese independence". And in March, chilling pictures showed Beijing's giant The giant troop-carrying barges are capable of delivering fleets of tanks and thousands of troops directly onto Taiwanese roads. The DIA report did not predict an all-out invasion of Taiwan in 2025, but said China could scale-up attacks elsewhere. Advertisement The agency said: 'China possesses a variety of military options to coerce Taiwan, including increasing the frequency and scope of China's military presence operations, air and maritime blockades, seizure of Taiwan's smaller outlying islands, joint firepower strikes , and a full-scale amphibious invasion of Taiwan." 8 Xi Jinping has been ratcheting up aggression against Taiwan Credit: AFP 8 Taiwan runs regular military drills of its own to prepare for the threat of a Chinese invasion Credit: EPA It added: 'China appears willing to defer seizing Taiwan by force as long as it calculates unification ultimately can be negotiated, the costs of forcing unification continue to outweigh the benefits , and its stated redlines have not been crossed by Taiwan or its partners and allies.' Advertisement The US intelligence report also warned that Beijing will continue terrorising Taiwan with its 'campaign of diplomatic, information, military and economic pressure' to achieve its long-term goal of 'reunification'. Taipei has not cowered in the face of China's bullying , flexing its military muscles in return. Last month it Read more on the Irish Sun The operations were part of Taiwan's annual Han Kuang series of military exercises that put the island's defence capabilities to the test. Advertisement The computer drills used the US-built Joint Theater Level Simulation platform to simulate .
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Beijing sends heavy bombers to disputed islands in South China Sea
China has sent two of its recently upgraded H-6 bombers to a disputed island in the South China Sea, satellite images have revealed. The photographs, taken by Maxar Technologies, show the two aircraft on an airstrip on Woody Island in the Paracel archipelago on May 19. The long-range bombers date back to the 1950s and were modelled on Soviet-era planes, but have been modernised and can now carry weapons including hypersonic and nuclear missiles. They are considered China's most advanced bombers, and it is the first time they have been on the island in five years. The photographs also show two Y-20 transport aircraft and a KJ-500 early warning plane around Woody Island on the same day. The KJ-500 is believed to be vital to China's ability to carry out increasingly complex air and sea operations. Located almost equidistant from China and Vietnam – about 220 miles from China and 250 miles from Vietnam – the Paracel Islands have long been at the centre of disputes between the two countries, which both claim sovereignty over the archipelago. The islands are believed to sit on top of large natural gas and oil reserves, though there has been limited exploration of the area. In 2012, China built a city called Sansha on Woody Island, which Beijing uses to administer control over the rest of the Paracels as well as the Spratly Islands further south. In the years since, Woody Island has grown into an urban hub, with a population of about 2,300 as well as an airport, schools, a courthouse, a cinema and hospitals. The Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative in the US estimates that China has at least 20 outposts across the Paracels, three of which have harbours that can dock large numbers of vessels and five of which have helipads. The Paracel Islands also form a strategic triangle with the Spratly Islands and the Scarborough Shoal, which Beijing seized from the Philippines in a tense standoff in 2012. In April, during the Philippines' annual exercises with the US called Balikatan, four men planted a Chinese flag on Sandy Cay, a sandbank in the Spratly Islands, leading to a heated exchange with Manila. A month earlier, two H-6 aircraft were seen flying over the Scarborough Shoal shortly before Pete Hegseth, the US defence secretary, visited the Philippines. Vincent Kyle Parada, a former defence analyst at the Philippines navy, previously told The Telegraph that it would make sense for Beijing to assert its sovereignty over these territories. 'Having a Chinese presence in each of those features will allow [Beijing] a disproportionate amount of control when it comes to asserting its influence over South China Sea, whether it's through economic disruption, freedom of navigation or safety at sea,' explained Mr Parada. The timing of the latest H-6 deployment to the Paracels is unlikely to be a coincidence. A British aircraft carrier is also expected to deploy to the South China Sea next month. The Shangri-la Dialogue, considered Asia's largest defence summit, begins on Friday, though China's defence minister is reportedly not attending. 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.
