Analysis of open-source data shows that China’s military activities in the Indo-Pacific region increased in both operational tempo and geographical reach.
Military
Fueled by decades of rapid economic growth and a desire to further its security interests, China has embarked on a large-scale modernization of its military. President Xi Jinping has instituted extensive military reforms aimed at streamlining command structures and improving Chinese military strength. China now boasts a robust navy with a burgeoning aircraft carrier program and one of the largest air forces in the world. To learn more about China’s military power, explore our featured content below.
Surveying the Experts: The State of U.S.-China Relations Entering 2026
The CSIS China Power Project surveyed dozens of former U.S. government officials and leading China experts on key questions relating to U.S.-China relations. This report summarizes the findings of that survey.
How Advanced Is China’s Third Aircraft Carrier?
On November 5, 2025, China commissioned its third aircraft carrier, named Fujian, into its navy. This page provides key details about the carrier.
How Deep Are China-Russia Military Ties?
Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine has raised concerns about the deep military ties shared between China and Russia. This ChinaPower feature analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of China-Russia military relations, focusing on arms sales and joint military exercises.
What Does China Really Spend on its Military?
China’s military budget provides insight into its expanding military capabilities. In terms of gauging relative military strength, defense budgets can be compared between countries and over a set period of time to assess overall trends.
Measures Short of Invasion: How China Could Threaten Peace in the Taiwan Strait
This three-part series examines Beijing’s options besides an invasion to coerce, punish, or annex Taiwan. The first two reports map out how China can quarantine and blockade the island. The third report provides groundbreaking data on the importance of the Taiwan Strait to global commerce.
Analyzing China’s Escalation After Taiwan President William Lai’s National Day Speech
This ChinaPower feature tracks and analyzes China’s large-scale Joint Sword-2024B military exercises and law enforcement activities following Taiwan President William Lai’s October 10 National Day speech.
How China Could Blockade Taiwan
China has options other than invasion to try to force Taiwan’s unification, one of which is a blockade. This report explores the potential motivations and strategic calculus for a blockade and maps out possible scenarios of how China could approach blockade operations.