Part 8/14:
China’s Military Demonstrates Growing Global Reach
China's naval ambitions have taken a dramatic step forward, with the Chinese Navy conducting two unprecedented live-fire drills last week. These exercises involved three PLA Navy ships, including the formidable Type 055 destroyer, showcasing Beijing's advanced military technology and willingness to operate far beyond traditional waterways.
The drills, conducted in the South Pacific, notably near Tasmania, drew concern from regional security allies Australia and New Zealand. Defense officials emphasized the capabilities of China's weapons systems—such as missile launchers with anti-ship ballistic missile ranges exceeding 540 nautical miles—and described the exercises as a "significant escalation" in China's naval operations.