Air Force Report Details China Military Growth Across Domains

A report released Tuesday by the China Aerospace Studies Institute states that China's People's Liberation Army expanded its army, navy, air force, and rocket force structures during the past year. The 113-page document, titled "PLA Aerospace Power: A Primer on Trends in China's Military Air, Space, and Missile Forces," also notes the creation of a new PLA aerospace force after the strategic support force was dissolved in 2024.

The report states that long-range nuclear deterrence activities included H-6 nuclear bomber patrols and joint flights with Russian Tu-95 bombers near Japan and South Korea. It adds that Chinese nuclear bombers conducted patrols near Taiwan alongside routine warship operations.

Missile forces grew in numbers and range, the report says, providing rapid precision strike options against regional targets. The document notes that these increases occurred despite a purge within the missile force and defense industry.

Carrier operations extended naval aviation reach beyond the first island chain, according to the report. It states that these operations indicate China is approaching the ability to support sustained blue-water operations. Space warfare capabilities also increased, the report says.

Foreign joint exercises and military sales rose with Russia, Iran, Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and some European and Latin American states.

A May 22 report by the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies states that the U.S. Space Force should plan for troop deployments on orbiting stations and lunar bases to counter China's space efforts. The document was written by retired Space Force Col.

Kyle Pumroy. A Congressional Research Service report states that Chinese companies continued to sell nuclear weapons and missile-related systems to Russia, North Korea, and Iran, while the Chinese government halted direct involvement in nuclear proliferation and transfers of complete missile systems.