The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) celebrated the 98th anniversary of its founding on Friday with a strong display of military strength and technological advancement, as Chinese official media released a series of high-profile revelations highlighting recent developments in naval equipment, combat readiness, and operations defending China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.
Among the announcements were the public debut of China’s fourth Type 075 amphibious assault ship, rare footage of a PLA helicopter confronting a foreign aircraft over the Taiwan Straits, and newly released video of a China Coast Guard (CCG) law enforcement operation near Ren’ai Jiao in the South China Sea.
Naval Power on Display: Type 075 Ship Joins Fleet
In a symbolic show of strength, the PLA Navy unveiled its latest Type 075 amphibious assault ship, the Hubei, designated hull number 34. Footage published by China Bugle, an official PLA media platform, showed sailors on the ship’s expansive flight deck extending congratulations to comrades across the armed forces.
Additional footage from China Central Television (CCTV) depicted the Hubei participating in training exercises alongside another Type 075 vessel, the Hainan, as well as four Type 071 amphibious landing ships in the South China Sea. The Hubei also carried out integration drills with the Type 726 air-cushioned landing craft, underscoring enhanced joint amphibious capabilities.
Military analyst Song Zhongping noted that while the Type 071 ships specialize in sea-based landings, the Type 075 enhances vertical assault capabilities through its fleet of helicopters, significantly improving the PLA Navy’s flexibility and firepower. The combination of the two ship classes, he said, equips the Chinese military for more effective operations around sensitive regions, including the South China Sea and Taiwan.
“The induction of a fourth Type 075 ship shows the growing amphibious combat capabilities of the PLA Navy,” Song said. “It reflects China’s strategic demand to defend sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national interests.”
Combat Readiness: Confrontations in the Taiwan Straits and South China Sea
The PLA’s enhanced capabilities are matched by its operational readiness and resolve, according to experts. In a newly released video, the PLA showcased a tense aerial encounter involving a Chinese army attack helicopter and a foreign shipborne helicopter that approached Chinese airspace over the Taiwan Straits in what was described as a “deliberate provocation.”
The video, released by CCTV’s military channel, shows the PLA pilot responding rapidly, confronting the intruding aircraft in a close-quarters standoff. According to the report, the Chinese pilot was prepared to risk his life in a potential collision, ultimately forcing the foreign aircraft to retreat.
“This powerful footage demonstrates not only our technological strength but also the unshakable will of our troops,” said military expert Zhang Junshe.
In a separate incident near Ren’ai Jiao (Second Thomas Shoal), newly publicized footage captured a rapid law enforcement operation by the China Coast Guard against a Philippine vessel accused of illegally entering Chinese waters. The infringing crew reportedly splashed unknown liquids and brandished a firearm at Chinese personnel before being towed away within six minutes by the CCG.
“In a narrow encounter, the brave will prevail,” a CCG officer said during the operation, emphasizing the speed and decisiveness of the response.
Rising Confidence and Strategic Capabilities
Zhang Junshe emphasized that the PLA’s growing confidence stems from the dual foundation of technological advancement and unwavering commitment to national defense.
“The Chinese military is not only equipped with increasingly advanced weaponry,” Zhang said, “but also maintains the mental and physical readiness to respond to provocations instantly and decisively.”
He pointed to other recent disclosures of China’s defense achievements, including a video released Thursday showing the launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and footage of a long-range mission by a new type of submarine, further underscoring China’s expanding strategic capabilities.
“The combination of will and skill is reshaping China’s approach to national security,” Zhang concluded. “Our troops are ready to defend not just borders, but peace and prosperity for the Chinese people.”
