Asia Communique
Xi Makes Rare Visit to Tibet | China's New Weapon Systems | Xi Likely to Skip ASEAN Summit | Taiwan Sets 2026 Defense Spend at 3.32% GDP |
Xi Jinping’s rare visit to Tibet
Chinese President Xi Jinping made a highly symbolic trip to the Tibetan Autonomous Region on 20 Aug 2025, his first since 2021 and only the second visit by a Chinese leader in decades. Xi commemorated the 60th anniversary of the founding of the region by stressing the Communist Party’s priorities of political stability and ethnic unity. He said that Tibetan Buddhism must adapt to China’s socialist system and reiterated the importance of “strengthening ethnic unity, safeguarding national security and social stability.
Xi also called for vigorous pursuit of a large hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo River, underlining Tibet’s strategic role in China’s water and energy ambitions Tibet borders India and possesses significant mineral and hydropower resources, so any development there has implications for the broader Himalaya region.
Xi Jinping’s trip signals that Beijing wants to keep a tight narrative control after the passing of the current Dalai Lama and during the selection process of the next Tibetan spiritual leader.
Xi expected to skip ASEAN summit
Diplomatic watchers had hoped for a meeting between Xi and U.S. President Donald Trump at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Malaysia this autumn. However, Reuters reported that Xi is likely to skip the gathering, with Premier Li Qiang expected to represent China. Chinese presidents rarely attend ASEAN summits and Xi last joined one virtually in 2021. A potential Trump–Xi meeting could now be pushed to the APEC summit in November if trade negotiations progress.
Taiwan to Raise Defense Spending to 3.32% of GDP in 2026 Amid Rising Security Pressures
Taiwan plans to elevate its defense budget to NT$949.5 billion (approximately US $31.27 billion) in fiscal year 2026, representing 3.32% of GDP — the first time it has exceeded the 3% threshold since 2009. Premier Cho Jung‑tai confirmed the proposed increase during a cabinet briefing, citing rising security challenges. This marks a 22.9% year‑on‑year increase over the 2025 defense allocation.
In a departure from past accounting practices, Taiwan is now adopting a "NATO model" that includes coast guard and veterans’ affairs in its total defense expenditure. This methodology adjustment significantly raises the share of defense in total GDP.
Premier Cho emphasized that this budget rise conveys “a concrete demonstration … of our determination and ability to safeguard national sovereignty and security, maintain stability … in the Indo‑Pacific region.”
Why It Matters:
Taiwan’s strategic recalibration reflects heightened military pressure from China and growing expectations from the United States for Taiwan to bolster its defensive capabilities.
The inclusion of coast guard spending acknowledges the evolving nature of regional threats, especially maritime confrontations.
Historically, Taiwan’s defense spending had hovered between 2–2.5% of GDP during the Democratic Progressive Party’s tenure; this leap to 3.32% is the first since President Ma Ying‑jeou’s era.
India Denies Lifting TikTok Ban Amid Reports of Website Access
The Indian government has clarified that the ban on TikTok remains in effect, despite reports from some users claiming they could access the platform’s website homepage this week. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) stressed that no unblocking order has been issued for the ByteDance-owned app.
“Government of India has not issued any unblocking order for TikTok. Any such statement or news is false and misleading,” senior government sources said on Thursday.
TikTok, along with 58 other Chinese apps, was banned in June 2020 on national security grounds. The government cited concerns over data collection, cross-border data flows, and potential threats to India’s “sovereignty and integrity.” At the time, the move came amid escalating border tensions with China, following the deadly Galwan Valley clashes in eastern Ladakh that pushed bilateral ties to historic lows.
Background on the 2020 Ban
Apps Banned: 59 Chinese applications, including TikTok, UC Browser, and WeChat.
Official Rationale: The apps were deemed “prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India, defense of India, security of state, and public order.”
Data Security Concerns: Reports suggested several apps were leaking sensitive user data and transmitting files to servers in China.
Scale of Impact: TikTok had nearly 200 million users in India before the ban.
Wider Security Context
Indian authorities had also flagged potential backdoors in Chinese hardware and software, aligning with similar concerns in the U.S., Europe, and other markets over Chinese-made 5G networking equipment.
Despite sporadic reports of TikTok’s website being intermittently reachable, the app remains unavailable on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store in India, and ByteDance has not issued a statement on the recent claims.
Victory Day military parade
Beijing will hold a huge “Victory Day” parade on 3 Sept 2025 to mark the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II. The defense ministry announced that tens of thousands of troops and hundreds of aircraft will participate, showcasing hypersonic missiles and advanced anti‑ship weapons. Russia’s President Vladimir Putin is expected to attend, and Xi will review the troops from Tiananmen Square. Neighboring countries and Western governments view the parade as a display of China’s expanding military capabilities.
China’s new weapon systems unveiled during Victory Day rehearsals in Beijing
During August 2025 rehearsals for the 3 September Victory Day parade in Beijing, China showcased a tranche of previously unseen weapon systems. The event — involving around 40,000 personnel and a convoy of land, sea and air platforms — offered an unusually open glimpse into the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) focus on unmanned systems, hypersonic missiles and directed‑energy weapons. The highlights outlined below draw from open‑source images, defense analyses and official briefings.
Advanced armoured vehicles
The most eye‑catching system was a new medium tank reportedly designated ZTZ‑201 (or ZTZ‑20). Video from the rehearsal showed a lighter vehicle than China’s Type‑99A, with an estimated 35–40‑ton weight. Analysts noted that the tank emphasizes agility and active protection systems rather than heavy armor; radar panels on each turret corner and roof‑mounted launchers provide 360° intercept capability against anti‑tank missiles. A 105 mm smooth‑bore gun sits in an unmanned turret and is complemented by a remote‑controlled weapon station for small drone. The chassis uses a hybrid diesel‑electric power train; the electric mode allows silent movement and reported road speeds of up to 85 km/h. Crew members sit in an armored capsule and appear to use augmented‑reality helmets and panoramic sensors for 360‑degree situational awareness. The shift to lighter, network‑centric armor suggests lessons from recent conflicts where heavy tanks proved vulnerable to drones and loitering munitions.
A separate eight‑wheeled laser air‑defense vehicle was photographed with a large covered turret. Indian media noted its resemblance to existing Chinese laser systems and speculated that it houses a high‑energy laser for destroying drones. Another light‑armored vehicle, smaller than the Type‑99A, carried a 105 mm gun, four‑sided radar, active protection system, laser weapon and an integrated air‑defense gun. Photographs showed crew members wearing augmented‑ and virtual‑reality headsets, indicating human‑machine teaming.
Hypersonic and advanced missiles
A parade rehearsal convoy carried a suite of new missiles. Four anti‑ship and land‑attack designs — YJ‑15, YJ‑17, YJ‑19 and YJ‑20 — were observed on TELs. Analysts described YJ‑17 as a hypersonic glide vehicle reminiscent of the DF‑17 ballistic missile, YJ‑19 as a high‑supersonic/hypersonic cruise missile with an air intake possibly housing a scramjet and YJ‑20 as a biconic missile that might be a maneuverable re‑entry vehicle. The YJ‑15 appears to be a ramjet‑powered anti‑ship missile similar to the existing YJ‑12. Collectively, these missiles signal a jump in China’s high‑speed anti‑ship strike capabilities.
Rehearsal footage also showed a large transporter‑erector‑launcher with a single‑side cab carrying a covered canister; defense observers speculated that this could be a new road‑mobile intercontinental ballistic missile. Additionally, a small ground‑launched cruise missile with a stealthy profile was seen on a wheeled launcher, suggesting a long‑range subsonic land‑attack capability. The artillery column included trucks carrying missiles believed to be part of the HQ‑20 and HQ‑29 family of air‑defense interceptors; the HQ‑20 uses eight small interceptors per TEL and may be intended for long‑range air defense.
Unmanned systems: underwater, aerial and ground
Among the most mysterious exhibits were several extra‑large unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). Photographs showed at least four UUVs labelled AJX‑002—torpedo‑shaped craft 18–20 m long and around 1.5 m in diameter with pump‑jet propulsion. The absence of snorkels or vents led analysts to suspect a nuclear‑powered propulsion system comparable in concept to Russia’s Poseidon torpedo; the vehicles could potentially carry either nuclear or conventional payloads. Chinese scientist Guo Jian told media that the design differs from the Russian doomsday weapon and may serve reconnaissance or strike missions. The appearance of multiple units implies serial production and underscores China’s drive toward autonomous undersea warfare.
In the air domain, satellite imagery and rehearsal footage revealed unmanned loyal‑wingman aircraft parked alongside known drones such as the GJ‑11 stealth UCAV and Wing Loong series. Five tailless airframes with diamond‑like or cranked‑kite wings were spotted; each measures roughly 30–38 ft long with a 20–35 ft wingspan. Such collaborative combat aircraft are expected to operate alongside two‑seat J‑20 fighters and may perform reconnaissance, strike and electronic warfare roles. Media noted that the PLA is developing multiple loyal‑wingman types, including FH‑97‑series drones, to accompany its manned fighters. Additionally, rehearsal footage showed a variety of unmanned ground vehicles and drones, indicating a broad push toward automation.
Directed‑energy, counter‑drone and early‑warning systems
Military attaches told Reuters they were expecting trucks fitted with devices to take out drones, new tanks and early‑warning aircraft to protect China’s aircraft carriers. Chinese officials confirmed that the parade will include counter‑drone systems and directed‑energy weapons, though details remain classified. Observers speculate that the eight‑wheeled laser vehicle mentioned above is part of this suite. There were also reports of new early‑warning aircraft designed to enhance carrier‑group situational awareness, but no clear photographs have emerged.
Significance
By rolling new weaponry through Beijing’s streets before a global audience, China signaled the breadth of its technological ambitions. The ZTZ‑201 medium tank and other laser‑equipped armored vehicles highlight a shift toward lighter, more networked ground forces; the YJ‑15/17/19/20 missiles demonstrate a rapidly maturing hypersonic strike capability; and the AJX‑002 UUV and loyal‑wingman drones underscore the PLA’s intent to fight across multiple domains with unmanned platforms. Directed‑energy systems and anti‑drone trucks indicate that China intends to protect these assets against swarms of low‑cost drones. Together, these innovations reflect a military preparing for high‑tempo, technology‑driven warfare, and they will be closely scrutinized by foreign analysts as Victory Day approaches.
Reads:
This Isn’t India-China Rapprochement — Foreign Policy
The Real Reason India and China Are Mending Ties — Time Magazine
By Land or by Sea: Continental Power, Maritime Power, and the Fight for a New World Order — Foreign Affairs
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