China’s military technology is rapidly gaining prominence in global conflict zones, marking a stark departure from its earlier reliance on Soviet-era designs. The shift underscores Beijing’s technological advancements and strategic ambitions, as Chinese weapons systems increasingly challenge Western dominance in defence innovation.
In the 1990s and early 2000s, China’s military hardware was often dismissed as inferior imitations of Russian or Soviet systems. However, decades of economic growth and technological investment have transformed China into a formidable player in the global defence market. This evolution was on full display in June 2025, when a Chinese J-20 stealth fighter reportedly flew undetected through the Tsushima Strait, evading radar systems of the US, Japan, and South Korea. The incident highlighted China’s growing technological sophistication and its ability to operate with impunity in contested airspace.
China’s military advancements extend beyond stealth aircraft. The country has made significant strides in drone warfare, hypersonic missiles, and artificial intelligence (AI)-integrated systems. These capabilities were demonstrated in the Indo-Pakistani conflict in June, where Pakistan deployed Chinese-made J-10C fighters to shoot down several Indian aircraft, including a French-made Rafale. The performance of the J-10C has since sparked interest from other nations, including Egypt and Nigeria, while Middle Eastern countries like the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have already made substantial purchases of Chinese drones and fighter jets.
China’s naval exercises in the Pacific further illustrate its growing military assertiveness. In a recent unannounced drill off the coast of Australia, Chinese warships disrupted flights in the Tasman Sea and sailed near sensitive military sites, including the Amberley airbase, which hosts the US B-2 stealth bomber fleet. The exercise demonstrated China’s willingness to project power in strategically vital regions and underscored the vulnerability of Western assets to Chinese military reach.
The roots of China’s military modernisation can be traced back to the 1990s, when its limitations were exposed during the Gulf War and the Taiwan Strait crisis. The US deployment of two aircraft carrier groups in response to China’s missile tests in the Taiwan Strait revealed the technological gap between the two nations. In response, China embarked on a series of military reforms and a decade-long defence budget increase, laying the foundation for its current capabilities.
Today, China’s military advancements are part of a broader technological surge. From AI chatbots like DeepSeek to advanced defence systems, Beijing is challenging Western technological supremacy. This shift is reshaping global conflict dynamics, as nations increasingly turn to Chinese weapons to counterbalance Western influence. Countries like Iran, which may not have access to US-made systems, could benefit from Chinese military technology, potentially altering regional power balances.
The implications of China’s military rise are profound. The J-20’s ability to evade detection in the first island chain—a string of strategically important islands in East Asia—signals a new era of aerial warfare. Meanwhile, the upcoming J-36, integrated with AI and drone swarms, could further revolutionise combat operations. These developments not only bolster China’s strategic position but also challenge the US and its allies in Asia.
As China continues to assert itself on the global stage, its military advancements will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of international relations. The world is watching closely as Beijing’s technological and strategic prowess redefines the geopolitical landscape.