Satellite imagery analysis has revealed that China built full-scale mockups of aircraft, destroyers, and buildings in a remote desert. China has constructed mockups of the U.S. naval base in Yokosuka, Japan, Taiwan’s Su'ao Naval Base, a major airbase in Taichung, and Taiwan’s capital, Taipei, to conduct military exercises simulating an invasion of Taiwan. Experts stated that imagery of these replicas is effective in demonstrating China’s resolve to seize Taiwan to the international community.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan announced that China has started building a new structure on the west side of the geographical equidistance line between Japan and China in the East China Sea. Japan’s Foreign Ministry protested China’s unilateral development in the East China Sea and demanded an early resumption of negotiations on the implementation of the June 2008 Agreement.

On July 29, the Philippines deposited its official nautical chart of Scarborough Shoal and its surrounding waters with the United Nations. The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) stated that the deposit complied with Article 16 of UNCLOS, which requires coastal states to give due publicity to official charts or geographical coordinates. The Philippines, China, and Taiwan all maintain territorial claims over this shoal.

On July 31, China denounced the Philippines’ submission of the nautical chart to the UN as illegal, null and void. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China stated that Huangyan Dao (the Chinese name for Scarborough Shoal) is inherent territory of China and emphasized its position of not accepting the 2016 South China Sea arbitration ruling.

On August 1, China’s People’s Liberation Army and China Coast Guard conducted joint air and naval military exercises around the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. The PLA announced that the objective of this exercise is to improve the readiness of the military forces to defend national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights. On the same day, China issued a new policy for the administration of the Huangyan Island (Chinese name of Scarborough Shoal) National Nature Reserve and stated that harmful activities such as unauthorized fishing, mining, and so on would be banned.

Following the Philippines' deposit of the nautical chart for Scarborough Shoal with the UN, the Taiwanese government reiterated its sovereignty over the shoal. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan also noted that disputes in the South China Sea should be resolved peacefully in accordance with international law and the law of the sea. While the Philippines, China, and Taiwan all maintain territorial claims over the shoal, China stated on July 31 that it would not accept the Philippines’ baselines.

Taiwan's Defense Minister stated that the island has enhanced its defensive combat capabilities through military exchanges and cooperation with the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command at all levels, noting that Taiwan’s cooperation with the U.S. “may be far closer than many people imagine.” The U.S. remains Taiwan's most important international backer and arms supplier, despite Beijing's repeated denunciation of their bilateral military exchanges.

On August 2, JMSDF confirmed one Chinese Renhai class destroyer (hull number 103), one Luyang Ⅲ class destroyer (hull number 124) and one Fuchi class replenishment oiler (hull number 903) sailing southwest in the waters 50km northeast of Tsushima Island (Nagasaki Prefecture).

These vessels sailed southwest through the Tsushima Strait and navigated to the East China Sea.

Ministry of Defense of Japan stated in its 2026 Defense White Paper that China is ‘an unprecedented and the greatest strategic challenge’ to Japan and expressed concern about the growing presence of Chinese warships and the frequency of their activity in the Pacific. Japan has developed its military capabilities, such as long-range cruise missiles in the southwestern islands, as it worries about a conflict over Taiwan, which China claims as a part of its territory.

The Italian Foreign Minister expressed his intention to enhance Italy’s presence in the Indo-Pacific region, where Chinese military activities are expanding, as well as his willingness to strengthen security cooperation with Japan. He also noted that Italy will dispatch a patrol vessel to make a port call at the Yokosuka base.

The Russian Ministry of Defense announced that its Pacific Fleet started a coastal defense exercise in the Sea of Japan, the Sea of Okhotsk, and the Northwest Pacific. The Bal and Bastion anti-ship missile system units, which are deployed on Etorofu and Kunashiri islands, began deploying to join the exercise.

On August 4, a senior U.S. lawmaker told Taiwan’s President that he is certain the U.S. President will soon submit a bill to supply Taiwan with $14 billion worth of weapons. The U.S. Congress has already passed a bill to supply U.S. weapons, which are worth $11 billion, to Taiwan. He emphasized the importance of deterrence as the “ultimate goal” and stated that Taiwan should cooperate with democratic partners, possessing advanced defense capabilities and resilience.

On August 5, Taiwan launched the Han Kuang military exercise to test the decentralized command flexibility of its commanders. This 10-day exercise features, for the first time, drills focused on a resilient response under limited internet access, simulating a cyberattack by the People’s Liberation Army. The dispersal of military production facilities and the mobilization of civilian factories in wartime are also simulated in this exercise.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China lodged a strong protest with Japan regarding the 2026 Defense White Paper. The white paper highlighted China's expanding military activities around Taiwan. In response, China’s foreign ministry stated that its military activities are legitimate, emphasizing that “how to solve the Taiwan issue is a matter for the Chinese people themselves and tolerates no interference from Japan.

North Korea condemned Japan for its test-firing of a Tomahawk missile from a JMSDF destroyer and stated that it will take additional military options in response to Japan's transformation into a military power. North Korea also condemned the U.S. for supplying Tomahawk missiles to Japan and stated that the U.S. is behind the dangerous military moves of Japan.

On August 4, JMSDF confirmed one Russian Slava class cruiser (hull number 011), one Udaloy-I class (hull number 548) and three Steregushchiy class frigates (hull number 333, 335 and 339) sailing northeast in the waters 210km southwest of Rebun Island (Hokkaido Prefecture).

These vessels sailed east through the Soya Strait.

On August 5, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan paid a courtesy call on the President of Panama, followed by a working lunch. Japan’s minister explained the concept of an updated Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) and expressed Japan’s intention to enhance cooperation with like-minded countries such as Panama. In response, the President of Panama expressed appreciation for Japan’s efforts.

The same day, a Japan-Panama Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was held. Japan’s minister explained the concept of an updated FOIP, and Panama’s foreign minister expressed his support for it.

While visiting Panama, Japan’s minister contributed an article to a Panamanian newspaper to emphasize the partnership between the two countries and explain the concept of an updated FOIP.

Russia announced that it will conduct a live-fire military exercise near the Northern Territories of Japan, which Russia has occupied by force since the end of World War II. Through diplomatic channels, Japan lodged a protest, stating that it cannot accept Russia’s attempt to strengthen its military deployment around the territories.

"On August 5, the Indonesian Navy’s first one-way attack unmanned surface vessel (USV) was unveiled at a military exercise. According to press releases and footage released by the Indonesian Navy, the USV was launched from the well deck of a hospital ship. Sources confirmed that this USV was built by PT PAL Indonesia, a state-owned enterprise. Such USVs have been successfully utilized by Ukraine in the Black Sea during Russia's invasion to suppress Russian Navy activities, proving their operational effectiveness.

South Korea condemned Japan’s territorial claim to Takeshima (which South Korea calls 'Dokdo') in Japan’s defense white paper. Meanwhile, Japan and South Korea have developed security cooperation led by the U.S. to deal with China’s expansion of military activities and North Korea’s advancement of weapons. Consequently, the risk of a worsening relationship between the two countries has been lowered.

Australia has initiated a parliamentary inquiry to assess civilian preparedness and national resilience in the event of a conflict. Australia has not faced any major military threat since World War II, but China's growing influence in the South Pacific has heightened security concerns.

On August 6, South Korea conducted a regular naval exercise near Takeshima Island. Japan lodged a strong protest to South Korea. Takeshima Island is called ‘Dokdo’ in South Korea and is under the de facto control of South Korea.

On August 6, a Japan-Ecuador Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was held. The Japan’s Foreign Minister explained the concept of an updated FOIP, and Ecuador’s Foreign Minister expressed his intention to support FOIP. They also exchanged views on regional issues, including those in the Indo-Pacific region.

While visiting Ecuador, the Japan’s Foreign Minister contributed an article to an Ecuadorian newspaper to emphasize the partnership between the two countries and explain the concept of an updated FOIP.

China has released footage of its H-6N bomber carrying a missile, which appears to be a JL-1 air-launched ballistic missile, for the first time. This H-6N participated in a joint military exercise and was tasked with conducting joint strikes against a naval task force.

According to an article published by the RAND Corporation, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has formulated a strategy for the swift occupation of Taiwan through a combination of precision strikes, cyberattacks, and cognitive warfare. By utilizing these means, the PLA aims to paralyze urban functions and crush the Taiwanese people’s will to resist, allowing it to control the whole of Taiwan without total destruction. According to RAND, this concept was detailed in an article within China’s internal military theory journal, which is supervised by the Chinese Central Military Commission.

RAND also stated that Taiwan and the U.S. should strengthen countermeasures against such strategies, emphasizing that more U.S. support for Taiwan is necessary to increase social resilience.

China announced that two Coast Guard officers died while conducting activities to protect China’s maritime rights in the South China Sea on August 11, 2025. China did not reveal the details of their deaths; however, on the same day, a Chinese military vessel and a Coast Guard ship collided in the South China Sea after chasing a Philippine Coast Guard vessel.

They are regarded as the first Chinese personnel to die in the line of duty in the disputed area since 2001.

The Philippines and Australia have announced that they are planning to make a new agreement to strengthen defense cooperation. This announcement was made after the third Philippine-Australia Defense Ministers’ Meeting held in Darwin. Both sides expressed deep concern about the situation in the South China Sea, especially the dangerous activities of Chinese vessels toward Philippine ones.

Many Pacific countries tried to issue a joint statement condemning China’s recent test launch of a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) at the Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. However, they failed because of disagreement from some countries. According to Australia’s Foreign Minister, “the majority of the Pacific Islands Forum did express concerns over China’s ballistic missile test,” but China-friendly Pacific countries, such as Kiribati, Nauru, and Vanuatu, are believed to be reluctant to formally condemn their major supporter.

Since the change of government in May, the Solomon Islands has been shifting away from its pro-China stance. The Prime Minister visited the U.S. in July and agreed on maritime security cooperation. After returning home, he signed a joint maritime security pact with the U.S. He aims to reset his country's foreign policy and reduce reliance on China while maintaining ties.

Taiwan criticized Chinese maritime authorities for claiming to enforce traffic restrictions in the Taiwan Strait during a typhoon, stating that China's claims of jurisdiction over the strait violate the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). In a separate statement, Taiwan noted that waters in the strait located more than 12 nautical miles from the coasts of Taiwan and China are outside territorial seas as defined by international law, where freedom of navigation applies, and no country is permitted to control vessel movements.

Vessels of the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and the Russian Pacific Fleet have concluded their joint exercises off the coasts of Japan and Taiwan. The ships departed from the PLAN's North Sea Fleet command base on July 13 and circumnavigated Japan, though they appeared to avoid transiting the Taiwan Strait. There does not appear to have been any attempt to monitor or interfere with the US Pacific Command’s Exercise RIMPAC 2026 mounted from Hawaii and which ended on July 31.

On August 9, the Minister of Defense attended the departure ceremony for the 60th Deployment Surface Force Counter-Piracy Enforcement Aircraft Squadron at the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Atsugi Air Base. At a press conference following the ceremony, the Minister stated that this newly deployed unit is the first to conduct both counter-piracy operations and information-gathering activities in the Middle East region using P-1 patrol aircraft. The Minister expressed high expectations that the squadron will successfully fulfill its crucial mission of protecting the peaceful lives of the Japanese people and contributing to the peace and stability of the international community.

On August 8, the United States condemned China for conducting "destabilizing" activities around Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. A State Department spokesperson stated that China is enforcing a "national nature reserve" that causes instability at Scarborough Shoal, calling it one of China's unilateral attempts to assert its territorial and maritime claims in the South China Sea. China recently announced new regulations for managing the nature reserve, which it unilaterally established last year.

On August 9, the JMSDF confirmed four Russian Tarantul-III class corvettes (hull number 916, 946, 971 and 978) sailing east in waters 70km northwest of Rebun Island (Hokkaido Prefecture). JMSDF also confirmed these vessels sailed east through the Soya Strait.

On August 10, the JMSDF confirmed two Russian Tarantul-III class corvettes (hull number 921 and 924) and Amga class missile support ship sailing east in waters 70km northwest of Rebun Island. JMSDF also confirmed these vessels sailed east through the Soya Strait.

On August 10, the Japan Joint Staff confirmed one Russian IL-20 intelligence gathering aircraft flying from the continent over the Sea of Japan. The aircraft flew southwest to the area off the coast of Kyoto Prefecture, then flew toward the continent.

The JASDF scrambled fighter jets in response to this Russian aircraft.

On August 11, Taiwan held a launching ceremony for two new oceanographic research vessels, demonstrating its determination to maintain maritime governance and national security through ocean research around Taiwan. The new vessels will collect hydrological and biological data around Taiwan to strengthen its maritime governance and disaster response capabilities. Attending the ceremony, the President of Taiwan stated that the country would promote a construction program for larger research vessels to cover open seas.

On August 11, the Japan Joint Staff confirmed one Russian IL-20 intelligence gathering aircraft flying from the continent over the Sea of Japan. The aircraft flew southwest to the area off the coast of Kyoto Prefecture, then flew toward the continent.

The JASDF scrambled fighter jets in response to this Russian aircraft.

From August 9 to 11, Japan's State Minister for Foreign Affairs visited the Federated States of Micronesia, where he paid a courtesy call on the President and exchanged views with cabinet ministers. During the courtesy call, the State Minister expressed a desire to strengthen bilateral relations. In response, the President welcomed the concept and initiatives of a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)”.

On August 12, the Japan Joint Staff confirmed one Chinese Y-9 intelligence gathering aircraft flying from the continent through the East China Sea toward the area south of the Danjo Islands, Nagasaki Prefecture. The aircraft flew southwest to the area northwest of Okinawa Island on the East China Sea. It then proceeded toward the continent.

In response, the JASDF scrambled fighter jets.

Vietnam has commenced construction of its first domestically built frigate. The vessel will be constructed within the country, and most of its weaponry is scheduled to be developed or assembled in Vietnam. Vietnam is actively working to modernize its naval capabilities, and the frigate is widely expected to be equipped with features such as an AESA radar and air defense missiles.

China announced that the joint naval exercise between China and Indonesia was conducted in the waters east of Taiwan on August 12. The exercise included maritime communications, formation maneuvers, and replenishment at sea.　The Indonesian Navy announced that this exercise was routine and unrelated to combat, while Taiwan condemned the exercise, calling it a military provocation and dangerous behavior.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has visited Etorofu Island, Japan’s Northern Territories, for the first time.

Etorofu Island is one of four islands that Japan claims are under its inherent sovereignty. These are Russian-controlled. The government of Japan maintains the islands are an inherent part of Japan's territory. It says the islands were illegally occupied after World War Two.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that “since President Putin stated in January 2024 that he would definitely visit the Northern Territories, the Government of Japan has repeatedly conveyed to the Russian side not to make such a visit by the President to the Northern Territories”, and she added that Japan would lodge a strong protest against this visit.

Furthermore, Prime Minister Takaichi stated, “it hurts the public sentiment of the Japanese people and is unacceptable. Japan-Russia relations remain in a difficult situation as a result of Russia's aggression against Ukraine. Even under such circumstances, Japan has made every possible effort. However, I must say that this visit has further hardened public sentiment toward Russia in Japan and made it more difficult to restore Japan-Russia relations over the medium to long term. I would like the Russian side to fully appreciate the gravity of this matter.”

Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi summoned Mr. Nozdrev, the Russian Ambassador to Japan, and lodged a strong protest regarding Putin’s visit to Etorofu.