China and Taiwan conduct demonstrations of advanced military hardware

China has conducted military exercises in the Gobi Desert to demonstrate the rapid deployment capabilities of its HQ-9B long-range air defense system. The exercises highlighted the system's ability to adapt to different environments, such as changing camouflage from forest to desert patterns. The HQ-9B is capable of intercepting aircraft, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles at ranges of up to 300 km. The operation, supported by Y-20 strategic transport aircraft, was tested under simulated pressure, including drone harassment and equipment failures.

In Taiwan, the Republic of China Army (ROCA) performed a live-fire demonstration of a new domestically developed 8x8 105 mm mobile cannon system in Tainan. The vehicle, based on the Clouded Leopard infantry combat vehicle, successfully engaged both stationary and moving targets at distances of approximately 1 km to 1.2 km. While the demonstration included firing the main cannon and a coaxial machine gun on irregular terrain, one 105 mm shot experienced a malfunction, which is currently under investigation by the 202nd Arsenal. Mass production of 178 units is scheduled to begin in 2027.