PLA’s DF-5B ICBM very tough to intercept: Hong Kong media

With the ability to launch eight warheads simultaneously, China’s DF-5B intercontinental ballistic missile will be extremely difficult for the United States and its allies to intercept, reports Hong Kong’s Ta Kung Pao.

PLA Navy Submarine Academy has trained total of 70,000 cadets

The Submarine Academy of the People’s Liberation Army Navy has trained a total of 70,000 submarine crew members for China since its establishment in Qingdao in Shandong province in 1953, Hong Kong-based newspaper Ta Kung Pao reported on May 14.

PLA Navy conduct naval exercises to ‘take back’ lost sea territories

The People’s Liberation Army Navy is ready to launch two major exercises in the disputed South and East China Seas between July 26 and Aug. 1 to demonstrate its fighting prowess to Vietnam, the Philippines and Japan, according to the Hong Kong-based Ta Kung Pao.

PLA sends multiple signals in first RIMPAC naval exercise

China is sending out multiple signals in its first ever participation in the US-led Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) naval exercises over the summer, reports Hong Kong newspaper Ta Kung Pao.

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The US-led RIMPAC is the largest international maritime exercise in the world and has been held biennially since 1971. China has sent officials to observe the exercises since 1998, but this marks the first time the PLA is an official participant.

120 Chinese boats protecting oil rig off Paracel Islands

China deployed around 120 vessels on June 8 to keep Vietnamese boats from getting close to its controversial oil rig in waters off the disputed Paracel Islands in the South China Sea, according to a spokesperson from Vietnam’s Bureau of Fisheries Inspection.

PLA makes debut at RIMPAC 2014 with 4 warships

The People’s Liberation Army Navy will send four warships to Hawaii to participate for the first time in the Rim of the Pacific Exercise, also known as RIMPAC, held by the United States Navy every two years, according to the Hong Kong-based Ta Kung Pao on Jun. 5.

Beijing set to seal Russian natural gas deal amid Ukraine crisis

Beijing’s refusal to stand against Moscow over the crisis in Ukraine could result in a lucrative natural gas deal with Russia next month, reports the Hong Kong-based Ta Kung Pao.

Following more than a decade of false starts, sources say Chinese president Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin will make a final decision next month on the multibillion dollar deal that will see Russia supply pipeline gas to China for 30 years. The deal is expected to come into effect by the end of the year.