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China's Military Plans Drone Blockade Against Japan, Philippines

4/18/2026

24 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

A Chinese military magazine suggests the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) could deploy AJX002 minelaying drones to blockade Japan and the Philippines in a Taiwan crisis.
Drones would conduct offensive minelaying missions along key maritime corridors to isolate Taiwan from the United States and Japan.
The AJX002 can deploy up to 20 naval mines per mission, operates over 1,000 nautical miles, and features stealthy autonomous capabilities.

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Story summary

A Chinese military magazine suggests the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) could deploy AJX002 minelaying drones to blockade Japan and the Philippines in a Taiwan crisis.
Drones would conduct offensive minelaying missions along key maritime corridors to isolate Taiwan from the United States and Japan.
The AJX002 can deploy up to 20 naval mines per mission, operates over 1,000 nautical miles, and features stealthy autonomous capabilities.