A mainland Chinese military magazine suggests the People's Liberation Army could employ minelaying drones, such as the AJX002, to blockade Japan and other waters in the first island chain during a Taiwan conflict. This strategic capability targets Japanese islands, including the Ryukyu archipelago, and Philippine waters.

The People’s Liberation Army could use minelaying drones to blockade Japan and other waters in the strategic first island chain during a conflict over Taiwan, a mainland Chinese military magazine has suggested. The PLA’s strategy would see AJX002 drones used for “offensive minelaying” missions targeting Japan’s islands, including the Ryukyu archipelago, as well as the waters of the Philippines, according to an analysis in the latest edition of Shipborne Weapons. It comes as America’s blockade of...