China debuts flying watercraftChina debuts flying watercraft inspired by Cold War ekranoplans
China has unveiled a flying watercraft, described as part boat and part plane, in a development reported on June 4. The craft recalls Soviet-era ekranoplans, a niche type of vehicle that skims low over water and could have military and transport uses, making the debut notable for aerospace competition and maritime mobility.
- The Caspian Sea is the world’s largest inland body of water.
- Ground effect is also used in some racing and aviation design studies.
- China has invested heavily in maritime and aerospace technologies to strengthen regional reach.
US-China Indo-Pacific Rivalry
China and Taiwan coast guard vessels have repeatedly faced off near the Pratas Islands, with the latest standoff showing how small maritime incidents around Taiwan can quickly become confrontations.[1][5] The episode adds to wider U.S.-China military tension across the Indo-Pacific, where Beijing is expanding patrols and Washington is reinforcing regional deterrence.[2][3] The rivalry now centers on preventing miscalculation around Taiwan, the South China Sea, and nearby sea lanes.[1][3][5] It also shapes defense planning by Taiwan, Japan, the Philippines, and the United States as all sides weigh coercion, sovereignty claims, and the risk of escalation.[2][3]
24 May, 07:39 AM
Taiwan and China coast guards face off near Pratas islands1 January
The United States adopts a sharper great-power competition strategy focused on China
