In a move that reverberates across international security circles, China’s defense authorities have published their annual roundup of the 10 biggest stories in defense science, technology, and industry for 2025. This curated list from the State Administration reflects a nation accelerating its technological edge.

The year’s highlights began with a monumental ceremony honoring the 80th anniversary of victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the global anti-fascist effort. Spectators marveled at displays of advanced weaponry, featuring multiple novel equipment types unveiled publicly for the first time.

A stellar achievement came from the Tianwen-2 survey vehicle, which flawlessly executed its mission to survey a minor planet and retrieve samples. This success bolsters China’s position in the competitive field of space resource utilization.

On the policy front, the introduction of the Nuclear Energy Law provides a robust legal backbone for expanding nuclear applications in defense and beyond.

Naval supremacy took a giant step forward as the PLA Navy integrated its inaugural electromagnetic catapult-equipped carrier, revolutionizing launch operations and aircraft efficiency.

The 10th entry celebrates the J-10CE’s debut in actual combat, where it notched a victory that has analysts worldwide reassessing China’s aerial combat prowess.

From commemorative events to combat-proven tech, 2025’s list paints a picture of strategic depth and innovation. China’s defense sector continues to evolve, shaping the contours of future geopolitical landscapes.