PLA military modernization, Taiwan drills, and ICBM test fallout

PLA confirms DF-17 operational, H-6N with ALBM escorted by J-20s, J-36 sixth-gen fighter sighted. Taiwan Han Kuang drills simulate blockade response with decentralized command and drone kill chains, including blocking a key bridge near Taipei. PLA AI strike-planning system revealed. China's ICBM test into the Pacific causes diplomatic rift—Pacific Islands Forum fails to agree on joint response, with Nauru and Kiribati blocking statement, showing Beijing's growing influence fracturing regional solidarity.