The People's Liberation Army Navy's social media account China Military Bugle posted a video on Sunday showing naval strike tests at sea, including multiple YJ-20 missile launches. The release comes as the US and allies conduct Balikatan 2026 drills in the South China Sea, with Japan taking its first-ever operational role.
China Military Bugle, a social media account run by the People's Liberation Army, posted a video on Sunday, April 26, 2026, showing the PLA Navy conducting strike tests at sea, including multiple YJ-20 launches.
Some footage matched video released by the PLA last December of the Type 055 destroyer Wuxi test-firing a YJ-20. Sunday's video, however, included two new shots of the launch.
The video emerged as Balikatan 2026 drills intensify in the South China Sea. The exercises, led by the US and Philippines, mark Japan's first operational role, involving areas like Luzon, Manila, and the Bashi Channel.
Keywords highlight tensions around the South China Sea, Taiwan Strait, and related hotspots.