China unveils multiple cutting-edge military equipment in 2024

The year 2024 has seen significant advancements in China's military capabilities, with debuts of advanced military equipment that showed the country's growing defense prowess.

In May, China's third aircraft carrier Fujian successfully completed its maiden sea trial. During its eight-day trial voyage, the ship completed a series of tests on its power, electrical, and other critical systems, receiving satisfactory results.

Fujian, equipped with more new technologies including the electromagnetic aircraft launch system, features a full-length, flat flight deck with an advanced catapult-launch system for jets. Its full-load displacement is more than 80,000 tonnes.

In November, the Air Force debuted a new medium-size stealth fighter jet J-35A, which performed a dazzling flying display at the 5th China Airshow.

Also at the airshow, the Chinese Navy showcased the J-15T fighter jet, a new variant of the J-15 that boasts a large combat radius and strengthened air superiority and anti-ship strike capabilities. The fighter jet is seen as a crucial component of China's carrier-based aircraft fleet.

Most recently, China launched its first Type 076 new-generation amphibious assault ship in Shanghai on Friday, designed to strengthen the navy's combat ability in distant seas.

The ship has a full-load displacement of over 40,000 tonnes and features a dual-island superstructure along with a full-length flight deck. It incorporates innovative electromagnetic catapult and arrestor technologies, enabling it to carry fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and amphibious equipment.

China unveils multiple cutting-edge military equipment in 2024

Russia may stop supplying natural gas to European Union (EU) countries earlier than expected for reasons of commercial expediency, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an interview on Wednesday.

The EU countries "plan to introduce new restrictions on the purchase of Russian gas in a month, and in a year to tighten them to a complete ban," said Putin.

"Other markets are now opening up. Maybe it would be more profitable for us to stop supplies to the European market right now, and establish ourselves in new export directions," he said. "There is no political subtext in this."

At the same time, he noted that these are just "thoughts out loud," not a decision that has been made.

In January, the Council of the European Union approved a ban on imports of Russian pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) into the EU, with a full ban entering into force from January 2027 for LNG and from the autumn of 2027 for pipeline gas.

For pipeline gas and LNG combined, Russia accounted for around 13 percent of total EU gas imports in 2025, according to the council.

Russia may halt EU gas supplies early amid planned sanctions, says Putin