A Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) ground force unit has recently conducted a live-fire drill featuring the utilization of new combat tactics and high tech equipment including long-endurance drones and robotic dogs.
The drill, consisting of a series of phases spanning battlefield maneuvers, tactical dispersals, mine breaching, and siege assaults, was carried out to follow real-combat scenarios, with innovative military strategies being tested throughout these procedures.
Based on operational combat systems, the troops were restructured during their maneuvers, with commanders poised to respond to special battlefield scenarios reflecting modern warfare conditions.
"With the deployment of satellites and long-endurance drones, the battlefield became increasingly transparent, weakening the concepts of frontline and depth. We can only be calm and adept in wartime if we anticipate various situations and practice a lot during peacetime," said Zhao Guang, a solider of the 78th Group Army.
During the live-action confrontation phase, the troops also utilized advanced equipment including robotic dogs to test new assault tactics combining both manned and unmanned equipment, as well as ground and air combat elements.
"With robotic dogs leading the way to clear obstacles, infantry fighting vehicles providing cover from behind, and drones conducting reconnaissance from the air, this approach not only reduces the risk of personnel injury, but also significantly enhances obstacle-clearing efficiency," said Hu Jigang, another solider of the 78th Group Army.
PLA ground force conducts live-fire drills featuring high tech drones, robotic dogs
In his new year's call to world leaders, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday urged world leaders to get "priorities straight" and invest in development, not destruction.
"As we enter the new year, the world stands at a crossroads. Chaos and uncertainty surround us. Division. Violence. Climate breakdown. And systemic violations of international law. A retreat from the very principles that bind us together as a human family. People everywhere are asking: Are leaders even listening? Are they ready to act?" Guterres said in his New Year message for 2026.
The scale of global suffering remains severe. More than one-quarter of humanity lives in conflict-affected areas, over 200 million people require humanitarian assistance, and nearly 120 million have been forcibly displaced by war, crises, disasters or persecution, according to UN statistics.
"As we turn the page on a turbulent year, one fact speaks louder than words: Global military spending has soared to 2.7 trillion dollars, growing by almost 10 percent. That is thirteen times more than all development aid, equivalent to the entire Gross Domestic Product of Africa. All, while conflict rages at levels unseen since World War II. On this new year, let's resolve to get our priorities straight. A safer world begins by investing more in fighting poverty and less in fighting wars," said the UN chief.
A UN report released in September 2025 showed that rising military spending comes at a high opportunity cost, noting that less than 4 percent of current global military expenditure could end world hunger by 2030, just over 10 percent could vaccinate every child worldwide, and reallocating 15 percent would be sufficient to cover annual climate adaptation costs in developing countries.
"Peace must prevail. It's clear the world has the resources to lift lives, heal the planet, and secure a future of peace and justice. In 2026, I call on leaders everywhere: Get serious. Choose people and planet over pain. And I urge everyone who hears this message: Play your part. Our future depends on our collective courage to act. This new year, let‘’s rise together: For justice. For humanity. For peace," he said.
UN chief issues New Year's call to world leaders for peace, development
