Taiwan-China Cross-Strait Tensions

Xi Is in Egypt. So Are China's J-16 Fighter Jets — Siphoning US-Allied Secrets

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By TaiwanPlus

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China has deployed advanced J-16 fighter jets, airborne early warning aircraft and electronic warfare assets to Egypt for the “Eagles of Civilization” joint exercises that pit the PLA against Western-designed Rafale fighters. The China-Egypt drills come as Beijing seeks to compensate for its lack of modern combat experience while exposing its forces to the capabilities of aircraft operated by other Indo-Pacific powers, including India. At the same time, China has revised its National Defense Mobilization Law to strengthen the transition from peacetime to wartime, prompting renewed scrutiny of its military preparations and Taiwan's own efforts to bolster resilience. Is the PLA using overseas exercises and legal reforms to prepare for a future conflict — and what does that mean for Taiwan and the wider Indo-Pacific? In this episode, we examine China's evolving military strategy, the significance of the Egypt deployment, and what these developments reveal about the changing balance of power across the region. *Recorded on September 3, 2026 at 4pm Taiwan Standard Time Host/Senior Producer: Yin Khvat Planner: Miguel Yang Consultant: Max Yu Videographer: Damon Lin Our guests: Tony Hu - Former US Department of Defense Senior Director for China, Taiwan and Mongolia James Fanell - Retired US Navy Captain