PLA 71st Group Army deploys 155mm howitzers opposite Taiwan, first live-fire test

Beijing has upgraded a heavy combined-arms brigade under the PLA's 71st Group Army with 155mm PLZ-05 self-propelled howitzers, replacing older 122mm artillery, and conducted its first live-fire test, per state media. This marks a notable increase in firepower along the Taiwan Strait, signaling continued military pressure on Taiwan. The deployment is part of a broader pattern of PLA force modernization, but the specific brigade-level upgrade and live-fire test are new developments.