Seong Hyeon Choi
Reporter, China
Seong Hyeon joined the SCMP in 2022. He is from South Korea and graduated with a bachelor of journalism and master of international and public affairs from the University of Hong Kong. He worked as a research intern for Korea Chair at US foreign policy think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), and as a news trainee for NK news.
Seong Hyeon joined the SCMP in 2022. He is from South Korea and graduated with a bachelor of journalism and master of international and public affairs from the University of Hong Kong. He worked as a research intern for Korea Chair at US foreign policy think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), and as a news trainee for NK news.
Areas of Expertise:
International affairs, South Korea, North KoreaLanguages Spoken:
English, Korean
Pentagon chief warns US risks falling behind China in drones, robotics and AI without major investment in military capabilities.
Emphasis on air and missile defence at AUSA exhibition reflects concern over aerial threats as conflicts in Ukraine and Middle East drag on.
New initiative aims to strengthen US military capabilities as Washington and Beijing compete for leadership in advanced technology.
The United States has ‘not been in a weaker position in the western Pacific’ than now, former American commander says.
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US Energy Department conducts underground explosive test in Nevada designed to detect low-yield nuclear explosions from China.
Defence pact said to be aimed at Beijing and Moscow allows US to build two bases and calls for ‘stronger Nato engagement in the Arctic’.
Pyongyang typically holds such tests ahead of major global diplomatic and military events to maximise attention and leverage.
Analysts say the nations are deepening their collaboration, with China seeing Serbia as a gateway to the European market.
The Chinese defence minister officially opens the security conference with a warning about ‘zero-sum’ mindsets.
Video of a DF-15A rocket motor in Marib hints at secret arms deliveries as Saudi-Houthi fighting escalates.
Country’s nuclear triad complete as airborne leg supplements intercontinental ballistic missiles and submarine-launched ballistic missiles.
Successful integration with other foreign systems by Pakistan would strengthen China’s export case ‘considerably’, analyst notes.
The historic move signals Tokyo’s desire to strengthen defence ties with ‘like-minded’ Indo-Pacific powers, analysts say.
The US president’s push to revive negotiations with Kim Jong-un could see Washington scaling back its military presence in the South.
Beijing said to be producing anti-ship missiles to hold US Pacific Fleet at distance so PLA can settle matters wherever contingency might be.
The pair aim to show they aren’t boxed in by the first island chain and that Moscow can project power despite the Ukraine war.
Beijing’s challenge is to resist temptation to build the PLA into a ‘hammer looking for a nail’, former US Naval War College professor says.
The weapon is capable of striking targets in the continental US from Chinese waters, making it a key element of Beijing’s nuclear strategy.
The president hopes his demands will benefit the US defence industry but analysts believe local arms makers may be the main beneficiaries.
Japanese defence ministry says PLA Navy vessels were spotted in the Pacific, southwest of the remote island.
Secretary general says allies are strengthening the alliance after agreeing to higher spending, amid continued pressure from Trump.
After promises of advanced air defence systems to Europe and Ukraine, US president says ‘unification’ was dominant theme of key meeting.
Nato chief Mark Rutte meets top officials from Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea on sidelines of Ankara summit.
‘I don’t want to deal with them any more,’ US president says on the sidelines of the Nato summit in Turkey.
US president says he has ‘very good relationship’ with ‘loyal’ Turkey and is weighing up selling F-35 fighter jets to them.
New measures focus on critical minerals, drone capabilities and missile shields as members boost the alliance’s industrial base.
Nato’s secretary general contacts Japan’s defence minister after Chinese nuclear submarine fires test missile into Pacific.
Immediate pressures over Ukraine, Iran and spending mean alliance’s concerns about China could be sidelined at Ankara gathering.
After Paris arms fair, analysts expect Chinese systems to do well in the Global South but question their entry into Europe.
