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Defence
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Defence. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
US President Donald Trump during a visit to Fort Bragg in North Carolina. Photo: Reuters
Los Angeles protests

Trump vows to ‘liberate’ LA, warns protests at military parade will be met with force

In a speech at one of the biggest US military bases, the president called demonstrators ‘animals’ and LA protests a ‘foreign invasion’.

US-China relations

EU in Latin America touts itself as ‘just’ partner amid US-China rivalry

Los Angeles protests

Hegseth grilled over LA troop deployment, estimated to cost US$134 million

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United States

Opinion | Asia is becoming more multipolar but not because of US decline

The Trump administration’s unclear foreign policy aims are prompting US partners to look beyond security alignment with Washington alone.

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Illustration: Craig Stephens
South China Sea

Living in China’s shadow has become ‘very dangerous’ for Filipino islanders

Filipino forces and villagers in the South China Sea face isolation and territorial tensions as they resist China’s growing dominance.

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Japan

‘Unacceptable’: Japan group under fire for holding combat drills for students

The activities at the ‘junior survival school’ involved primary and secondary schoolchildren being taught how to handle toy guns.

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Japan

Japan spots Chinese navy’s show of force in west Pacific amid maritime row

The Liaoning and Shandong aircraft carriers are seen near two Japanese islands, with their presence signalling a message to Tokyo.

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The Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning and other vessels take part in a drill in the South China Sea last year. Photo: AP
India

India’s landmark production of Rafale fuselages a ‘welcome’ boost for defence

Components to be produced via a deal with India’s Tata group at a new facility, amid efforts to boost domestic manufacturing of the Rafale.

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Nato

‘Quantum leap’: Nato chief to urge 400 per cent rise in air defence

‘We see in Ukraine how Russia delivers terror from above, so we will strengthen the shield that protects our skies,’ says Mark Rutte.

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Japan

Explosion rocks US airbase in Japan’s Okinawa; 4 injured

Four soldiers suffered injuries to their fingers while working at a US airbase that stores unexploded bombs.

An explosion occurred at an ammunition storage area inside the US military’s Kadena Air Base in Okinawa on Monday. Photo: NHK
Australia

‘Cannibalised by Aukus’: is Australia risking its defence for future submarines?

From dwindling munitions to personnel shortages, observers warn Australia’s military is becoming ‘brittle and hollowed out’.

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US Navy officers stand guard aboard an American submarine docked in Western Australia on February 26. Photo: AFP
Japan

Japan grows restless for next-gen fighter jets as progress with UK, Italy stalls

Japan finds its ageing aircraft outmatched by China’s advanced stealth jets amid setbacks to the trilateral Global Combat Air Programme.

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South China Sea

Loitering with intent: Beijing’s new silent South China Sea strategy?

Analysts say quiet incursions are part of a deliberate effort by China to normalise its presence in previously unpatrolled areas.

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Ukraine war

Ukraine bombarded by deadly Russian strikes as peace talks falter

At least four people were killed and dozens more injured in attacks targeting Kharkiv, the country’s second-largest city.

A fire at a civilian plant following Russian powerful attacks on the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv early on Saturday. Photo: AFP
United States

Pentagon watchdog probes if Hegseth aides deleted leaked Signal chat messages

The request comes as the US Defence Secretary is scheduled to testify before Congress next week, facing questions about his handling of sensitive information.

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US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. Photo: Reuters
US-Asean relations

Asian Angle | Trump, Hegseth, Rubio: a triple threat to global stability – and Asia

The Trump administration has abandoned diplomacy for tariffs and threats, fracturing alliances and leaving Asean caught in the crossfire.

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Japan

Japan-Philippines military drills to become reality after Tokyo ratifies pact

Their newly ratified reciprocal access agreement paves the way for Japanese forces to train on Philippine soil for the first time since WWII.

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The Philippines

Philippines aims to counter China’s drone swarm capacity, learn from Ukraine war

Its military says drones armed with explosives or used for surveillance have become a focus of joint exercises with allies such as the US.

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A US navy drone positioned beside a Philippine C130 plane at the airport of Zamboanga, southern Philippines on Tuesday. Photo: AP
China-Philippines relations

Opinion | With 50 years of history, Manila and Beijing should do better diplomacy

Stop allowing South China Sea spat to poison the waters when there are in fact many areas of potential cooperation for mutual benefit.

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US-China relations

US Senate panel passes Taiwan, mainland China overseas military growth measures

Foreign Relations Committee also backs nomination of Michael DeSombre as assistant US secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs.

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Donald Trump

Trump tells Merz it might be better to let Ukraine, Russia ‘fight for a while’

US president says he shared his comparison of the conflict to a fight between young children in his call with Putin.

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US President Donald Trump (left) receives German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in front of the White House on Thursday. Photo: dpa
United States

US reveals pick for Nato’s next supreme allied commander

The position of supreme allied commander, which oversees all Nato operations in Europe, has been filled by a US general since its creation after World War II.

Trump has also said he wants Nato allies to boost investment in defence to 5 per cent of gross domestic product, up from the current target of 2 per cent. Photo: Reuters
China-Russia relations

Russia moves again to join with China and India despite their trust issues

Analysts say Trump’s tariffs and other policies could unite three countries but long-standing conflicts between them remain an obstacle.

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The Philippines

Philippines boosts air power with 12 FA-50 jets amid South China Sea tensions

The light combat aircraft is ‘as good a deal as Manila can get’ as an alternative to the US F-16 multirole fighters, analysts say.

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China's military weapons

Chinese state media releases key details about DF-5 nuclear weapons

Rare disclosure may signal that the country has ‘far more powerful capabilities it has not shown the world’, according to one analyst.

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DF-5 missiles pictured during a parade in Beijing in 1984. Photo: Handout
The Netherlands

The Dutch government has collapsed. What happens next?

The government, with limited powers, now has to lead the country for months before new elections.

Outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof arrives to take part in a debate in the Lower House focused on the fall of the cabinet in The Hague on Wednesday. Photo: AFP
US-China relations

Opinion | US-China rivalry morphing into a multifront war with no easy way out

It’s not just trade, tech, student visas and academic collaboration – the military stakes are rising too in this contest of endurance.

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Ukraine war

Ukraine says it attacked Crimean Bridge, as Russia halts traffic

Kyiv’s agents detonated mines on underwater supports, targeting a key transport link between the annexed peninsula and the Russian mainland.

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