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Defence
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Defence. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
last updated:
9 September, 2024
A Japan Self-Defence Forces soldier takes part in a drill at the Yokota Air Base in Fussa on the outskirts of Tokyo. Photo: Reuters
Japan

‘Japan’s neighbourhood more dangerous’? Fears over Chinese land purchases

New study shows Chinese nationals or entities bought 203 of 371 properties or land close to sensitive sites in Japan in the past year.

Japan

Will a firm US stance on Diaoyu Islands be too ‘provocative’ for Japan?

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US-China relations

Biden signs Pentagon budget bill that extends sanctions on Hong Kong officials

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Russia

Russian cargo ship sinks in Mediterranean after blast, 2 missing

The ship, Ursa Major, owned by Oboronlogistika, was carrying two giant port cranes and was en route to Vladivostok.

Russian cargo ship Ursa Major transits the Bosphorus in Istanbul, Turkey. Photo: Reuters
The Philippines

‘Extremely irresponsible’: Philippine army’s Typhon purchase plan angers China

The Typhon missile system has raised tensions between Manila and Beijing after its deployment in US-Philippine military drills.

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Nordic nations

Sweden says China denied request to probe ship linked to cut undersea cables

Sweden’s assertion contradicts Beijing’s earlier promise of ‘cooperation’.

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War and conflict

Opinion | Taliban’s promise of security through strength in Afghanistan rings hollow

While the Taliban claims to have improved security in Afghanistan, terror attacks have only continued since the group seized power.

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Taliban vehicles are seen parked during the funeral ceremony of Khalil Ur-Rahman Haqqani, the minister for refugees and repatriation who was killed in a terrorist attack, in Sarana, Paktia province, on December 12. Photo: AFP
Vietnam

‘Very striking’: China and Vietnam tighten ties in a ‘3+3’ strategic pivot

The inclusion of public security alongside diplomacy and defence in their new dialogue mechanism has piqued analysts’ interest.

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China's military weapons

Pakistan’s reported J-35 deal shows Chinese fighter is ‘ready for global market’

China’s sale of fifth-generation jets to South Asian ally could recalibrate regional dynamics and Pakistan-India rivalry, observers say.

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Middle East

Israel and Turkey seize the chance to shape Syria’s future post-Assad

While Turkey backs the HTS regime, Israel is destroying its military capacity and claiming territory – fuelling fears of fragmentation.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (left) walks with soldiers at the seized Mount Hermon in the Golan Heights, near the border with Syria, on Tuesday. Photo: Government Press Office / AFP
United States

Guam arrests 7 Chinese who tried to illegally enter base during US missile test

Authorities said that all the suspects arrived on the same boat from Saipan and probe was ongoing.

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The US conducted a missile interception test in Guam on December 10. Photo: Reuters
China’s Communist Party

Will corruption probe into ideology top brass Miao Hua affect China’s military?

As the head of PLA ideology comes under a cloud, the president once again stresses military loyalty to the Communist Party.

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China-Asean relations

Defence minister on first overseas trip since Beijing denied he was investigated

Dong Jun meets the head of the Vietnamese Communist Party in Hanoi on visit to mark military anniversary.

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Diplomacy

Opinion | China can win Japan and South Korea over from a US under Trump

Amid political changes in the three countries, China can carve out a new strategic landscape in East Asia by offering trade and cooperation.

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South Korean protesters wear masks of President Yoon Suk-yeol (centre), US President Joe Biden and then Japanese prime minister Fumio Kishida as they demonstrate against a trilateral military exercise in front of the US embassy in Seoul on June 27. Photo: AFP
Pakistan

Top Biden aide says Pakistan developing long-range missiles that could hit US

Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer said Islamabad’s ‘sophisticated missile technology’ is an emerging threat to Washington.

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Commuters ride past a replica of Pakistan’s Ghauri ballistic missile along a road in Islamabad. Photo: AFP
United States

US bans drone flights over parts of New Jersey, New York after mystery sightings

A frenzy of concern about drones is prompting people to point lasers at planes flying overhead, which is illegal and can be dangerous.

Taiwan

Is Taiwan a factor in US decision to start moving marines from Okinawa to Guam?

Move has been in the pipeline for over a decade, but Washington has only just agreed to start relocating its first troops stationed in Japan.

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Vladimir Putin

Putin says Russia is ready to compromise with Trump on Ukraine war

Putin also said he was ready to organise another missile launch at Ukraine and see if Western air defence systems could shoot it down.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin answers questions during his annual live broadcast press conference with Russian federal, regional, and foreign media at the Gostiny Dvor forum hall in Moscow. Photo: EPA-EFE
United States

Opinion | How Biden’s memos can ensure continuity in US foreign policy under Trump

For the sake of national security, transition memos must offer a real road map on key specific foreign policy challenges, like the ones Bush did for Obama.

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India

Quad plans joint coastguard training to counter China in Indo-Pacific: experts

Next year, the group will conduct joint coastguard training by focusing on grey-zone tactics.

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Japan

Okinawa governor seeks deadline to relocate 9,000 US Marines amid safety concerns

Analysts doubt Governor Denny Tamaki’s request will be met due to the logistical complexity of transferring thousands of US troops to Guam.

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Japan-based US Marine Corps soldiers embark an aircraft in Ginowan, Okinawa Prefecture, southern Japan, in November 2013. Photo: EPA
US-China relations

China’s nuclear warheads total 600 and raise ‘concerns’: Pentagon

Both the diversity and sophistication of its arsenal like precision-strike capable missiles have improved, annual US defence report finds.

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An undated image of a PLA Type 094 strategic nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine. Photo: Handout
Diplomacy

Opinion | China should seize the moment to promote peace on Korean peninsula

The weakening of the Russia-North Korea alliance, political change in South Korea and Trump’s return create a conducive environment for denuclearisation talks.

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Ukraine war

Nato chief wants Ukraine in position of strength for any talks with Russia

Ukraine leader Zelensky is in Brussels to meet European leaders to shore up support for the war against Putin’s forces.

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Ukraine war

Opinion | How bureaucracy is sabotaging UK’s efforts to aid Ukraine

Generous amounts of military aid have been pledged, but red tape is preventing it from getting to the frontline as quickly as Ukraine needs it.

Ukrainian civilians take part in a military training session on a shooting range in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, on December 7. Photo: EPA-EFE
The Philippines

Philippines and India hold first maritime talks – are rows with China at play?

During their talks in Manila, Philippine and Indian officials commit to a rules-based international order and discuss maritime cooperation.

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A clash between Chinese coastguard and Philippine Navy personnel near the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea in June. Photo: AFP
South China Sea

China permits Philippine ship to deliver supplies to Second Thomas Shoal outpost

The move appears to be rare act of de-escalation as Beijing and Manila continue to clash over territorial disputes in South China Sea.

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United States

Tom Cruise honoured with US Navy’s top civilian award

The Hollywood star said he was proud to receive the ‘extraordinary acknowledgement’.

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