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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
The Philippine Navy’s BRP Jose Rizal, a guided-missile frigate, is docked at Subic Bay. Photo: Jeoffrey Maitem
The Philippines

Philippines deploys ‘surface action groups’ to counter Beijing in South China Sea

Experts, however, warn that Manila’s strategy of having several warships patrolling at once could strain resources and leave the navy vulnerable to targeted attacks.

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US-China relations

Trump tells Davos he is hopeful about US-China ties as he warns on tariffs

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India

India’s bet on AI-enabled warships needs boost to counter China, experts say

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Ukraine war

Nato chief Rutte says Europe will pay for US arms for Ukraine

His comments came after US President Donald Trump said earlier this week that the EU should be doing more to support Ukraine.

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Nato chief Mark Rutte said Europe must invest more in defence, ramp up arms production and take a bigger share of spending on Ukraine aid. Photo: EPA-EFE
United States

Opinion | How the US can challenge China’s dominance over critical minerals

To secure critical minerals, cut dependence on China and boost growth, Trump might cut red tape, spur investment and push collaborations.

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The Philippines

Rubio says US committed to Philippines but could Trump change course?

Observers welcome Rubio’s statements that they say indicate continuity in US policy and ‘more robust support’ for Manila in South China Sea row.

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The Philippines

US moves missile system that angered China to new Philippine site

The redeployment aims to enhance the system’s survivability and mobility during potential conflicts.

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Soldiers prepare a reload fixture of the Typhon system during a drill in the Philippines in 2024. Photo: US army
US-China relations

Pentagon appointments suggest Trump scepticism about Ukraine and Taiwan impact

Several new Defence Department officials have disputed contention that supporting Ukraine’s defence could deter Beijing’s plans for Taiwan.

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China's military weapons

The PLA is building a fleet of barges with Taiwan in mind, analysts say

New vessels – which have extendable ramps – could be part of strategy to boost amphibious capabilities by allowing for faster landings.

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Technology

Opinion | In the global marathon for tech supremacy, Brics’ size matters

Collaborative, flexible Brics gives leading members China and Russia a significant advantage over the increasingly defensive and restrictive West.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin chat at the Brics summit in Kazan, Russia, on October 24. The two countries are leading the way in collaboration from AI to moon exploration. Photo: Reuters
Science

China’s submarine-launched drones can do more than the US military thinks

Amid reports of a new US military plan for an underwater drone release, scientists say China has already done it better.

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The US is considering launching drones from submarines, but China has already developed the technology to do it better. Photo: Handout
South Korea

South Korea seeks Iron Dome-like system as Trump touts friendship with Kim

Seoul is aiming to build the US$330 million defence system to intercept rockets fired by North Korea.

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Japan

In Trump 2.0, Japan faces a familiar uncertainty

Beneath the polite diplomacy lies a current of apprehension about what Donald Trump’s return means for Japan’s place in an upended world.

Ukraine war

Zelensky says security guarantee would need at least 200,000 peacekeepers

At Davos, Ukraine’s president urges Europe to bolster defence against Russia.

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A Ukrainian serviceman trains near the front line in Donetsk region, Ukraine. Photo: AP
The Philippines

Philippines’ arrest of Chinese ‘sleeper agent’ sparks fears of widespread spying

A group comprising Deng Yuanqing and two Filipinos is accused of spying on Philippine military bases, including where US troops have access.

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Chinese national Deng Yuanqing (middle) with an unidentified Filipino companion in handcuffs escorted to the Department of Justice office in Manila on Monday. Photo: EPA-EFE
South China Sea

‘It’s a win’: Philippines, China uphold South China Sea resupply deal

Analysts say the agreement ‘commits both states to a status quo’ and urge the Philippines to hold firm on its South China Sea stance.

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South China Sea

How quiet US-Philippine South China Sea drills sent ‘a clear message’

As the world’s attention turned towards Washington and Donald Trump’s inauguration, the Pentagon was operating decisively under the radar.

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Donald Trump’s 2025 inauguration

With Trump’s inauguration, US-China rivalry opens new and uncertain chapter

Whether and how the mercurial president-elect delivers on his various pledges on trade with Beijing and other issues will be anyone’s guess.

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A conductor attends a rehearsal in front of the US Capitol in Washington ahead of Donald Trump’s January 20 presidential inauguration. Photo: Reuters
Ukraine war

‘Heinous’ Russian strike kills 6 across Ukraine in ‘retaliation’ attack

The attack comes as both sides seek to gain an advantage in the conflict, with Russia claiming advances in the east and Ukraine launching drone strikes on Russian targets.

Africa

Mauritius PM questions US-British base lease, citing sovereignty concerns

Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam criticised the deal and described Britain’s agreement the government before his as a ‘sell out’.

US-China relations

The US Air Force’s US$20 billion next-gen fighter jet question

The Pentagon must make a decision about its F-22 Raptor programme and how to keep up with China, outgoing air force chief says.

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The United States must decide whether to replace its decades-old F-22 Raptor with a new fighter, a top Pentagon official says. Photo: EPA-EFE
Britain

In Auschwitz, UK’s Starmer vows to fight antisemitism back home

The visit made the UK leader see more clearly than ever before how the industrial-level killing didn’t result from the evil deeds of a few individuals.

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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his wife Victoria place a candle and a stone from Downing Street at a memorial monument during their visit to the Memorial And Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau. Photo: AFP
Russia

Russia, Iran to boost military and trade ties in ‘real breakthrough’ pact

Both countries signed a broad cooperation pact in the face of stinging Western sanctions.

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US-China relations

Trump’s return could mark start of new race with China over drones for military

The US is lagging behind its main rival when it comes to dual-use drones that play a key role in many aspects of modern warfare.

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Diplomacy

Opinion | Could Trump finally call off the cold war with China?

Unbounded by traditional American exceptionalism, Trump could reframe deal-making with adversaries as a strength rather than a weakness.

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Then-US president Donald Trump sits with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a bilateral meeting at Mar-a-Lago in West Palm Beach, Florida, on April 6, 2017. Photo: AFP/Getty Images/TNS
Ukraine war

UK’s Keir Starmer vows to put Ukraine in ‘strongest position’ against Russia

His commitment comes as Trump’s return to the White House drew concerns that a bid to end the war could force Ukraine to cede territory.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visit The Wall of Remembrance of the Fallen for Ukraine in at St Michael’s Square. Photo: dpa
Israel-Gaza war

‘Big question marks’: experts doubt Gaza ceasefire deal will lead to lasting peace

Israel and Hamas’ truce agreement is set to start on Sunday, but analysts warn unresolved core issues leave the future uncertain.

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China-Philippines relations

Opinion | Manila and Beijing can still choose cooperation over conflict

While violent clashes and bilateral disputes between Manila and Beijing have reached new heights, so can economic engagement.

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