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Defence
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Defence. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
A China Coast Guard vessel (right) fires its water cannon at the Philippines’ BRP Datu Pagbuaya near Philippine-occupied Thitu island, locally called Pagasa island, in the disputed the South China Sea on October 12, 2025. Photo: Philippine Coast Guard via AP
China-Philippines relations

Asian Angle | South China Sea: 6 risks facing Philippines, China as conflict threshold lowers

From violent incidents to US missiles in Luzon, a ‘perilous new normal’ and vanishing red lines threaten to derail the Code of Conduct.

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Middle East

US approves US$16 billion arms sale to Israel, Saudi Arabia

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Japan

Video | South Korea and Japan’s defence ministers face off in table tennis

Japan

Japan and South Korea bolster defence ties amid regional tensions

Defence chiefs agree to joint AI, space, and drone development, aiming to stabilise the region against growing missile threats.

Japan’s Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (right) and South Korea’s Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back shake hands before their meeting at Japan’s Yokosuka naval base near Tokyo on Friday. Photo: AFP
Cambodia

Base instincts: why US warship visit won’t calm fears over Cambodian port

The USS Cincinnati is the first US warship to dock at Ream Naval Base since its China-funded expansion was completed in April last year.

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Japan

Why more Japanese than ever support strengthening the military

A record-high survey result reflects how the war in Ukraine and regional tensions have reshaped Japan’s once cautious security outlook.

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US-China relations

Rise in Republicans wary of China as bipartisan unity declines, new survey says

Report found two-thirds of Republicans now likely to view Beijing as a threat to US, compared with 44 per cent of Democrats and Independents.

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A new report that highlights deepening political polarisation in the United States towards China attributes much of it to US President Donald Trump’s tariff regime. Photo: AP
US-China relations

Would Chinese or US supply lines be more vulnerable in a Pacific conflict?

AI-assisted modelling by the Heritage Foundation finds critical risks to fuel and munitions on both sides.

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South Korea

Why US defence strategy may hurt leaders in South Korea, Japan

The National Defence Strategy states that the US will provide ‘more limited’ support to its allies in line with the ‘America-first’ policy.

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China's military weapons

The US is working on cheaper munitions. Should China follow its lead?

China’s massive industrial chain and ability to control production costs are clear advantages over the US, article says.

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A Chinese military magazine cites the L3Harris Wolf Pack weapon system as a path the US may take to increase its low-cost munitions. Photo: Handout
The Philippines

Filipino’s death fuels concern over coercive recruitment in Ukraine war

Observers say the case of John Patrick reflects human exploitation and the structural pressure on Russia’s manpower resources.

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Ukrainian soldiers fire the BM-21 Grad MLRS at an undisclosed location in Donetsk region, eastern Ukraine, on January 24, amid the Russian invasion. Photo: EPA/24th Mechanised Brigade Press Service
The Philippines

New gas find prompts Philippines to step up defence of energy frontier

The move to boost security around Malampaya East-1 is seen as a test case for protecting future offshore energy projects in contested waters.

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North Korea

North Korea fires ballistic missiles as US signals defence shift

As the Trump administration seeks to focus on the US homeland, it is urging South Korea to take the primary role in deterring Pyongyang.

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China-Latin America relations

Xi to meet Orsi in first Latin America-China visit since US capture of Maduro

State visit from February 1 to 7 aims to promote commercial ties with Beijing despite tension in region after US operation in Venezuela.

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Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping during a state visit to Beijing next month. Photo: EPA
India

Why India’s focus on Middle East is on trade despite defence ties with UAE

A potential defence partnership agreement between India and the UAE has fuelled speculation of more rival blocs emerging in the region.

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (left) welcoming Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, at New Delhi airport on January 19. Photo: EPA
China's military weapons

Shandong’s use of PLA dry dock near South China Sea suggests carrier milestone

China may avoid a ‘carrier gap’ and could support carrier operations along the Indian Ocean to the Middle East and beyond, analysts say.

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China’s Communist Party

China’s top general ousted in corruption investigation

The seven-seat Central Military Commission now only has two active members after the downfall of vice-chairman Zhang Youxia and fellow general Liu Zhenli.

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Mainland China

Video | China removes 2 top military generals

Observers say the move highlights President Xi Jinping’s resolve to prioritise party discipline ahead of two landmark events in 2027.

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European Union

Opinion | In dealing with Trump, Europe must realise power respects power

Instead of outsourcing its defence capacity to Washington and limiting economic ties with Beijing, the EU should focus on building leverage.

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Saudi Arabia

‘Anything can happen’: Saudi-UAE rift risks tearing Middle East apart

The Gulf neighbours have turned from friends to foes, fighting proxy wars across the region and forcing global powers to pick a side.

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US-China relations

US banks on strength – not confrontation – to deny China in Indo-Pacific

Pentagon says it will focus on the first island chain while urging partners to contribute more to the collective defence.

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The US says it will deter China through strength but allies will be urged to do more for collective defence. Photo: AP
North Korea

Pentagon shifts North Korean responsibility to ‘capable’ South

US officials have recently been pushing to allow American troops in South Korea more flexibility to operate outside the peninsula.

US soldiers walk past military vehicles at a military training field in the border city of Yeoncheon, South Korea, in 2023. Photo: AFP
Asean

Asian Angle | What a US-China ‘grand bargain’ would mean for Southeast Asia

Washington’s Venezuela raid has resurrected old fears about ‘spheres of influence’, sounding alarm bells for Southeast Asian autonomy.

China's military weapons

1 soldier, 200 drones: China showcases rapid launch in swarm warfare tactics

State broadcaster details how intelligent tech is used in the PLA’s ability to control masses of autonomous aircraft.

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Indonesia

Indonesia’s defence deal with Bosnia signals Asian middle power’s clout

The deal is in line with Jakarta’s goal to pursue an ‘active and free’ foreign policy beyond its Western partners.

President Prabowo Subianto (third from left) and Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin (left) at the military academy in Magelang, Central Java in 2024. Photo: AFP/Indonesia’s presidential palace
United States

Opinion | From Venezuela to Greenland, Trump is using US power to rewrite the rules

What troubles many is the inconsistency emanating from Washington. When power underwrites rules, principles become negotiable.

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US President Donald Trump speaks to reporters before boarding Air Force One at Palm Beach International Airport, in West Palm Beach, Florida, on January 19. Photo: AP
US-China relations

China to ‘quietly track’ Greenland developments amid Arctic ambitions: analysts

Beijing to focus on maintaining its ‘constructive relationship with US’ and does not need to ‘disrupt that over Greenland’, say experts.

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US-China trade war

China reliance and tariff wars emerge as top risks for global defence industry: report

Consultancy warns geopolitical tensions and supply chain exposure are reshaping risk calculations for military manufacturers.

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