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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 (right) meets Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office on Thursday. Photo: EPA-EFE
Donald Trump

Trump on Greenland annexation: ‘I think it will happen’

The US president made the remarks at a meeting with Nato chief Mark Rutte, who responded: ‘I don’t want to drag Nato in that’.

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China-Japan relations

Exclusive | Don’t use China as a hedge against US, Beijing’s envoy warns Japan

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Ukraine war

Trump, eager to reach Ukraine ceasefire ‘fast’, says talks in Russia ‘going OK’

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Ukraine war

Explainer | What’s happening in Russia’s Kursk region and why does it matter?

Kyiv hoped the operation would slow Russia’s advances in eastern Ukraine by diverting troops to defend Kursk but this did not happen.

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A damaged monument of Soviet founder Vladimir Lenin stands in a central square in Sudzha, Kursk region. Photo: ap
US-China trade war

Macroscope | Trump’s trade war is giving Europe and China the nudge they need

While the tide has not fully turned in Europe and China’s favour, Trump’s recklessness is providing impetus for badly needed policy shifts.

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North Korea

‘Absolutely threatening’: North Korea’s nuclear submarine plan raises concerns

The submarine could significantly escalate security concerns on the Korean peninsula and in the Taiwan Strait, experts say.

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Russia

Opinion | Russia may join the West but it won’t leave China

As the US begins rapprochement, the Russians must balance their historical ties to the West with stronger new-found partnerships.

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Illustration: Craig Stephens
Ukraine war

Putin visits Kursk, orders troops to expel Ukrainians from Russian territory

Russia’s president makes his first visit to the region since Ukraine launched its shock counteroffensive in August.

European Union

Opinion | As Europe takes the lead on its own defence, it must agree on how

Europe needs greater collective leadership, pragmatism and rapid decision-making to remain a relevant force in the 21st century.

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Taiwan

Taiwanese law change targets military personnel with links to mainland China

The amendment, which is ready for cabinet consideration, includes prison sentences for expressing allegiance to Beijing.

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Serving members of the Taiwanese armed forces will be scrutinised more closely for connections to the Chinese mainland if a draft legal amendment is approved. Photo: Reuters
US-Iran tensions

China to host Russia and Iran for nuclear talks as Trump tries to make a deal

China is deepening strategic ties with Russia and Iran, highlighted by ‘Security Belt-2025’ naval drills in the Gulf of Oman this month.

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Iran’s deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi will join counterparts from China, Ma Zhaoxu, and Russia, Sergei Ryabkov, in Beijing for discussions about his country’s nuclear programme. Photo: Getty Images
South Korea

Opinion | What can South Korea do about the strategic threats in Trump era?

Developing its own nuclear arms is a political luxury Seoul can’t afford. Instead, it must expand its economic and diplomatic networks.

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Britain

UK police arrest cargo ship captain over North Sea crash with oil tanker

Both vessels were set ablaze and one sailor is presumed dead in the collision, which has sparked fears of major environmental damage.

Ukraine war

The View | Ukraine must look beyond the US to chart its own course for peace

As the US forsakes its role as a trustworthy arbiter in Ukraine, China can help address Europe’s security and development needs.

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A woman walks on debris at a market hit by a Russian drone strike, in Kharkiv, Ukraine, on February 6. Photo: Reuters
Ukraine war

Opinion | EU and Britain must step up and lead a coalition for peace in Ukraine

Leaders need to offer carrots and sticks for Russia while boosting defence and being creative to get others, including China and India, to buy in.

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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky head for a meeting during a European leaders’ summit on Ukraine, at Lancaster House, London, on March 2. Photo: dpa
Bonds

European bond yields expected to rise along with military spending

‘We’re not talking small numbers here,’ BNP Paribas executive says.

Japan

Trump’s warning shot to Japan casts doubt on US defence guarantees in Asia

The US president’s recent remarks reveal that Washington ‘is no longer committed to defending Japan, South Korea or Taiwan’, an analyst says.

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North Korea

After Seoul’s bombing blunder, Pyongyang fires missiles, warns of ‘accidental’ war

The warning from North Korea’s foreign ministry came as the US-South Korea ‘Freedom Shield 2025’ drills were set to kick off on Monday.

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South Korean fighter jets drop bombs on a mountain target during a joint live-firing drill between South Korea and the US. Photo: AFP
Donald Trump

Fractures threaten Five Eyes’ future as Trump’s ‘America first’ era unfolds

With questions being raised about Canada’s continued membership, doubts cloud the integrity of the decades-old intelligence-sharing alliance.

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China's military weapons

China’s falling arms imports signal massive growth in military self-reliance

SIPRI report shows Chinese-developed technologies are replacing imported hi-tech weaponry in several spheres.

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Ukraine war

France readying new military aid package for Ukraine, defence minister says

The package will provide 155mm artillery shells and AASM missiles, which are used by the Mirage 2000 fighter jets.

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A French-made Mirage-2000 fighter jet shoots down a Russian KH-101 cruise missile as seen from the cockpit at an undisclosed location in Ukraine. Photo: Air Forces of Ukraine via AFP
Germany

Germany’s Merz wants European nukes to boost US umbrella

Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz said he would like to speak with France and Britain about sharing their nuclear weapons.

The leader of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party Friedrich Merz giving a statement in Berlin on Saturday. Photo: AFP
Middle East

Iran’s supreme leader slams US ‘bullying’ after Trump threats

The US president is applying ‘maximum pressure’ as he seeks to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

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The Philippines

Philippines sends ‘Angels’ to ease China sea tensions with words not weapons

‘A woman’s patience, composure and the ability to respond or to communicate with empathy makes us unique,’ a member of the Angels of the Sea team says.

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Ukraine war

Zelensky’s approval rating in Ukraine rises to 67% after clash with Trump

The poll showed Ukrainians were rallying behind their president, at a time when Kyiv’s relationship with its biggest military backer is in crisis.

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Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky arrives for an EU summit in Brussels, Belgium, on Thursday. Photo: AP
Ukraine war

Poland’s leader plans military training for all adult males amid Ukraine fears

PM Donald Tusk wants to create a reserve force, as concerns rise in Europe over a US shift towards Russia under Trump.

A Patriot air defence system is seen at the Rzeszow-Jasionka airport in southeast Poland on Thursday. Photo: AFP
Two Sessions 2025

Crack down on corruption and deploy tech – Xi’s twin tasks for the military

Anti-corruption message follows Beijing’s call in the annual work report for the armed forces to ‘deepen political rectification’.

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The Philippines

Philippines to sign visiting forces deal with Canada to boost military ties

The deal will be the latest security pact in the face of the Philippines’ increasingly tense confrontations with China.

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