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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
Rescuers transport a wounded passenger from a medical plane at Zhukovsky airport outside Moscow, after the Azerbaijani Airline crashed. Photo: via AP
Central Asia

Azerbaijan airliner was downed by Russian air defence system, sources say

The jet diverted from an area of Russia in which Moscow has used air defence systems against Ukrainian drone strikes in recent months.

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China’s Communist Party

2 more Chinese generals fall in anti-corruption campaign in military

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Japan

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

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Japan

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

US analyst urges Trump to resume military exercises on disputed islands to send message of deterrence to China, reinforce sovereignty stance.

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The disputed Diaoyu Islands, also known as the Senkaku Islands in Japan. Photo: Reuters/Kyodo
US-China relations

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

US National Defence Authorisation Act, annual omnibus bill, also includes extension of China sanctions in Tibet and Uygur legislation.

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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.

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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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US army’s new medium-range missile launch system, Typhon. Photo: US Army
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’.

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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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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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi with his Vietnamese counterpart Bui Thanh Son in Beijing on December 10. Photo: Xinhua
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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Analysts say Pakistan’s procurement of Chinese J-35 fighter jets could put it ahead of rival India’s air force. Photo: Xinhua
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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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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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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Miao Hua has been suspended from duty and is under investigation for “suspected serious disciplinary violations”, usually a euphemism for corruption. Photo: Handout
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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Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun visited Vietnam this week to attend a celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army. Photo: AFP
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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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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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.

A drone operator retrieves a drone after photographing over Hart Island in New York in April 2018. Photo: AP
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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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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US President Joe Biden with president-elect Donald Trump during a transition meeting at the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on November 13. Photo: White House / Zuma Press Wire / dpa
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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Aircraft carriers and warships participate in the second phase of Malabar naval exercise, a joint exercise comprising India, US, Japan and Australia, in the Northern Arabian Sea in November 2020. Photo: Indian Navy/AP
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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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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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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Illustration: Craig Stephens
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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Ukrainian servicemen fire a 2S7 Pion self-propelled cannon towards Russian positions in the Donetsk region in September. Photo: AFP
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.

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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