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Defence
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Defence. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth (left) with Japan’s Defence Minister Gen Nakatani in Tokyo on March 30. Photo: EPA-EFE
Japan

Why Japan’s unified defence zone proposal with US makes South Korea uneasy

Despite US enthusiasm, South Korea fears being drawn into conflicts beyond the Korean peninsula, such as the Taiwan Strait.

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US-China relations

Can US Golden Dome stop China’s missiles or is it just a ‘monster’ problem?

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United States

US launches secretive ‘Dark Eagle’ hypersonic missile

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South China Sea

China coastguard claims ‘sovereign jurisdiction’ of Sandy Cay in South China Sea

State media reports CCG officers ‘exercising maritime control’ on one of the reefs in the Spratly Islands also claimed by Philippines.

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An image accompanying the Global Times report on the landing at Sandy Cay. Photo: Global Times
Donald Trump

Trump to be interviewed by Atlantic editor who exposed ‘Signalgate’ chat

Jeffrey Goldberg was mistakenly added to a group chat in which top US officials shared secret military strike plans.

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Diplomacy

Opinion | As the new cold war thaws, UK and China look set for warmer ties

Economic reasons aside, Britain has little reason to prioritise the US alliance when Trump shows few signs of defending previously shared values.

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China's military weapons

Japan hits rail gun milestone in race to counter China’s hypersonic development

The Japanese navy could be one of the first in the world to operate the advanced air defence system after recent sea trial.

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The rail gun prototype was tested in sea trials this month. Photo: JMSDF
South Korea

Chinese pair caught photographing South Korean military base twice in days

The repeated incidents have ignited debate over legal loopholes that allow such activity outside designated security zones.

US-China relations

How the US is reinforcing the ‘first island chain’ to deter China

Strategic bombers, launch platforms and missile systems are being deployed throughout the region in a strong message to Beijing.

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Indonesia

‘Balanced’ ties: Indonesia treads careful path between China and US

This impartial stance could set Jakarta up to be a good mediator between Beijing and Washington, observers say.

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi (right) and Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Sugiono shake hands after signing a memorandum of understanding after the first 2+2 meeting in Beijing on Monday. Photo: Xinhua/EPA-EFE
Cambodia

Cambodia flexes ‘agency’ in Japan ships’ visit to China-funded naval base

Port call shows Cambodia remains ‘open for cooperation’ with other nations and Ream Naval Base is not exclusively for China’s use, analysts say.

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The Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force’s minesweeper tender Bungo prepares to dock at Ream Naval Base in southwestern Cambodia on April 19. Photo: Kyodo
United States

US defence chief Hegseth asked for make-up studio in Pentagon, report says

The former Fox News host, who does his own make-up, wanted an area where he could freshen up before appearing on camera.

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India

India and Pakistan rivalry boils after deadly Kashmir attack

New Delhi unleashed a salvo of diplomatic measures against its arch-rival, closing a key border crossing and pausing a water-sharing treaty.

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US-China relations

US soldier Korbein Schultz jailed for selling defence secrets to China

The intelligence analyst with top-secret clearance was paid US$42,000 to share over 90 sensitive military documents.

Some of the documents handed over by Korbein Schultz discussed Chinese military tactics and preparedness and US military exercises and forces in South Korea and the Philippines. Photo: AFP
South China Sea

Opinion | Beijing’s approach to South China Sea tensions: reduce now, resolve later

While focusing on economic links, China is open to negotiating with rival claimants as long as actors outside the region aren’t involved.

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Illustration: Craig Stephens
Ukraine war

Zelensky cuts South Africa trip short after deadly Russian missile strikes

The aerial attacks raise ceasefire doubts amid the ongoing conflict, despite US president Trump saying a peace deal was “very close”.

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US-China relations

As Trump’s tariffs hit US allies hard, will China make inroads?

From the EU to Australia, the West’s geopolitical partnerships have fractured, but suspicions about Beijing persist.

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The Philippines

Philippines’ defence pacts bear fruit with expanded Balikatan military drills

A total of 19 countries are observers at the exercise, including Japan and France, which have signed defence pacts with the Philippines.

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Philippine and US officials and military officers at the launch of this year’s Balikatan exercise in Quezon City on Monday. Photo: EPA-EFE
China’s navy

Chinese navy puts giant warship on show to the public for anniversary

For the first time, people on the mainland can take a close look at the PLA’s Type 075 amphibious assault ship Hainan.

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Vietnam

Why Vietnam’s potential US jet deal could risk Russia fallout and China’s fury

Vietnam’s reported move to buy US F-16 jets could end 70-year defence ties with Russia and risk China’s wrath, analysts say.

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Ukraine war

Ukraine says Chinese citizens working at drone production site in Russia

Ukraine’s leader suggested that Moscow may have stolen drone technology from China, appearing to soften his tone towards Beijing.

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Ukrainian firefighters walk past remains of drones following a Russian strike in Kharkiv on Tuesday. Photo: AFP
South Korea

South Korea mulls countermeasures to Chinese platform in contested Yellow Sea

Officials say the fixed steel platform risks undermining a bilateral pact and signals China’s expanding maritime ambitions.

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South Korean veterans hold a rally near the Chinese embassy in Seoul last month to denounce China’s installation of steel structures in an overlapping maritime zone between the two countries. Photo: EPA-EFE
Ukraine war

Opinion | How China could play a role in European security as the US retreats

Depending on how the Ukraine war is resolved, some might expect Beijing instead of Washington to help keep the peace in Europe.

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United States

Pentagon faces ‘meltdown’ as Trump backs Hegseth amid second Signal chat storm

Defence Secretary’s ex-spokesman says there is a ‘meltdown’ at Pentagon over staff drama, leaks as Hegseth faces scrutiny over Signal chats.

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The Philippines

Philippine provinces torn between US military and China’s economic reach: study

US military hosts Cagayan and Palawan hold opposing views of Beijing because of their economic engagements with China, according to a study.

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Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr returns salutes during a troop visitation in Palawan island. Photo: EPA-EFE/Western Command Armed Forces of the Philippines
South Korea

South Korea air force says pilot error caused aircraft to drop gun pods, tanks

The blunder, the latest in a series of accidents in recent months, has prompted concerns about lax standards within the armed forces.

A KA-1 light attack aircraft takes off during drills in South Korea. Photo: Handout
The Philippines

Will Manila’s second BrahMos missile system deter Beijing in South China Sea?

The additional delivery may be more symbolic than strategic in repelling Chinese intentions on disputed area, analysts say.

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The Philippines

Philippines, US launch ‘full battle’ Balikatan drills, some near Taiwan

About 17,000 troops will take part in the joint exercises, which include a combined air and missile defence simulation for the first time.

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