Explore

US and allied forces kick off combat drills with Philippines despite Washington's focus on Iran

US and allied forces kick off combat drills with Philippines despite Washington's focus on Iran

The United States and the Philippines have kicked off of their largest combat exercises in an annual display of allied military might

North Korea's Ballistic Missile Launches Heighten Regional Tensions

North Korea's Ballistic Missile Launches Heighten Regional Tensions

North Korea has launched multiple ballistic missiles toward the sea, marking its latest weapons testing activity this year. The launches occurred on Sunday morning from the North's eastern Sinpo area, as reported by South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff. In response, South Korea has increased its surveillance posture and is actively exchanging information with the United States and Japan. The South Korean presidential office announced that its National Security Council plans to hold an emergency meeting to address the situation. Japan's Defense Ministry also detected the missile launches, noting that the weapons likely landed in the waters off North Korea's east coast. Japan has strongly protested to Pyongyang, asserting that the launches threaten regional and international peace and violate U.N. Security Council resolutions that prohibit any ballistic activities by North Korea.

North Korea launches multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward sea

North Korea launches multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward sea

South Korea says North Korea has launched multiple ballistic missiles toward the North’s eastern waters

Energy Markets React to Strait of Hormuz Developments Amid Global Supply Shifts

Energy Markets React to Strait of Hormuz Developments Amid Global Supply Shifts

Energy Markets React to Strait of Hormuz Developments Amid Global Supply Shifts

Australia and Japan Sign $7 Billion Warships Deal to Enhance Defense Ties

Australia and Japan Sign $7 Billion Warships Deal to Enhance Defense Ties

Australia and Japan have signed a significant $7 billion deal for the supply of warships, marking a major step in Japan's military sales since lifting its trade ban in 2014. The agreement involves the delivery of three upgraded Mogami-class frigates by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to the Royal Australian Navy, with plans for Australia to build eight more. This deal is part of a broader strategy to strengthen defense ties and enhance security in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, where China's military presence is expanding.

Japan Finalizes Historic Defense Contract with Australia for Frigate Fleet

Japan Finalizes Historic Defense Contract with Australia for Frigate Fleet

Japan has secured its largest defense export contract in postwar history by agreeing to supply Australia with three Mogami-class frigates, part of a planned fleet of 11. The deal, signed in Melbourne by Japan's Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and Australia's Richard Marles, marks a significant step in military cooperation between the two nations. The first frigates are expected to arrive in Australia by 2029, with the Mogami class set to become a central component of Australia's naval capabilities. This agreement highlights the growing strategic alignment between Japan and Australia, emphasizing their commitment to regional security and defense collaboration.

China turns Taiwan’s own voices against it in information war

China turns Taiwan’s own voices against it in information war

By James Pomfret and Yimou Lee TAIPEI, April 17 (Reuters) - As Chinese warships and fighter jets staged massive drills around Taiwan in December, a parallel action was unfolding on smartphone screens.

Australia, Japan sign contracts to start $7 billion warship deal

Australia, Japan sign contracts to start $7 billion warship deal

SYDNEY, April 18 (Reuters) - Australia and Japan signed contracts on Saturday launching their landmark A$10 billion ($7 billion) deal to supply Australia with warships, Tokyo's most consequential military sale since ending a military export ban in 2014.

China Considers Taking Iran's Enriched Uranium Amid U.S. Negotiations

China Considers Taking Iran's Enriched Uranium Amid U.S. Negotiations

China has expressed willingness to take custody of or downgrade approximately 970 pounds of enriched uranium from Iran, as part of ongoing negotiations led by President Trump to end the conflict involving Iran. This development comes as the Trump administration seeks to have Iran's uranium stockpile removed to prevent further escalation. The uranium is currently believed to be stored beneath nuclear facilities that were damaged during U.S. airstrikes. While President Trump favors the U.S. taking possession of the uranium, China's involvement could reshape nuclear diplomacy by offering a potential path forward for both Washington and Tehran. This move mirrors past international nuclear agreements, such as the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, where Iran shipped low-enriched uranium to Russia.

Analysis-The Iran war has revealed Trump's pressure point: the economy

Analysis-The Iran war has revealed Trump's pressure point: the economy

By Matt Spetalnick and David Brunnstrom WASHINGTON, April 18 (Reuters) - Seven weeks of war have failed to topple Iran’s theocratic rulers or force them to meet all of President Donald Trump's demands, but for U.S. adversaries and allies it has cast a spotlight on one of his central vulnerabilities:

China Protests New Zealand's Aerial Patrols Near Its Coastline, Citing Security Concerns

China Protests New Zealand's Aerial Patrols Near Its Coastline, Citing Security Concerns

China has lodged a formal protest against New Zealand, accusing a New Zealand military aircraft of conducting reconnaissance and harassment near China's coastline. The aircraft, a P-8A anti-submarine patrol plane, reportedly operated in the airspace and waters of the Yellow Sea and East China Sea. China's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Guo Jiakun, stated that these actions undermine China's security interests and disrupt civil aviation operations. The protest follows New Zealand's participation in monitoring illicit maritime activities, including those involving North Korean vessels, as part of a mission stationed at Japan's Kadena Air Base. This marks the ninth such patrol by New Zealand since 2018, although it is unclear if the specific aircraft involved in the complaint was part of this mission.

China Justifies Military Activities Around Taiwan Amid Rising Tensions

China Justifies Military Activities Around Taiwan Amid Rising Tensions

China has defended its military activities around Taiwan, describing them as 'reasonable and justified.' The Chinese Defense Ministry stated that these activities are necessary to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity. This comes amid regular deployments of Chinese warships and warplanes near Taiwan, which China views as part of its territory. The Taiwanese government has condemned these actions, while the United States, Taiwan's main arms supplier, supports Taiwan's increased defense spending. China has criticized the U.S. for its arms sales to Taiwan, accusing it of profiting from regional tensions.