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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
The PLA has been strengthening its amphibious fleet, which includes the Type 075 assault ship. Photo: Eugene Lee
China's military weapons

The PLA is building a fleet of barges with Taiwan in mind, analysts say

New vessels – which have extendable ramps – could be part of strategy to boost amphibious capabilities by allowing for faster landings.

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Technology

Opinion | In the global marathon for tech supremacy, Brics’ size matters

South Korea

South Korea seeks Iron Dome-like system as Trump touts friendship with Kim

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Japan

In Trump 2.0, Japan faces a familiar uncertainty

Beneath the polite diplomacy lies a current of apprehension about what Donald Trump’s return means for Japan’s place in an upended world.

A screen shows live footage of US President Donald Trump signing executive orders next to monitors displaying the yen to dollar exchange rate at a foreign exchange trading company in Tokyo on Tuesday. Photo: Reuters
Ukraine war

Zelensky says security guarantee would need at least 200,000 peacekeepers

At Davos, Ukraine’s president urges Europe to bolster defence against Russia.

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The Philippines

Philippines’ arrest of Chinese ‘sleeper agent’ sparks fears of widespread spying

A group comprising Deng Yuanqing and two Filipinos is accused of spying on Philippine military bases, including where US troops have access.

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South China Sea

‘It’s a win’: Philippines, China uphold South China Sea resupply deal

Analysts say the agreement ‘commits both states to a status quo’ and urge the Philippines to hold firm on its South China Sea stance.

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A Chinese coastguard ship blocks a Philippine resupply vessel on its way to Second Thomas Shoal in March 2024. Photo: Reuters
South China Sea

How quiet US-Philippine South China Sea drills sent ‘a clear message’

As the world’s attention turned towards Washington and Donald Trump’s inauguration, the Pentagon was operating decisively under the radar.

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Donald Trump’s 2025 inauguration

With Trump’s inauguration, US-China rivalry opens new and uncertain chapter

Whether and how the mercurial president-elect delivers on his various pledges on trade with Beijing and other issues will be anyone’s guess.

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Ukraine war

‘Heinous’ Russian strike kills 6 across Ukraine in ‘retaliation’ attack

The attack comes as both sides seek to gain an advantage in the conflict, with Russia claiming advances in the east and Ukraine launching drone strikes on Russian targets.

A Ukrainian serviceman collects evidence following a Russian missile attack in Kyiv, Ukraine, on January 18, 2025. Photo: AP
Africa

Mauritius PM questions US-British base lease, citing sovereignty concerns

Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam criticised the deal and described Britain’s agreement the government before his as a ‘sell out’.

Diego Garcia, the largest island of the Chagos Islands. Photo: AP
US-China relations

The US Air Force’s US$20 billion next-gen fighter jet question

The Pentagon must make a decision about its F-22 Raptor programme and how to keep up with China, outgoing air force chief says.

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Britain

In Auschwitz, UK’s Starmer vows to fight antisemitism back home

The visit made the UK leader see more clearly than ever before how the industrial-level killing didn’t result from the evil deeds of a few individuals.

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Russia

Russia, Iran to boost military and trade ties in ‘real breakthrough’ pact

Both countries signed a broad cooperation pact in the face of stinging Western sanctions.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin (left) and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian as they attend a signing ceremony at the Kremlin. Photo: AP
US-China relations

Trump’s return could mark start of new race with China over drones for military

The US is lagging behind its main rival when it comes to dual-use drones that play a key role in many aspects of modern warfare.

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
Diplomacy

Opinion | Could Trump finally call off the cold war with China?

Unbounded by traditional American exceptionalism, Trump could reframe deal-making with adversaries as a strength rather than a weakness.

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Ukraine war

UK’s Keir Starmer vows to put Ukraine in ‘strongest position’ against Russia

His commitment comes as Trump’s return to the White House drew concerns that a bid to end the war could force Ukraine to cede territory.

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Israel-Gaza war

‘Big question marks’: experts doubt Gaza ceasefire deal will lead to lasting peace

Israel and Hamas’ truce agreement is set to start on Sunday, but analysts warn unresolved core issues leave the future uncertain.

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Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, react to the ceasefire announcement in Tel Aviv on Wednesday. Photo: AP
China-Philippines relations

Opinion | Manila and Beijing can still choose cooperation over conflict

While violent clashes and bilateral disputes between Manila and Beijing have reached new heights, so can economic engagement.

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Ukraine war

US sanctions Chinese firms supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine

The move puts additional pressure on Moscow days before Biden steps down and Trump takes over.

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Ukraine war

Ukraine war: Moscow, Kyiv exchange 50 POWs in first return of 2025

Thousands of fighters have been returned in dozens of exchanges since the start of the war in February 2022.

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A child attends a Kyiv rally of relatives of Ukrainian Marines who defended the Azovstal and are currently prisoners of war. Photo: Reuters
Science

Scientists create ‘queen of explosives’ with Chinese steamed buns

Researchers have developed an unusual method for increasing the performance of the world’s most powerful non-nuclear explosive.

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Chinese steamed buns, known as mantou, have been used by scientists to boost the performance of the world’s strongest explosive. Photo: Shutterstock
Indonesia

Is Prabowo facing pressure from India to skip Pakistan after New Delhi visit?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited President Prabowo Subianto to be the chief guest on India’s Republic Day, Indian reports say.

South Korea

South Korea rejects Hegseth’s ‘nuclear power’ label for North Korea

Seoul says North Korea ‘can never be recognised as a nuclear-armed state’ under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

India

India launches submarine, warships to guard against China in Indian Ocean

95 per cent of India’s trade moves in the Indian Ocean, amid a strong Chinese presence.

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India’s Navy Chief Dinesh Kumar Tripathi (left) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the deck of INS Nilgiri during its commissioning ceremony at a naval dockyard in Mumbai. Photo: AP
US-China relations

Pete Hegseth, Trump’s defence secretary pick, calls China main foreign threat

First nominee to face Senate, he is questioned on commitment to US allies in hearing marked by questioning on reported sexual misconduct and other behaviour.

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US Secretary of Defence nominee Pete Hegseth during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee in Washington on Tuesday. Photo: EPA-EFE
Ukraine war

Ukraine carries out ‘most massive strike’ on Russian territory in 3 years

The Russian military accused Kyiv of using US-and British-supplied missiles for one of the strikes and promised it would ‘not go unanswered’.

US-China relations

Opinion | 21st-century geopolitics is expanding beyond US, China to a four-party game

As the global strategic framework moves on from the uneasy period of US hegemony and China’s rise, a critical quadrilateral is forming.

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