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The Japanese government reportedly expressed concern to Beijing over conducted around Taiwan on Monday and Tuesday. Photo: AFP
China-Japan relations

Tokyo expresses concern to Beijing over military drills around Taiwan: report

Amid tension over Takaichi’s comments, Japan says Chinese coastguard patrolled near Diaoyu Islands for a record number of days this year.

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Taiwan

Editorial | Powerful PLA drill shows US arms sales don’t help Taiwan Strait stability

US-China relations

US envoy hosts Quad meeting in Beijing as PLA’s drills around Taiwan continue

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Australia

Opinion | Australia is losing its ability to engage Asia on its own terms

With security increasingly tied to regional developments, Australia’s eroding Asia literacy risks shutting Canberra out of crucial decisions.

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Chinatown in Melbourne, seen in 2020. Despite its strong trade and people-to-people links to Asia, reinforced by waves of migration, Australia’s Asia literacy has steadily declined. Photo: Shutterstock
Middle East

UAE to withdraw forces from Yemen after Saudi strike and ultimatum

Decision to withdraw follows a Saudi strike on a UAE-linked weapons shipment for Yemen separatists.

War and conflict

Opinion | If Trump wants a deal with China, he must rein in US allies in Asia

From Manila to Tokyo, domestic political dynamics are increasing the risks of a dangerous confrontation between Washington and Beijing.

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Russia

Russia’s nuclear-capable missiles enter service, heightening Ukraine tensions

After Trump-Zelensky talks, Putin projects power by deploying nuclear-ready Oreshnik missiles to Belarus as a warning to the West.

A still image from video released on Tuesday shows a unit with Russia’s Oreshnik mobile missile system beginning combat duty at an undisclosed location in Belarus. Photo: EPA/Russian Defence ministry press-service
Taiwan

Video | PLA conducts second day of drills around Taiwan

Troops simulate attacks on maritime targets and conduct anti-air and anti-submarine operations to the north and south of the island.

US-China relations

‘No worries’: Trump plays down Beijing’s military drills around Taiwan

Trump dismisses ‘routine’ drills in Taiwan Strait even as US arms sales hit record high and Pentagon repeats 2027 timeline.

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Denmark

Denmark to buy US patrol planes despite rift over Greenland

Denmark finalises a deal for three P-8A aircraft amid diplomatic tensions over Trump’s bid for Arctic island.

A Danish naval vessel patrolling near Nuuk, Greenland. Photo: AP
China-Latin America relations

Venezuela condemns US arms sale to Taiwan, echoing Beijing’s position

Caracas says Washington’s move violates one-China principle and threatens regional stability as tensions over the island intensify.

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The US arms package includes US$4 billion for 82 High Mobility Rocket Systems, or Himars, such as this. Photo: Handout
Ukraine war

Russia says Ukraine tried to attack Putin residence, but Zelensky denies it

Ukraine denies accusation as a fabrication after Trump said he was ‘angry’ when Putin told him about the alleged attack.

Science

China builds world-first crab-walking electric ICBM mobile launcher prototype

In less than two years, scientists have developed a technology that ‘fundamentally overturns’ conventional heavy-vehicle design.

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Russia

Russia likely moving new nuclear missiles that are hard to intercept to Belarus

Experts say deployment of the Oreshnik a strategic shift to deter Nato and extend Moscow’s missile range in Europe.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has made clear his intention to ‍place intermediate-range Oreshnik missiles in Belarus. Photo: TASS via ZUMA Press/dpa
US-China relations

Deal breaker? Record Taiwan arms deal complicates Trump’s 2026 Beijing visit

The US defends new arms sales and urges ‘meaningful’ dialogue, but analysts warn the deepening rift risks hollowing out the agenda for the Trump-Xi summit next year.

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An Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missile, a long-range guided weapon fired from the Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), shown during a military display. Photo: Handout
China's military weapons

Is China quietly preparing cargo ships to transform into military vessels?

Containers bear the words ‘plan for the maritime revival of the Chinese nation and the community of shared future for mankind in the ocean’.

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Israel

Israel’s rising air defence sales become its ‘most potent’ foreign policy weapon

With more countries increasingly turning to Israel for their air defence systems, they cannot afford to isolate the Middle East power.

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Japan

Japan’s US$782 billion budget to boost military firepower, tame inflation

The budget comes as the market worries about Prime Minister Takaichi’s big spending policies adding to Japan’s public debt.

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A Japanese Type 12 surface-to-ship missile is launched during a military exercise in Australia on July 22. Photo: Australian Department of Defence via AP
North Korea

‘Maximum deterrence’: why North Korea just revealed its new nuclear submarine

The unprecedented transparency from the normally secretive country shows a shift in North Korean defence strategy, analysts say.

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Diplomacy

Opinion | Seoul holds the key to US-North Korea denuclearisation talks

South Korea is taking steps to cool tensions – from moving to opening joint military drills to consultations to easing up on immediate denuclearisation demands.

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South Korea

US to grant Seoul exception on nuclear submarine fuel supply

Seoul to formalise right to build nuclear-powered submarines via Aukus-style waiver requiring approval from Trump and US Congress.

US Navy officers stand aboard a Virginia-class fast-attack submarine in Western Australia in February. Photo: AFP
Aviation accidents

Libya military chief and 7 others killed in jet crash in Turkey

Investigators are looking into a technical failure that brought down the delegation’s Falcon 50 jet shortly after take-off from Ankara.

Turkish soldiers stand guard near the wreckage a Libya-bound business jet near Ankara. Photo: AFP
China's military weapons

‘Saturation attacks’: drone swarms key for wartime victory, PLA Daily says

Concentrated UAV swarms seen to allow ‘optimal combat effectiveness with minimal battlefield expenditure’.

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United States

Trump announces new class of ‘battleships’ named after himself

According to Trump, the ships, the first of which will be named the USS Defiant, will be substantially larger than existing US destroyers.

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Taiwan

F-16V fighter jet tested as Taiwan presses US and Lockheed Martin for delivery

Taiwan’s air force says it is pushing US side on production speed and quality control amid mounting scrutiny from lawmakers over delays.

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Photos that were first posted by Owen’s Aviation Photos show at least one Taiwan-bound F-16V Block 70 two-seat aircraft undergoing taxi and systems checks at a US airfield. Photo: Handout
China-Latin America relations

China says US broke international law by seizing oil tankers off Venezuela

Situation intensifies as Beijing condemns tanker seizures and US security chief calls to remove Nicolas Maduro from power.

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A US military helicopter flies over the Panama-flagged Centuries, which was intercepted by the US Coast Guard on Saturday. Photo: DHS via Reuters
Nordic nations

‘Respect our integrity’: Denmark summons US ambassador over Greenland envoy

Denmark warns US to respect its borders after Trump names Jeff Landry envoy to Greenland, asserting the mineral-rich island is not for sale.

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Japan

Macroscope | Japan’s economic security push heralds rising protectionism in Asia

The emphasis on securing supply chains and stockpiling critical resources is no substitute for free and open trade and investment.

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