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Defence

Defence
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Defence. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
Photos of China’s new 155mm weapon mounted on the bow of a test vessel have recently emerged on Chinese social media. Photo: Handout
China's military weapons

China’s 155mm naval gun on test vessel signals boost to amphibious landing power

The weapon – reportedly capable of firing guided munitions – represents a significant upgrade for PLA Navy.

The Netherlands

New Dutch government under centrist Jetten takes power

The Philippines

Art as advocacy: Philippine mural contest adds to South China Sea messaging push

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Ukraine war

Russian barrage strikes Ukrainian infrastructure as war drags on

Kyiv has faced waves of overnight strikes in recent weeks as Moscow has intensified its winter assaults.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of an interview with journalists in Kyiv on Friday. Photo: AFP
China-Australia relations

Beijing monitors Australian frigate Toowoomba’s passage through Taiwan Strait

Anzac-class frigate ‘conducted a routine transit through the South China Sea’, Australian defence department says.

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Ukraine war

5 European nations to make drones by tapping Ukraine’s war experience

The initiative by France, Poland, Germany, the UK and Italy comes after a spate of violations of Europe’s airspace involving rogue drones.

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China-North Korea relations

China congratulates North Korea on party conclave, vows to work together: Xinhua

Message from Communist Party of China’s Central Committee lauds Workers’ Party for helping to develop North Korean economy, improving lives.

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China and Russia have congratulated North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and the Workers’ Party on the conclave that started on February 19. It will set policy direction for the next five years. Photo: KCNA via Reuters
Japan

Why plan by US and Japan to relocate Okinawa airbase is hitting turbulence

The US does not intend to vacate the current airbase for now due to disagreement over runway length at a replacement site, a report says.

Diplomacy

Opinion | The 21st-century order has outgrown 20th-century institutions

Despite international tensions, countries still seek cooperation based on shared interests. Institutions must embrace this trend.

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The Philippines

US missile deployments in Philippines signal deeper strategic shift in region

Analysts said the move bolsters the First Island Chain strategy and deepens Manila’s role in regional defence planning.

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A US M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS, fires during the Balikatan joint military exercises at a naval station in Zambales province, northern Philippines, on April 26, 2023. Photo: AP
India

India-Europe trade corridor gathers pace as Modi, Macron pledge port partnership

The India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor is seen as an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

A container terminal at Mundra Port in the western Indian state of Gujarat. Photo: Reuters
US-China relations

White House deflects as Trump weighs Taiwan arms sale delay amid Beijing pressure

New weapons package said to be in jeopardy ahead of Trump-Xi summit, raising concerns over Beijing’s leverage and US policy on Taiwan.

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United States

Trump tells Starmer ‘do not give away Diego Garcia’ in new attack on Chagos deal

President says the UK should not lose control of Indian Ocean island by entering ‘tenuous’ lease, amid concerns about China’s growing ties there.

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India

India, France elevate defence ties in push for strategic autonomy

The deal reflects India’s shift from ‘transactional defence buying’ amid expanding security engagement with Europe, analysts say.

French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shake hands as they arrive for the India-France Year of Innovation and Cultural Commemoration event in Mumbai on Tuesday. Photo: EPA
The Philippines

‘Knowing your friend’: Japan to join US-Philippines drills for first time

Australia also joins the fray as the US and its allies shift away from simple bilateral deals towards tighter regional security networks.

Japanese troops take position during a joint military exercise in 2024. Photo: AFP
US-China relations

US offers more details on claim China conducted secret nuclear weapons test

State Department official says China’s alleged 2020 test was ‘a singular explosion’, confirms US will return to nuclear testing.

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Canada

Canada launches huge defence plan to curb reliance on Trump’s US

Prime Minister Mark Carney has become one of the most prominent global voices criticising the US president’s administration.

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US-China relations

Sudden Xi-Trump call, secret nuclear testing claims: 7 US-China relations reads

From China’s grip on minerals to the US’ Apec plans, here are highlights from our overseas correspondents in the first half of February 2026.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio holds a press conference during the Critical Minerals Ministerial at the State Department in Washington DC on February 4, 2026. Photo: Reuters
South China Sea

Opinion | Can Manila’s South China Sea strategy of defiance and diplomacy hold?

China and the Philippines are both signalling openness to diplomacy alongside continued military flexing, but this may not be sustainable.

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Australia

Australia unveils billions for nuclear submarines under Aukus security pact

The vessels, under agreement with the UK and the US, are at the heart of a major strategy to improve long-range strike capabilities.

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Japan

Japan explores German silent cargo gliders to resupply remote islands

The HADIS system can deliver cargo of up to 500kg over a range of 120km and safeguard transport aircraft during resupply operations.

An illustration of Munich-based Hensoldt’s HADIS system. HADIS can be steered remotely, is silent and can more accurately deliver cargoes over further distances. Photo: Hensoldt
Japan

Opinion | Takaichi’s anti-China stance won’t bolster Japan’s security

As the US-led order unravels, the Japanese prime minister’s militaristic approach goes against the global shift towards cooperation with China.

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Illustration: Craig Stephens
US-Venezuela conflict

Trump hails US ‘discombobulator’ weapon as he meets Maduro op troops

The US president made his first public comments on a device that he boasted could block Russian and Chinese defence systems.

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US-China relations

Pentagon adds Chinese firms to military list, then withdraws filing

Move weeks before Trump-Xi summit highlights mixed signals from Washington and injects fresh uncertainty into fragile US-China truce.

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China-Japan relations

Beijing and Tokyo in maritime stand-off after Japan seizes Chinese boat, captain

Beijing urges Tokyo to protect Chinese crew members’ rights after incident off southwestern Nagasaki prefecture.

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Japan’s Fisheries Agency says this photo taken on February 12 shows a patrol vessel, Hakuo Maru (left), and a Chinese fishing vessel sailing within Japan’s exclusive economic zone off Nagasaki prefecture. Photo: AFP
India

India pushes for domestic weapons manufacture with French jet purchase

Around 80 per cent of the fleet will be assembled in India, with parts being progressively made in the country.

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Indian Air Force’s Rafale jets perform a fly past during the country’s 77th Republic Day parade on January 26. Photo: AFP
North Korea

Why Takaichi’s landslide victory in Japan has North Korea on edge

North Korea has accused Japan of resurrecting its wartime ambitions by expanding its defence and pursuing security alliances.

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China’s military

Xi’s new year greeting reveals PLA Cyberspace Force post in South China Sea

Analyst says deployment signals Chinese military’s cyber warfare capabilities ‘are no longer confined to the mainland’.

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