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US, South Korea launch Freedom Shield 26, stress alliance readiness

Capabilities | 2026-03-13

US, South Korea launch Freedom Shield 26, stress alliance readiness

The exercise will bolster interoperability and combat readiness while upgrading South Korea's defense posture, Seoul and Washington said.

China's air defense systems face scrutiny after failures in Iran, Venezuela

Capabilities | 2026-03-13

China's air defense systems face scrutiny after failures in Iran, Venezuela

The rapid collapse of Iran's defensive infrastructure -- similar to Venezuela's two months earlier -- highlights how both countries' reliance on Chinese-built defense systems left them unable to withstand US operations.

US maritime capabilities tighten global net on sanctioned tankers

Crime & Justice | 2026-03-13

US maritime capabilities tighten global net on sanctioned tankers

Long-range tracking of Venezuelan oil carriers across several oceans shows how US forces can monitor and interdict multiple vessels simultaneously.

Japan, Canada elevate strategic partnership on Indo-Pacific security

Diplomacy | 2026-03-12

Japan, Canada elevate strategic partnership on Indo-Pacific security

Tokyo and Ottawa agreed to expand military cooperation and joint exercises and to harden supply chains for critical minerals and energy.

Philippines nabs 3 defense personnel accused of spying for China

Security | 2026-03-11

Philippines nabs 3 defense personnel accused of spying for China

The suspects passed sensitive military and resupply information to Beijing, Manila says. China might have used location data to ram a Philippine coast guard vessel.

Essay contest in Philippine schools pushed Beijing narratives on Japan, Taiwan

Education | 2026-03-11

Essay contest in Philippine schools pushed Beijing narratives on Japan, Taiwan

Pupils won cash prizes for essays reminding readers of Japan's World War II atrocities and arguing Taiwan is part of China.

OpenAI confirms use of ChatGPT by Chinese-linked cyberattack campaign

Crime & Justice | 2026-03-10

OpenAI confirms use of ChatGPT by Chinese-linked cyberattack campaign

Beijing used artificial intelligence to meddle in Japanese politics and to torment Chinese dissidents overseas.

Sharp drop in Chinese military aircraft near Taiwan raises questions

Security | 2026-03-10

Sharp drop in Chinese military aircraft near Taiwan raises questions

Analysts are debating whether silent skies over the Taiwan Strait represent a political gesture for the 'two sessions' under way in Beijing or a tactical deception.

Taiwanese opposition suggests downsized defense spending plan

Politics | 2026-03-09

Taiwanese opposition suggests downsized defense spending plan

The opposition proposed allocating only about a fourth of what the government wants to spend on US arms.

China raises military spending despite economic headwinds, eyes Taiwan

Security | 2026-03-06

China raises military spending despite economic headwinds, eyes Taiwan

Beijing raised defense spending by 7% for 2026, a bid to keep modernizing its military and pressuring Taiwan. Neighbors are responding with bigger defense budgets of their own and more cooperation with Washington.

Philippines steps up patrols as Chinese harassment persists in W. Philippine Sea

Security | 2026-03-05

Philippines steps up patrols as Chinese harassment persists in W. Philippine Sea

Filipino fishermen reported a suspicious drone, Starlink signal disruptions and vessel blockades. China considers more than 80% of the South China Sea its territory.

Japan boosts Pacific cooperation for free, open seas

Diplomacy | 2026-03-05

Japan boosts Pacific cooperation for free, open seas

Japan convened officials from 28 countries for talks on maritime security as the strategic rivalry with China intensifies.

Troops from 30 nations join Cobra Gold, demonstrating strength, military ties

Capabilities | 2026-03-04

Troops from 30 nations join Cobra Gold, demonstrating strength, military ties

Thailand and the United States hosted the annual military exercises, which included US Space Force Guardians for the first time.

Indonesia taps state budget to repay rail debt to China as losses mount

Economy | 2026-03-03

Indonesia taps state budget to repay rail debt to China as losses mount

China touted a railroad project as requiring no financial contribution from Indonesia. Now Jakarta is planning to spend $70.8 million annually on servicing debt to China.

India launches first chip assembly plant, targets supply chain resilience

Science & Technology | 2026-03-03

India launches first chip assembly plant, targets supply chain resilience

New Delhi is pitching the Gujarat site as an early building block for a domestic semiconductor ecosystem as firms look to diversify production beyond East Asia.

Japanese ruling party moves to strengthen intelligence gathering

Capabilities | 2026-03-02

Japanese ruling party moves to strengthen intelligence gathering

The government plans to deploy missiles near Taiwan by 2030 and to form an upgraded intelligence agency.

Philippines, US, Japan extend joint drills to Bashi Channel off Taiwan

Capabilities | 2026-03-02

Philippines, US, Japan extend joint drills to Bashi Channel off Taiwan

The patrols tested air-maritime coordination north of Luzon, pushing the partners' cooperative activity beyond the South China Sea.