Japan Plans Military Aid for 4 Countries Under New Framework
As part of its new Official Security Assistance, Japan will help countries improve their deterrence capabilities through the provision of defence equipment and by other means.
Defence & Security
Chinese spy balloon gathered intelligence on US military sites: NBC News
The high-altitude balloon, controlled by Beijing, was able to make multiple passes over some of the sites before it was shot down on Feb 4, at times flying in a figure-eight…
Philippines reveals more bases US troops can use
The four sites will boost the countries response capabilities during emergencies and natural disaster operations, a statement said.
Tensions in West Philippine Sea not ‘cooling down’: President Marcos
“The best that we can hope for is to keep” the current situation “as it is and hopefully continue to lessen the tension,” he added.
North Korea repeats nuclear threat as South Korea steps up joint drills
Analysts expect Pyongyang to double down on weapons tests for some time.
US, South Korea conduct first large-scale landing drills in 5 years
The exercises are designed to prepare for a contingency on the Korean Peninsula.
China ‘big brother’ ships confronted by Philippine Coast Guard
The Filipino vessel sent several radio messages the Vietnamese and Chinese fishing boats before deploying coast guard personnel.
Washington fears Beijing will scrap “No first use” nuclear policy
A Pentagon report estimated that China would likely possess a stockpile of about 1,500 nuclear warheads by 2035.
Philippine Navy to get 2 more patrol boats from US
The 179-foot patrol boats can be armed with machine guns, grenade launchers and missiles, and have a top speed of 35 knots with a range of 3,704 km.
At South Korea-US summit, extended deterrence upgrade should be top priority
Expectations are high ahead of the summit for the two countries to forge a stronger-than-ever alliance to deter North Korea's provocations and continued threats of nuclear attacks.