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Asia Pacific
Pentagon Chief Hits Measured Tone on China at Asia Defense Meet
Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth struck a comparatively soft tone towards China at a major defense forum on Saturday, saying there was "rightful alarm" over Beijing's military build-up but the US sought a "respectful" regional balance.
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Asia Pacific
China Leaders Skip Asia Defense Summit Headlined by US
Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth is the headline speaker at Asia's premier defense summit opening Friday, but China's top officials aren't expected despite weighty questions like Taiwan and the war in Iran.
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Middle East
US-Iran Truce Deal Awaits Trump as Strikes Test Ceasefire
US and Iranian negotiators edged toward a deal to extend their fragile ceasefire for 60 days, but the potential breakthrough was still hanging on President Donald Trump's approval, US sources told AFP.
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Technology
Mistral Says Would Not Interfere if Its AI Is Used by Defense Customers
French AI startup Mistral would not weigh in on choices about how its technology is used by defense customers, its chief executive told AFP, laying out a clear position in an ethical debate stirring up the sector.
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Europe
EU Says Won’t Be ‘Neutral Mediator’ Between Ukraine and Russia
The EU's top diplomat on Thursday ruled out Europe acting as a "neutral mediator" between Ukraine and Russia, after foreign ministers from the bloc's 27 countries debated their terms for possible talks with Moscow.
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Europe
Ukraine to Buy Up to 20 Gripen Jet Fighters, Sweden to Donate 16
Ukraine plans to buy up to 20 latest model Gripen fighter jets and Sweden will donate 16 older models to boost its air defense.
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Asia Pacific
Japan, Philippines to Discuss Intelligence Sharing: Takaichi
The Philippines and Japan agreed on Thursday to negotiate an intelligence sharing agreement, as the two nations draw closer under the increasing shadow of China's naval ambitions.
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Asia Pacific
New Zealand Boosts Defense Spending in Face of ‘Adverse’ Security Environment
New Zealand's government will boost defense spending by nine percent, according to its 2026 budget unveiled Thursday.
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Middle East
US Strikes Iran, Drawing Retaliatory Attack on American Base
The US struck southern Iran on Thursday, drawing retaliation from Tehran against a US military base, in the most serious clashes since an April ceasefire began.
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Middle East
Israel Kills Chief of Hamas Armed Wing in Gaza Strike
Israel said on Wednesday it had killed the new head of Hamas's armed wing in Gaza, Mohammed Odeh, after killing his predecessor earlier this month despite an ongoing ceasefire.
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