When it was announced in 2023 that the African Union would become a full member of the G20, I darkly joked on a podcast that the AU’s entry into the body could very well mark the moment the G20 lost its status as one of the most important global coordination forums. Mark my words, I said, soon The Economist will be like “Uhhh, the G20 is OVER – it’s the ...
Category: Weapons
Japan Mulling Export of Weapons System to Philippines
Japan is reportedly preparing to export a command and control system to the Philippines. Designed by Mitsubishi Electric, the system would collect and analyze data about ships and planes passing through the area, and issue instructions to deployed military units. The transfer is aimed at improving cooperation ...
Amid a Global Arms Boom, China Confronts Delays, Scrutiny, and a Rare Drop in Defense Sales
Sales by the world's top 100 arms makers reached a record $679 billion last year, as the wars in Ukraine and Gaza boosted demand, researchers said Monday, but production issues hampered deliveries. The figure was 5.9 percent higher than the year before, ...
Chinese Nationals’ Role in Africa’s Illicit Weapons, Mining, and Money Flows
There's mounting evidence from the United Nations and others that Chinese organized crime syndicates are moving more of their operations from countries in Southeast Asia to Africa. These groups are contributing to a surge in illicit crypto mining, scam centers, illegal wildlife trafficking, ...
Chinese Warships Gather in Gulf of Aden for Naval Handover Ceremony
Six Chinese warships recently converged in the Gulf of Aden for a handover ceremony as one task force group relieved another to conduct patrols as part of the multinational anti-piracy operations. China has been an active participant in this initiative ...
Chinese-Made Weapons Used in the UAE’s Genocide in Sudan
The United Arab Emirates is reportedly funneling increasing amounts of Chinese-made weapons to its proxy Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia in Sudan. The group has repeatedly been accused of staging a genocide in Sudan. A new report from the Wall ...
U.S. Navy Fighter Jet and Helicopter Crash in South China Sea
The U.S. Navy said a Navy fighter jet and a helicopter crashed in South China Sea on Sunday. The separate incidents happened about 30 minutes apart in waters that China says fall under its sovereignty using what it calls the “nine-dash line.” “All personnel involved are ...
U.S., Australia Sign Rare Earths Deal as Trump Promises Submarines
By Danny Kemp with David Williams in Sydney U.S. President Donald Trump signed a deal on rare earth minerals Monday with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and said Washington's key ally would get its coveted nuclear-powered attack submarines. ...
Indonesian J-10C Plan: Interoperability and Strategic Independence
The Indonesian J-10C plan has sparked a broader debate about how Jakarta maintains its strategic independence while ensuring all systems are aligned and interoperating smoothly. The rumor started with a line that sounded casual enough: Indonesia’s new Chinese-made J-10C fighter ...
Indonesia Confirmed 42 Chinese J-10C Jets Buy in $9 Billion Deal
Indonesia confirmed the purchase of 42 Chinese-made J-10C “Vigorous Dragon” fighter jets, ending months of speculation about the deal. “They will be flying over Jakarta soon,” Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said Wednesday at the ministry’s headquarters, announcing the agreement reached ...
Malaysia Raises 2026 Defense Budget, South China Sea Priority
Malaysia raises 2026 defense budget and will spend $5.15 billion in 2026, linking the buildup to South China Sea operations, officials said Saturday. “This is particularly important as we face various challenges, including those in the South China Sea,” Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin said on ...
India and Pakistan Are Still Arguing Over How Many Chinese Fighter Jets Were Shot Down in Last May’s War
More than five months after India and Pakistan engaged in a brief military conflict in early May, the two countries are still squabbling over how many of each other's fighter jets they shot down. The issue resurfaced last week when a ...
China-Built Frigate for Cambodia Clears Trials; Second Ship at 50%
One of two China-built frigates for Cambodia has completed assembly and passed technical trials, with a second vessel halfway built, former Cambodia defense minister Tea Banh said in a Facebook post dated Oct. 3. Tea Banh said the frigate is ...