Russia and China commence joint naval drills in the Yellow Sea, emphasizing defensive operations. Meanwhile, the US plans to deploy additional military personnel to Poland, considering a permanent base, while Poland's internal politics see a promise to block Ukraine's EU entry.
SCMP highlights seven stories including Xi Jinping’s meeting with Kim Jong-un on enhancing military ties, Thailand’s struggling shrimp industry, and Chinese space firms anticipating a potential SpaceX IPO.
Despite pledges to strengthen strategic communications, denuclearization of the Korean peninsula was absent from statements following a meeting between Chinese and North Korean officials. This marks a shift from Xi's 2019 visit, with increased prominence given to military matters this week, though North Korean media notably omitted Xi's remarks on military exchanges.
Xi Jinping's visit to North Korea emphasized military exchanges, a shift from previous talks that focused on denuclearization. North Korean media notably omitted Xi's remarks on military cooperation, despite extensive coverage of the visit.
The US Department of Defense adds Alibaba, BYD, and 186 other Chinese firms to a list of companies with alleged ties to the Chinese military, citing national security risks, though inclusion does not imply immediate sanctions.
Italy is bolstering its military and commercial cooperation in the Persian Gulf. Leonardo signed a contract with ADSB (UAE) to supply naval combat systems for patrol vessels ordered by Kuwait. Italy also maintains a military presence in Kuwait with 320 troops.
Italy's defense cooperation with Kuwait is strengthening, highlighted by a new contract for Leonardo to supply naval combat systems for eight patrol vessels. This builds on existing military agreements and Italy's troop presence in Kuwait.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh began a multi-nation visit to Vietnam and South Korea on May 18th to strengthen military cooperation, defense partnerships, and maritime collaboration in the Indo-Pacific.
The former presidential envoy for Ukraine noted that the military bloc, which originally consisted of 12 countries, now includes 32 states and is therefore a "very bloated architecture"
Chinese Defense Ministry Spokesman Zhang Xiaogang clarified that China had friendly military ties with Iraq
German chancellor emphasizes “deep transatlantic partnership” even as Trump floats cutting U.S. troops in Germany.
The U.S. military is placing a colonel in the German army's Operations Division in an unusually close collaboration.
A memorial museum honoring North Korean soldiers killed in war was unveiled in Pyongyang on Sunday, with observers saying it reflects Russia and North Korea's deepening anti-West partnership. Moscow has offered to sign a new five-year bilateral military cooperation plan with Pyongyang, stemming from Russia's need for manpower and North Korea's pursuit of military and technological advancement.
Israel has secretly deployed its Iron Dome air defense system to the United Arab Emirates, marking the first operational deployment of the system in another country beyond Israel and the United States. The deployment came after UAE faced around 550 ballistic and cruise missiles and over 2,200 drones from Iran, making it one of the most heavily targeted countries in the region. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the deployment following a call with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with several dozen IDF personnel also sent to help defend critical infrastructure.
