Taiwan's cabinet has approved a record NT$647 billion defense budget for next year, an 18.2% increase. The spending represents 28.6% of the total government expenditure as leader William Lai Ching-te aims to boost deterrence capabilities.
Russian missile attacks on Kyiv sparked fires across two districts early Sunday. Meanwhile, Ukrainian long-range strikes hit a military airfield and rocket facility deep inside Russia, as diplomatic tensions rise over reports of potential US arms transfers via Turkey.
The Iran war has caused significant shortages of precision-guided missiles, impacting US security guarantees to Asian allies, with hundreds of interceptors diverted from Asia to the Middle East, sparking concerns among South Korea and Japan about US protection capabilities amid tensions with China and North Korea.
A drone carrying explosives was discovered at Leipzig Airport, Germany, near Ukrainian cargo planes loaded with military ammunition, potentially averting a catastrophe. Authorities suspect foreign state involvement, with indications pointing toward Russia due to the airport's role as a NATO and German military logistics hub and base for Ukraine's Antonov Airlines in Europe.
An armed man carrying ammunition was arrested Sunday at Donald Trump's golf course in Rancho Palos Verdes ahead of a fundraiser, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
Authorities in California arrested 38-year-old Jeanine John Taele near Donald Trump's golf course in Rancho Palos Verdes with a pistol and illegal ammunition ahead of a presidential visit.
Japan's defence white paper highlights China's growing military capabilities in the western Pacific, while Tokyo pledges to enhance its own military strengths and monitoring systems, prompting Beijing to accuse Japan of 'neo-militarism'
The US military reportedly used a heavy MK-84 aerial bomb to strike a residential building on Iran's Qeshm island, killing three people, according to The New York Times, which cited satellite imagery and expert opinion. US Central Command stated it is aware of the strike and investigating.
Spain's opposition parties are criticizing Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's migration policies after tens of thousands of unauthorized migrants entered the Spanish exclave of Ceuta. The government attributes the influx to a recent Supreme Court ruling and denies links to its migrant regularization scheme, while also suggesting Moroccan political pressure.
A 19-year-old Norwegian, Johannes Natland, was convicted at London's Old Bailey for conspiracy to murder, having been recruited by a Swedish crime group allegedly used by the Iranian government.
A South Korean national team trap shooter has been removed from the Asian Games roster after police found 818 shotgun shells in his car, exceeding the 400-round limit. He withdrew from a competition in China and was questioned by police.
Rheinmetall is significantly expanding its Bavarian industrial site, "Project Firepower," to become one of Europe's largest gunpowder plants. This aims to more than double production by 2028, addressing a critical ammunition shortage and bolstering Europe's defense sovereignty amid increased spending after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The US and Iran are reportedly on the precipice of a wider conflict, with Washington increasing military assets in the Middle East after Iranian retaliatory strikes killed four US service members. US officials warn of dwindling supplies for a sustained air war, while experts express concerns about potential ground operations.
North Korea's Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss ammunition and missile shipments for the Ukraine war, and prepare for a possible Kim Jong-un visit. Putin thanked North Korea for its support and for sending Korean People's Army soldiers to the Kursk region.
![Soybean Salad Oil Contaminated with Benzo[a]pyrene in Taiwan, Recall Initiated](/api/img?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.i-scmp.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fstyles%2F1280x720%2Fpublic%2Fd8%2Fimages%2Fcanvas%2F2026%2F07%2F18%2F05924525-2cb4-4278-bb18-983bdc754d11_e55c8437.jpg%3Fitok%3DeSvdvxp2%26v%3D1784351802&w=800&q=72&f=webp)
Central Union Oil Corporation's soybean salad oil was found to contain excessive benzo[a]pyrene by Namchow Group, leading to a recall. The contamination, affecting 28,992 tonnes, was reported late to regulators, and the government also delayed its public announcement.
The US and Iran are engaged in a battle for control of the Strait of Hormuz, with both sides exchanging strikes. Iran claims to have closed the strait, but the US insists it remains open. A recent ceasefire agreement appears to be on the verge of collapse.
Donald Trump denied Iran's claim to have closed the Strait of Hormuz, stating US forces are keeping it open. This follows Iranian attacks on commercial vessels and US strikes on 140 Iranian targets, escalating tensions and threatening a recent ceasefire.
The Indian Army plans to induct 450 new M4 variants of the Carl Gustaf 84mm rocket launcher. Designed by Saab, the lighter M4 system improves firepower for troops in mountainous regions and can engage targets up to 1,000 meters.
Russia's budget deficit reached 2.5% of GDP in H1, while tensions rise between Iran and the US over alleged plots. Updates on the Ukraine war include Patriot missile production plans, drone attacks, and NATO discussions. Other news covers Iran's farewell ceremonies, Israel's actions in Gaza, and Turkey's S-400 sales.
JPMorgan warns that Wall Street's move to private blockchains for tokenization and payments could drain liquidity from Bitcoin and other public crypto assets. While banks build closed networks, Bitcoin's scarcity and independence offer a counter-narrative, potentially increasing its value as an asset outside institutional control.
Nazifuddin Najib, BN chief in Langkawi, stated that a significant coalition victory would support calls for his father, Najib Razak's, pardon. He believes a win would signal voter support for 'Bossku' and his potential release.
Turkish President Erdogan presented NATO leaders, including UK PM Keir Starmer and Hungarian PM Peter Magyar, with engraved Magnum revolvers and six live bullets each after the Ankara summit. The unusual gifts, accompanied by a note exempting them from export controls, caused surprise and logistical challenges for security teams.
A Russian Defense Ministry report states that a Lancet loitering munition crew destroyed approximately 20 Ukrainian military equipment items in the Dobropolye area. Targets included a self-propelled gun, a tank, and armored vehicles.
Turkish President Erdogan presented personalized revolvers with live ammunition to world leaders at the NATO summit in Ankara. The engraved guns, accompanied by bullets and cleaning kits, were given to figures like Keir Starmer and Ursula von der Leyen. Some leaders plan to decommission the firearms before bringing them home.
