Russia and ASEAN countries agreed at a summit in Kazan to expand cooperation on energy security and diversification of supplies. Plans include increasing trade, investment, and partnerships in oil, gas, LNG, and electricity, alongside enhanced crisis preparedness and exploration of renewable and nuclear energy.
The Franco-German Future Combat Air System (FCAS) project, a €100+ billion next-gen fighter jet program, has collapsed due to unresolved disputes between Dassault and Airbus, despite the strategic importance amid rising security concerns.
A senior U.S. diplomat expressed optimism about advancing bilateral security cooperation with South Korea during inaugural working-level talks in Seoul. Discussions focused on implementing agreements, including Seoul's pursuit of nuclear-powered submarines and uranium enrichment.
India and Australia emphasized maritime security, freedom of navigation, and a free Indo-Pacific during their second Defence Ministers' Dialogue. They discussed enhancing maritime domain awareness and collaboration.
Taiwan and Poland signed a cybersecurity cooperation memorandum on May 28, enhancing collaboration in policy, information sharing, new technologies, and incident response. This agreement underscores Poland's commitment to a "clean network" and Taiwan's role as a global cybersecurity partner, especially given shared threats from external adversaries.
Canada and South Korea highlighted maritime security cooperation during the welcome ceremony for the Dosan Ahn Chang Ho submarine in Victoria. Canada plans to expand its submarine personnel from 200 to 1,000 over the next decade.
Taiwan Premier Cho Jung-tai met with Canadian Trade Office Representative to Taipei, Chloe R. McRae, discussing a trade cooperation framework agreement and enhancing collaboration in AI, semiconductors, and cybersecurity. Canada aims to assist Taiwan in combating disinformation and cyber threats, particularly concerning local elections.
Japanese PM Fumio Kishida met with Albanian PM Edi Rama, emphasizing the indivisibility of Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific security. Rama invited Kishida to Albania for a NATO summit in 2027, which would be the first visit by a Japanese PM to the country.
Russia and China issued a joint declaration stating it is unacceptable to force sovereign states to abandon neutrality. They emphasized peaceful conflict resolution, considering security concerns, and opposing bloc-based confrontation and military alliance expansion.
France and Algeria are working to improve relations, focusing on the release of Christophe Gleize and security cooperation. The French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle is in the Red Sea, with officials emphasizing its role in maritime security and intelligence gathering, not offensive action.
South Korea's science ministry and other government bodies met with OpenAI to discuss AI cybersecurity. OpenAI shared details on its AI models' security functions and the TAC program, while South Korea requested cooperation on information sharing to combat evolving AI threats.
Taiwan's top official, Lai Ching-te, stated that US arms sales and security cooperation are crucial for regional peace, amid concerns of a potential Chinese invasion. He emphasized Taiwan's sovereignty and democratic way of life, while China views Taiwan as a breakaway province.
Keir Starmer is attending a European Political Community summit in Yerevan, Armenia, where he announced UK plans to join the EU's €90bn (£78bn) loan for Ukraine. The loan, previously blocked by Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán, will provide military support for Ukraine and give British defence firms access to major contracts. The move is part of Starmer's efforts to improve post-Brexit UK-EU relations ahead of a summer summit.
China and Cambodia have agreed to upgrade their diplomatic and security cooperation, involving their respective interior and public security ministries to address regional and global challenges.
The US has suspended dollar banknote deliveries to Iraq and frozen security cooperation programs to pressure Baghdad to disband pro-Iranian militias. The Treasury Department blocked approximately $500 million in transfers from Federal Reserve Bank of New York accounts, representing proceeds from Iraqi oil sales. This is the second batch of cash suspended since US military operations against Iran began. Washington also froze funding for Iraqi military and counterterrorism training programs.
The Council of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Collective Security Treaty Organization adopted a statement at a meeting in Moscow marking the 20th anniversary of the Assembly's establishment. The statement highlights the Assembly's role in ensuring parliamentary cooperation among member states and promoting legislative harmonization in defense, security, and counter-terrorism. Delegations from Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan attended the session chaired by Vyachesvol Volodin.
