US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to reduce dependence on China for defense-related critical minerals, directing military contractors to shift supply chains away from Beijing-linked sources by January 2027, citing national security in an era of great power competition.
Japanese researchers have launched the "International Order Research Group" to analyze challenges like great power competition and multipolarization. The group aims to address concerns about the decline of democracy and the rise of authoritarianism, as discussed in a dialogue between professors Yoko Iwama and Yuko Kashiya.
Australia announced a new joint project under Aukus to develop underwater drone systems and will purchase three secondhand Virginia-class submarines. Defence Minister Richard Marles's close association with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, a controversial figure, highlights a potential conflict between Australia's commitment to international law and its security alliance with the US.
Australia announced a new Aukus project for underwater drone payloads and will buy three US Virginia-class submarines. Defence Minister Richard Marles's remarks alongside US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth highlighted a tension between Australia's commitment to the rules-based order and Hegseth's more aggressive, 'warfighter'-focused approach.
