US, Philippines to simulate ‘full-scale battle’ in Balikatan drills
Thousands of allied American and Filipino forces have opened annual combat drills that will include simulating the defense of the Philippines.
Pentagon & Congress
Pentagon chief to visit Philippines for security talks, envoy says
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is scheduled to visit the Philippines, the first stop in his first trip to the Indo-Pacific next week.
Two US aircraft carrier groups join Japanese navy in military exercise
The exercise came as Japan continues to beef up its military to counter increased Chinese assertion in the region.
USS John Finn’s latest Taiwan Strait transit sparks Beijing’s ire
The warship sailed through the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday.
Where might the US station its B-21 bombers to deter China?
A new report says the U.S. Air Force's B-21 Raider could help ensure stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
US Air Force logistics officer talks basing, drones in the Pacific
"We learned a lot of skills that were multi-capable back in the late 1980s that we are now dusting off."
Taiwan reports China sent 4 suspected spy balloons over the island
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry says China sent four balloons over the island, three of which passed near a key air force base.
Top US military officer speaks with Chinese counterpart
The video call between Gen. CQ Brown and Gen. Liu Zhenli is the first senior military communications between the U.S. and China since August 2022.
US Navy ship ‘intruded’ in South China Sea waters, China says
The U.S. Navy said the ship “was conducting routine operations in international waters ... consistent with international law.”
US, Philippines conduct joint patrols in South China Sea near Taiwan
The patrols come days after Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called the situation in the South China Sea increasingly “dire.”
Biden, Xi agree to restart military communications
President Joe Biden and China’s Xi Jinping left their first meeting in a year showcasing modest agreements to re-establish military communications.
