DefenceTalkThe Indo-Pacific region remains the priority theater for the Defense Department, and China remains the pacing challenge for the U.S. military, Ely Ratner, assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific Affairs, said today. The United States is a Pacific power and works with allies and partners throughout the Indo-Pacific to uphold the free and open regional […]https://www.defencetalk.com/defense-official-says-indo-pacific-is-the-priority-theater-china-is-dods-pacing-challenge-78362/

DefenceTalkChina on Thursday denied a report it asked Russia to delay its invasion of Ukraine until after the Beijing Winter Olympics, as international scrutiny grows of warming ties between the two powers. Beijing has taken a cautious line over the actions of its close ally and President Xi Jinping held a meeting last month with […]https://www.defencetalk.com/china-denies-asking-russia-to-delay-invasion-until-after-olympics-78258/

DefenceTalkDemocratic countries must not “turn a blind eye to military aggression”, Taiwan’s leader said Wednesday, warning her island faces threats similar to those confronted by Ukraine at a meeting with a delegation of former US security officials. The delegation, led by ex-chairman of the joint chiefs of staff and retired admiral Michael Mullen, arrived in […]https://www.defencetalk.com/taiwan-leader-warns-against-turning-a-blind-eye-to-aggression-78224/

DefenceTalkRussia and China seek to expand their military influence both regionally and globally, with Russia having invaded Ukraine and China seeking to wrest control of Taiwan.   Officials discussed the United States’, allies’ and partners’ efforts to counter those ambitions during a House Armed Services Committee today.  “The United States is at a pivotal moment […]https://www.defencetalk.com/defense-official-says-u-s-is-watching-china-while-supporting-ukraine-78199/

DefenceTalkChina on Thursday called for restraint on all sides after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an attack on Ukraine, while saying the military operation should not be described as an “invasion”. Putin announced the launch of a major military offensive and ground troops crossed into the country from several directions on Thursday, with explosions heard […]https://www.defencetalk.com/china-says-closely-watching-ukraine-situation-after-russian-attack-78089/

DefenceTalkChina on Wednesday accused the United States of “raising tensions” and “creating panic” over the Ukraine crisis, shortly after Washington announced sanctions against Moscow and said it would continue to supply weapons to Ukraine against a Russian invasion. Beijing has trod a cautious line on Ukraine as Moscow has massed thousands of troops on the […]https://www.defencetalk.com/china-accuses-us-of-raising-tensions-on-ukraine-issue-78044/

DefenceTalkThe United Arab Emirates said Wednesday it plans to buy a dozen Chinese L15 aircraft, as it seeks to bolster its defences after a series of attacks by Yemeni rebels. In December, the UAE threatened to scrap its mega-purchase of US F-35 fighter jets, protesting stringent conditions amid Washington’s concerns over China. The UAE defence […]https://www.defencetalk.com/uae-defence-ministry-says-to-buy-chinese-aircraft-78040/

DefenceTalkWestern leaders on Saturday said Russia and China were seeking to “replace the existing international rules” with their own order, as Beijing backed Moscow over its showdown with NATO. Russia has all but encircled Ukraine with its huge troop buildup and US President Joe Biden has warned that Vladimir Putin plans an invasion within days. […]https://www.defencetalk.com/west-voices-fears-of-russia-china-axis-78008/

DefenceTalkChina may take advantage of the Ukraine crisis and do something “provocative” in Asia while Western powers are focused on defusing tensions with Russia, a US general warned Wednesday. Russia’s deployment of more than 100,000 troops on Ukraine’s border has triggered fears in Washington and other Western capitals of a looming invasion. General Kenneth Wilsbach, […]https://www.defencetalk.com/china-may-take-advantage-of-ukraine-crisis-us-general-77963/

DefenceTalkChina has stated the United States is in no position to unilaterally set thresholds for emergency collision after the US rejected the charge its Starlink satellites endangered China’s space station. Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian made the remarks at a daily news briefing on Thursday, saying such rhetoric by the US did not show a […]https://www.defencetalk.com/china-hits-back-at-us-after-satellite-near-misses-77935/