N. Korea withdraws invitation to U.S. official seeking Bae’s release
Hours before his trip to take place, Robert King, a U.S. State Department human rights official, was disinvited by Pyongyang to a trip seeking the release of the jailed (more…)
Turkey tells NATO partners it is undecided on China missile purchase
Under enormous pressure from the U.S. and its NATO allies, Turkey, also a member of NATO, appears to be relenting on its earlier decision to buy an air defense (more…)
Japan to break precedent with sale to India of 15 amphibious planes
In a historic move, Japan has overcome all self-imposed legal hurdles to sell India at least 15 advanced STOL amphibious planes known in Japan as the US-2. India is (more…)
Chinese flotilla ‘inspects’ reefs claimed by several of its neighbors
A three-vessel PLA Navy flotilla spent three days starting Jan. 23 to inspect reefs and tiny isles in the heart of the South China Sea. These land formations are (more…)
Taiwan: 20 percent cut will make military ‘leaner, more professional’
While China is dramatically modernizing its military, the Taiwanese government has announced a large cut of its defense forces from the current 215,000 to 170,000- 190,000, or a reduction (more…)
China building what is said to be world’s largest patrol vessel
The Chinese state-run media has confirmed that the People’s Liberation Army is building a new class of heavy maritime surveillance vessel, with a 10,000-ton displacement. If true, this would (more…)
China bans its military from procuring foreign-made vehicles
The four operational command headquarters of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army issued a new regulation last week banning the world’s large military from purchasing any foreign brands for military (more…)
Kim’s sister now in charge of Department 54 after uncle’s execution
The young North Korean dictator Kim Jong-Un has put his younger sister, Kim Yeo-Jong, in charge of Department 54 that handles the regime’s profit-seeking businesses, according to a newspaper (more…)
U.S. deploys mechanized battalion, additional air power to S. Korea
As promised by Secretary of State John Kerry to visiting South Korean foreign minister Yun Byung-Se on Jan. 7, an 800-member mechanized infantry battalion is soon to be deployed (more…)