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The latest news, analysis and opinion on Nato. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
US soldiers on an Abrams tank take part in a military exercise in Korzeniewo, northern Poland, in 2024. Photo: AFP
Donald Trump

Trump pledges more troops for Poland as Rubio cautions allies

Trump announcement is an apparent reversal of his moves to reduce the presence of US forces in Europe.

US, Israel war on Iran

US voices hope for Iran deal as Pakistan mediator seeks breakthrough

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Malaysia

US denies role in Norway’s cancelled missile sale to Malaysia

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European Union

EU picks tungsten, rare earths, gallium for first critical mineral stockpile

The move marks one of the bloc’s most concrete steps to reduce reliance on China for elements vital to defence and tech.

Labourers work at a tungsten mining factory at Zhongshan, China. Photo: Reuters
Malaysia

Did US restrictions sink Malaysia’s US$147 million Norway missile deal?

Analysts say US-controlled parts may have been a factor in Norway’s revoked export licences, underscoring risks for Asian defence buyers.

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Ukraine war

Belarus begins nuclear weapons drills with Russia

Minsk claims drills pose no security threats ⁠in the region, but Kyiv urges tightened sanctions in response.

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Ukraine war

‘Stay inside’: Finland warns of drone scare near capital Helsinki

The early hours warning – the first for the capital city – said a drone could be heading towards an area on the south coast.

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A view of Helsinki, the capital of Finland. File photo: Shutterstock
Japan

Why Japan’s ruling party is pushing for 5% military spending

The ruling party is expected to debate raising outlays to as much as 5 per cent of GDP, in line with that of many Nato members.

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US-China relations

Video | How can China profit from Trump’s latest rift with US allies?

Observers say Trump is pushing old alliances to the breaking point, making allies recognise the need to ‘de-risk’ from the US.

US-China relations

Opinion | China shouldn’t view a tired US as signifying a Europe ready to pivot

As fractures within the US’ network of alliances deepen, China’s strategic window opens a little wider, with some key caveats.

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Illustration: Craig Stephens
Nordic nations

Greenland PM hits out at reported bid to buy signatures for pro-US petition

Jens-Frederik Nielsen responds to report of a ‘mysterious American’ offering a Nuuk taxi driver US$200,000 to sign.

Nuuk, Greenland. Photo: Reuters
Central Asia

An Asian alternative to Nato? How Cica is rethinking Middle East security

Chief of lesser-known security forum says it provides ‘architecture for de-escalation’ and allows members to project soft power.

Ukraine war

Sweden to form new spy agency in Ukraine war reset

The foreign intelligence service would start operations in January 2027.

Diplomacy

Strait of Hormuz woes, US-Nato ‘crisis’: 7 global relations reads

From a possible Trump-Iran joint venture to Russia-China talks, here are highlights from the SCMP’s overseas correspondents in April 2026.

An Iranian Revolutionary Guard Navy speedboat approaches the cargo ship Epaminondas during what state media described as the seizure of one of two vessels accused of violations in the Strait of Hormuz on April 21. Photo: Tasnim News Agency via AP
Germany

German chancellor plays down row with Trump in fallout from US troop withdrawal

Friedrich Merz denies his criticism of the Iran war triggered Trump to announce drawdown of 5,000 soldiers.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on March 3. Photo: Reuters
Italy

Rubio to visit Rome, meet Pope Leo who has clashed with Trump

US secretary of state also seeks a meeting with Italy’s Meloni, whom Trump has also turned against.

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Germany

‘Foolish decision’: Trump’s Germany troop removal rebuked by allies, Nato

Two US lawmakers said the move ‘risks undermining deterrence and sending the wrong signal’ to Russia’s Putin.

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Germany

Trump-EU rift spurs Germany to boost military, add 75,000 soldiers

The German defence minister said the US withdrawal of 5,000 troops from Germany was expected, spurring Europe to improve its defences against Russia.

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An AH-64 Apache attack helicopter stands in front of a Galaxy C-5 transport plane at the US Air Base in Ramstein, western Germany, in 2017. Photo: AFP
United States

US to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany, fulfilling Trump threat

The move comes after German Chancellor Merz said the US was being ‘humiliated’ by Iran’s leadership.

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Ukraine war

Ukraine sees path to Japanese arms after Tokyo eases export rules

Japan has linked Ukraine’s fate to its own security as it faces China’s growing military power.

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US, Israel war on Iran

Trump may cut US troops in Germany after ‘humiliating’ Iran comment

The German chancellor has drawn the US president’s ire with his remarks about Tehran besting Washington at the negotiating table.

US President Donald Trump speaks during a press briefing at the White House on Saturday. Photo: AFP
King Charles III

UK’s King Charles commemorates 9/11 victims in New York visit

The monarch has been emphasising the military and cultural ties between the UK and US, at a time of high tension between the countries.

Britain’s King Charles and Queen Camilla visit the 9/11 Memorial in New York on Wednesday. Photo: AP
United States

US and Nato in frustrating ‘marriage crisis’, Belgian defence minister says

Theo Francken believed the strained transatlantic relationship should remain ‘united’, although sometimes Nato ‘can be a paper tiger’.

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Donald Trump

Nato considers end to annual summits to shield alliance from Trump

Nato summits have seen scenes of tension with the US president, and some members want fewer of them, possibly none in 2028.

Diplomacy

Opinion | 122 years on, Mackinder’s ‘heartland’ remains geopolitically decisive

Conflicts in Ukraine and Iran have returned strategic focus to the idea of Eurasia as central to the global power contest, challenging the viability of the Indo-Pacific pivot.

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Illustration: Craig Stephens
European Union

Germany’s Merz says no ‘immediate’ Ukraine EU membership

There is little appetite to fast track Kyiv to full membership in the EU – causing some to pitch possible interim benefits in the meantime.

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Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz (middle) shakes hands with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky ahead of an informal meeting of the European Council, in Ayia Napa on Thursday. Photo: AFP
China-EU relations

Open Questions | ‘Saying you’re a geopolitical actor doesn’t make it so’: Sven Biscop on Europe

The Belgian political scientist on what the Iran war and the transatlantic collision reveal about Europe’s place in a fast-changing world.

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Focus

The rupture: how Europe fell out of love with America

Many believed the transatlantic alliance could weather another term of Trump, but a year and a half on those hopes have largely faded.

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