China has increased its military budget despite facing economic constraints and corruption scandals within the People's Liberation Army. The move comes as China remains the world's second-largest military spender behind the US, which plans to allocate $850 billion for its military in 2025. This decision by Chinese authorities is likely driven by strategic priorities, with the International Institute for Strategic Studies noting that they face "increasingly sharp questions" about where to focus their resources.
https://www.voanews.com/a/china-maintains-defense-spending-increase-at-7-2-/7998242.htmlProfessor Kerry Brown, director of the Lau China Institute at King's College London, warns that China's increasing defence budget comes at a critical moment due to escalating competition with the US under the Trump administration and growing security threats. He notes that the world is becoming increasingly chaotic, with the US picking fights with its allies and competitors, making most countries defensive. China is already defensive but now feels heightened insecurity from its environment and the unpredictable nature of America's actions.
https://channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/china-expands-defence-budget-military-modernisation-regional-tensions-4975981The article discusses the implications of NATO nuclear sharing on the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and its potential impact on European countries like Germany. The NPT prohibits new countries from developing nuclear weapons, but it does not explicitly address NATO nuclear sharing. Key points: 1. NATO members argue that nuclear sharing does not violate the NPT because the weapons remain under U.S. control in peacetime. 2. Critics argue that stationing French or British nuclear weapons in Germany would stretch the limits of the NPT and potentially violate its spirit or articles. 3. Russia's recent deployment of nuclear weapons to Belarus has sparked debate over the implications for the treaty. 4. Any change in Europe's nuclear posture could trigger additional ripple effects, such as other regional powers strengthening their own extended deterrence arrangements or pursuing independent nuclear arsenals. To foster meaningful discussions on nuclear deterrence, Germany and other European countries can: 1. Engage with the United States within the NATO framework to request additional information on Washington's strategy regarding extended deterrence. 2. Suggest addressing U.S. expectations regarding European involvement in reinforcing NATO's conventional posture. 3. Open bilateral dialogues with France and the United Kingdom regarding their nuclear contributions. 4. Raise public awareness about the importance of nuclear deterrence in Europe's defense. By taking these steps, Germany can enhance solidarity within Europe, foster a sense of shared responsibility among NATO members, and build a stronger European voice on nuclear deterrence issues.
https://www.csis.org/analysis/can-france-and-united-kingdom-replace-us-nuclear-umbrellaFrench President Macron has announced plans to open a strategic debate on using nuclear deterrence to protect European allies, in response to calls from German election winner Friedrich Merz. This move comes as Macron described Russia as a threat to France and Europe, and follows Germany's push for "nuclear sharing" with France.
https://globalnews.ca/news/11067631/france-macron-european-nuclear-deterrent/The US is facing concerns about its economic power and technological innovation, with a decline in respondents believing it will remain the world's dominant economic power by 2035. A survey of 357 global experts found that nearly half (47.4%) believe China will lead an alliance with Russia, Iran, and North Korea, which may rival the G7 group consisting of the US, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the UK. The same survey predicts a 15% increase in attempts by China to invade Taiwan, with 45% of experts expecting a shooting war between Russia and NATO within the next decade.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-14430825/world-look-like-2035-experts-ww3.htmlThe United States has paused intelligence-sharing with Ukraine following a disagreement between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump over convening peace talks with Russia. The suspension of intelligence sharing could impact Ukraine's ability to defend itself against Russian missile strikes. However, after pressure from the US, Zelensky has agreed to negotiate with Russia, and there have been reports of "positive movement" in co-operation between the two sides. CIA Director John Ratcliffe stated that the pause in intelligence sharing may be short-lived as relations improve between Zelensky and Trump.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/north-america/cia-cuts-off-ukraine-from-intelligence-on-russia-after-oval-office-stoush-20250306-p5lhaf.htmlThe EU is considering allowing member states to use cohesion funds for defense, lifting limits on lending by the European Investment Bank to defense firms, and creating a savings and investments union to help companies access capital amid growing tensions with Russia and potential US withdrawal from Ukraine.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1288674-eu-chief-unveils-800-billion-euro-plan-to-rearm-europeRussia's President Vladimir Putin has threatened the West, prompting a call for rebuilding civilization after a nuclear war. Germany's Chancellor-elect Friedrich Merz is exploring the possibility of forming a nuclear alliance with Britain and France to address Europe's vulnerability in such an event. Russia possesses over 5,000 nuclear warheads, with 1,550 strategic warheads deployed under the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), which Putin suspended in 2023.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14459419/North-Korea-nukes-UK-2035.htmlEuropean leaders, including Ukraine's President Zelensky and France's President Macron, gathered at a London summit where Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a significant increase in UK defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, surpassing the original plan. This move is expected to be funded by slashing international aid spending. The announcement comes as European leaders urge each other to boost annual defense spending due to the military threat from Russia.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14459047/european-weapons-prices-rocket-uk-ukraine-peace.html