This Month
Trump’s Iran choice: last-chance diplomacy or a bunker-busting bomb
The US could still become directly involved in a new conflict, taking on Iran in exactly the kind of war that the president has sworn he would avoid.
April
China warns nations not to cut US trade deals at its expense
While it respects nations resolving their trade disputes with the US, Beijing “resolutely opposes any party reaching a deal at the expense of China’s interests”.
South Korea’s president ousted over martial law fiasco
The constitutional court removed Yoon Suk Yeol from office four months after his short-lived attempt to impose martial law sparked a prolonged political crisis.
January
North Korean secret diary reveals deadly ‘drone bait’ tactic
The written notes of a dead soldier published by Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces describe the reckless ploy, along with expressions of love for Kim Jong-un.
South Korea’s political turmoil embroils family dynasties
A protracted political stand-off could delay crucial corporate governance reforms aimed at reining in the powerful family conglomerates and that is already triggering a backlash.
December 2024
Why North Korean troops are now a problem for Putin
Many have expressed surprise at the apparent naivety of the Asian troops, under live fire for the first time.
South Korea’s leaders seek calm after president impeached
Political leaders and the central bank tried to reassure allies and markets of stability, after the president was suspended for trying to impose martial law.
South Korean upheaval rattles US plan to counter China
There are questions over whether a new government in Seoul might complicate Washington’s efforts under Donald Trump to counter the rise of China as a military superpower.
Tanks, troops. How the drama unfolded in South Korea
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law and accused opposition parties of siding with North Korea, sparking crisis and chaos in the country.
November 2024
Ukraine will soon fire missiles 300km into Russia after US clearance
The US president has reversed his policy in the Russia-Ukraine war as Donald Trump takes over the Oval Office in two months.
Russian, North Korean troops mass ahead of Ukraine attack, says US
New analysis concludes that the force has been gathered without pulling soldiers out of Ukraine’s east, allowing Moscow to press on multiple fronts.
Ukraine says it has attacked North Korean troops
The first contact has been reported with North Korean troops in a Russian region captured by Kyiv in their surprise offensive.
North Korean intercontinental missile launch condemned by US, Japan
The isolationist regime said it tested an ICBM on Thursday, upgrading what it called the “world’s most powerful strategic weapon”.
October 2024
Japan’s China paradox has lessons for Australia
Japan’s new prime minister, Shigeru Ishiba, wants a more equal relationship with the US. That could spell trouble as Tokyo confronts the “deep threat” from China.
September 2024
China tests ballistic missile in Pacific in ‘provocative’ move
China fired an intercontinental ballistic missile with a dummy warhead into the Pacific Ocean, its first such major missile launch in years.
Why ‘paranoid’ Russia’s ties with China should worry Australia
Democracies including Australia need to band together against the ‘community of autocracies’ of Russia, China, Iran and North Korea, one of NATO’s top officials says.
August 2024
Push into Russia is to create a buffer zone: Zelensky
The incursion has proven Ukraine’s ability to seize the initiative and has boosted its morale, which was sapped by a failed counter-offensive last year.
On the front line of North Korea’s nuclear threat
The possibility of another Trump presidency has global leaders nervous about Kim Jong-un’s erratic behaviour. Would a second mandate tame or embolden “little rocket man”.
July 2024
Wong calls on China to rein in North Korea
The foreign minister acknowledged that countries all around Asia are beefing up their defence capabilities in response to China’s dramatic military expansion.
US boosts military command in Japan amid ‘provocative’ China
US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin says an upgrade to the US command in Japan is “one of the most significant developments in the history of our alliance”.