The Straits Times – Australia, UK work on security ties as China’s clout grows

Britain’s top foreign and defense officials held talks with their Australian counterparts in Sydney, focusing on advancing a security pact involving nuclear-powered submarines and sharing notes on countering China’s growing clout.

Asia Times – Japan-Australia defense deal a vista of possibilities

Australia could provide the combined arms training Japan’s self-defense forces desperately need to better challenge China.

Al Jazeera – Security, China dominate Biden’s talks with Japan’s Kishida

The leaders of the United States and Japan agreed in a virtual meeting to boost cooperation on pressing economic and security issues, including China’s growing might, North Korea’s missiles and Russia’s aims in Ukraine.

Al Jazeera – China, Russia block US bid to sanction North Koreans at UN

China and Russia have delayed a US effort at the United Nations to impose sanctions on five North Koreans in response to recent missile launches by Pyongyang.

The Manila Times – US warship entry into South China Sea sparks Beijing warning

A US warship sailing through the South China Sea sparked a warning from China’s military as tensions between the superpowers remain high.

Asia Times – Eye on China, Indonesia launches naval spending spree

Leaked documents indicate Jakarta is lining up as much as $125 billion in military modernization spending.