Defense

[Flash] Japan’s Largest Anti-War Protests in Decades as PM Pushes Defense Buildup Japan has seen its largest anti-war protests in decades, with citizens opposing the Prime Minister’s plan to amend the pacifist constitution. Protesters fear remilitarization, while supporters argue defense strengthening is necessary amid regional security threats. The divide over defense policy is becoming increasingly pronounced. Source: BBC World

China Announces Suspended Death Sentences for Former Defense Ministers China has officially announced suspended death sentences for several former defense ministers who were recently ousted. The sentencing marks a new phase in the ongoing upheaval at the highest levels of Beijing’s military establishment, representing the most severe punishment in recent years of anti-corruption campaigns within the armed forces. Details of the Sentencing “Suspended death sentence” is a unique provision in Chinese criminal law. Convicted individuals who commit no intentional crimes during a two-year probation period typically have their sentences commuted to life imprisonment. The judgment reflects both severe punishment for serious violations and a degree of leniency. ...

Taiwan’s legislature has broken a political deadlock to approve a $25 billion arms purchase from the United States, one of the largest military procurement deals in recent years.

Companies Making Billions From the Iran Conflict As tensions between the US and Iran escalate in the Strait of Hormuz, a range of companies are reaping massive profits from the geopolitical crisis. Energy firms, defense contractors, and shipping-related businesses have all seen surging share prices and profits. The spike in crude oil prices has directly boosted the earnings of oil majors. The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of global oil passes, sees its security situation trigger violent reactions in international oil markets with every fluctuation. Major oil producers benefit from the risk premium driven by supply concerns. ...

The U.S. Department of Defense signs agreements with six leading AI companies to deploy AI systems on its most classified networks, while Anthropic sits out over security disagreements.

The US Department of Defense has reached agreements with seven top tech companies to deploy their AI systems on classified military networks, while Anthropic was excluded over security clearance concerns.

The US Department of Defense announced it will transform the military into an ‘AI-first’ fighting force, signing eight new contracts with major tech companies to expand AI capabilities.

The Pentagon reaches agreements with six top AI companies to expand classified work, but Anthropic is left out amid security review disputes.

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) reports that global military spending reached a record $2.9 trillion in 2025, driven primarily by European rearmament and accelerating Asian modernization.

SIPRI reports global military expenditure reached a record $2.9 trillion in 2025, with Europe and Asia driving sharp increases while U.S. spending contracts.