US DEFENSE SECRETARY LLOYD AUSTIN
Russia-Ukraine war: US to provide $2.3 bn in new security aid for Ukraine
The United States will provide Ukraine with a new $2.3 billion security assistance package, including air defense and anti-tank weapons, as Ukraine faces Russian invasion. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the support during a meeting with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, aiming to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities and counter Russian aggression. This assistance builds on the US commitment of over $51 billion since the Russian invasion began in 2022.
US Pentagon chief visits Cambodia to boost ties with China ally
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visited Cambodia to reset ties with China ally, addressing concerns over China's influence in the region.
China defence chief says Beijing ready to 'forcefully' stop Taiwan independence
The remarks at an annual security forum in Singapore followed the first substantive face-to-face talks in 18 months between the two countries' defence chiefs.
US shifts focus to China risks; Zelenskiy arrives at Asia defence meeting
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is anticipated to attend the Shangri-La Dialogue security conference in Singapore this weekend, according to six sources. This comes as Ukraine faces renewed aggression two years after Russian forces invaded. Security assistance for Ukraine is expected to be a key topic at the conference, with attendees including U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun.
War with China neither imminent nor unavoidable: US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin
United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin told a gathering of top security officials Saturday that war with China was neither imminent nor unavoidable, despite rapidly escalating tensions in the Asia-Pacific region, stressing the importance of renewed dialogu...
Very strong relations with India; co-producing armored vehicles: US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin at Shangri La Dialogue
At the Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin praised the strong US-India relationship. He talked about advancements in co-producing armoured vehicles and fighter jet engines. He emphasised the shared values between the two nations and predicted continued progress and momentum in the partnership. The strong ties are important for the two countries amid trouble in the Indo-Pacific region.
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US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin says US 'can be secure only if Asia is'
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized the importance of the Indo-Pacific region for US security at a security forum in Singapore.
Top US and Chinese defence officials seek to restore communications as tensions rise in Indo-Pacific
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun for the first time in person since 2022. The two discussed tensions in the Indo-Pacific region at the Shangri-La defence forum. The US emphasised freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. China accused the US of inflaming regional security. Both countries are restoring defence contacts and plan to resume military-to-military communications.
US welcomes plans for crisis-communications working group with China: Pentagon
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin "reaffirmed the announcement by President (Joe) Biden and (Chinese) President Xi Jinping in November 2023 that both sides will resume telephone conversations between theater commanders in the coming months, and the Secretary welcomed plans to convene a crisis-communications working group by the end of the year," a Pentagon statement said.
US defence secretary Lloyd Austin raises concerns about China's military activity
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed concerns over China's military actions near Taiwan during a meeting with his Chinese counterpart in Singapore. The meeting marked the first direct contact since 2022. Major General Patrick Ryder emphasised that China should not exploit Taiwan's democratic process for coercive measures. He highlighted the importance of respecting Taiwan's political transition as a routine democratic practice.
US, Chinese defence chiefs meet in Singapore
US and Chinese defence chiefs held talks in Singapore at the Shangri-La Dialogue. Lloyd Austin and Dong Jun met to discuss military dialogue and tensions over Taiwan and other issues.
US, Chinese defense chiefs to meet following Taiwan tension
China in recent days has encircled Taiwan with warships and fighter jets in a test of its ability to seize the island, which it claims. The drills follow the inauguration of President Lai Ching-te, who has vowed to safeguard self-ruling Taiwan's democracy.
US to provide Ukraine with USD275mn more in military aid amid Russian advances
Amidst the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the United States is set to provide Ukraine with an additional USD 275 million in military aid, marking the fourth installment since a foreign aid bill was passed last month. The aid package includes weaponry and munitions vital for Ukraine's defence, such as rocket systems, artillery rounds, anti-tank systems, tactical vehicles, and small arms. The move underscores America's commitment to supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression, with nearly USD 1.7 billion already dispatched and more aid expected in the future.
US will announce $275 million more in artillery and ammunition for Ukraine, officials say
The United States is set to announce $275 million in military aid for Ukraine to combat Russian advances in the Kharkiv region. The aid package includes HIMARS and artillery rounds.
Pentagon vows to keep arming Kyiv amid fresh Russian assault
The US announced no new aid packages Monday, but has now provided about $50.6 billion in military assistance to Ukraine since Russia invaded in 2022. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials said Kyiv's troops still control nearly 60% of Vovchansk and are fighting house-to-house to defend the border town in northeastern Kharkiv region from Russian attacks.
Why the US paused weapons shipment to Israel amid Gaza conflict
Amidst escalating violence in Gaza, the US has suspended a shipment of heavy bombs to Israel, citing concerns over civilian casualties. President Joe Biden emphasized the commitment to Israel's defense but stated that offensive weapons for densely populated areas would not be supplied. The decision comes amid a military assault in Rafah, raising questions about the impact of US arms in conflict zones. This development reflects a broader effort to balance support for allies with humanitarian considerations in conflict zones.
Defence chiefs from US, Australia, Japan and Philippines vow to deepen cooperation
Top defense officials from the US, Australia, Japan, and the Philippines gathered in Hawaii, vowing to strengthen cooperation amid concerns over China's actions in the South China Sea. This meeting follows their joint naval exercises in the region last month. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin highlighted the drills' importance in enhancing collaboration and upholding international law. The officials discussed increasing the frequency of defense exercises, emphasizing their commitment to a rules-based order. The US has longstanding defense treaties with all three nations, aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation in the region.
India-US jet engine deal is revolutionary, says Defence Secretary Austin
US Defence Secretary Austin commends the groundbreaking India-US deal to jointly produce fighter jet engines, emphasizing the transformative impact on India's defense capabilities and the unprecedented level of collaboration between the two nations.
US, China defense chiefs hold first talks in nearly 18 months
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin held substantive talks with his Chinese counterpart Dong Jun via video teleconference, marking the first significant dialogue between the defense chiefs of the two superpowers in nearly 18 months. The discussion focused on US-China defense relations, regional and global security issues, and the importance of maintaining open lines of military communication to prevent tensions from escalating. Austin reiterated the US commitment to freedom of navigation in international waters, particularly in the South China Sea.
US Defence Secretary Austin discusses regional, global security issues with Chinese counterpart in first call since Nov '22
The Defence Secretary reaffirmed the announcement by President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping in November 2023 that both sides will resume telephone conversations between theatre commanders.
Iraq's deputy prime minister, in US meeting, calls for regional restraint
Iraq has called for restraint amid rising tensions between Iran and Israel, as talks on the complex U.S.-Iraq relationship begin in Washington. Deputy Prime Minister Muhammad Ali Tamim co-chaired a meeting of the U.S.-Iraq Higher Coordinating Committee with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Iraq is concerned about its region being "dragged into a wider war that will threaten international security and safety."
US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin says 'don't have evidence' of Israel committing genocide in Gaza
US officials deny Israeli genocide accusations in Gaza, urge accountability for Hamas war crimes. Outrage over civilian deaths and hostages. Israel Defence Forces withdraw troops after fighting terror operatives in southern Gaza.
US defence chief says Washington will not let Ukraine fail
The Republican-led House of Representatives has been blocking $60 billion in assistance for Ukraine, and the United States has warned that a recent $300 million package would only last a few weeks.
Defence chief on the defensive: Lawmakers to confront Austin on secret hospital stay
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will publicly address Congress for the first time to explain his delayed notification about his hospitalization for prostate cancer surgery last month. Expected to face sharp questions, Austin has already apologized for the lapse in communication, which kept his hospital stay secret for days, even from President Joe Biden. The incident raised concerns about command and control of the armed forces, but a review found no ill intent, attributing the secrecy to privacy restrictions and staff hesitancy.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin admitted to critical care, hospital says
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was admitted to a critical care unit for treatment of a bladder issue. He transferred his duties to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks and is scheduled to testify before Congress on Feb. 29. Austin's cancer prognosis remains excellent.
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