U.S. defends early Trump departure from APEC summit in South Korea
The United States’ participation at this week’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea has been “very strong and robust,...
Europe and U.S. are working together to strengthen defence production in response to growing global military threats, NATO Chief Mark Rutte said Wednesday.
Speaking at a press conference in Berlin, Rutte warned that Russia and China are rapidly expanding their militaries with little transparency. He said Russia plans to deploy at least 1,500 tanks, 3,000 armoured vehicles and hundreds of Iskander missiles this year, while China controls the world’s largest navy and several of the largest defence companies globally.
“Their defence industries are producing weapons and equipment at an incredible rate—not just for display, but to secure influence, project power and challenge the rules-based international order,” Rutte said.
Rutte stressed that financial and industrial commitments are essential. He noted that Germany has pledged nearly €153 billion in defence spending by 2029 and highlighted Rheinmetall’s factory, which plans to produce 350,000 artillery shells annually.
However, he added that money alone is not enough. “We fight with well-equipped, well-trained troops who need ships, jets, tanks, drones and ammunition. NATO’s defence industries must produce and deliver faster than ever,” Rutte said.
He also called for increasing production of advanced capabilities such as tanks, air defence systems and missiles, while reducing reliance on critical raw materials sourced from abroad.
Linking defence to economic growth, Rutte said, “Increased defence production is an engine of economic growth. Congratulations on this important opening.”
Reliable sources have confirmed to AnewZ that the United States has asked Azerbaijan to join a Stabilisation Force in Gaza, as part of a proposed international mission to secure the territory.
Centrist liberal party D66, led by 38-year-old Rob Jetten, has made sweeping gains in the Dutch election, emerging neck and neck with Geert Wilders’ far-right Freedom Party (PVV) in early results — a stunning reversal just two years after D66 ranked sixth.
U.S. President Donald Trump agreed with President Xi Jinping to trim tariffs on China in exchange for Beijing cracking down on the illicit fentanyl trade, Trump said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Wednesday that the most difficult situation on the front line remains the eastern city of Pokrovsk, where fighting continues to be most intense due to a strong concentration of Russian forces.
Police in Dar es Salaam fired gunshots and tear gas on Thursday to break up renewed protests following a disputed general election, a Reuters witness said.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced plans to introduce a pension top-up as part of a wider pre-election spending drive ahead of the 2026 national vote.
The United States’ participation at this week’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea has been “very strong and robust,” a senior U.S. official said on Friday, after President Donald Trump left before the start of the leaders’ meeting.
U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth began a round of talks with Asian counterparts on Friday at a defence summit in Malaysia, urging closer cooperation to counter China's growing assertiveness and signing a 10-year military pact with India.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for 31 October, covering the latest developments you need to know.
The ceasefire in Gaza has eased the trauma of Israel's air strikes and blockade but a shortage of cash has left Palestinians unable to spend what little money they have without falling victim to wartime profiteers.
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