Defence row exposes tensions over how to keep UK safe
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Defence row exposes tensions over how to keep UK safe
Summary: The UK faces a housing of tensions over defence funding as it pivots to new security realities. While defence spending sits around £66bn and the UK maintains a strong nuclear deterrent and NATO role, two departing defence ministers accuse Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves of failing to provide the money required to meet growing commitments. The strategy shift reflects changing threats—from non-state actors to state-on-state aggression (notably
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China’s Taiwan Calculus Ahead of the Trump-Xi Summit – The Diplomat
Summary: - The Diplomat reports a rare 2026 Beijing meeting between Xi Jinping and Taiwan’s main opposition KMT leader Cheng Li-wun, seen as part of Beijing’s effort to shape the agenda ahead of Xi-Trump talks. - Beijing intends to press Washington to limit or delay Taiwan arms sales and to frame cross-strait peace as achievable without U.S. involvement; a full U.S. policy shift toward China or Taiwan independence is deemed unlikely and unstable. - U.S. constraints include Co
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Svalbard Could Be the Arctic’s Next Geopolitical Flashpoint
Summary: The article argues that Svalbard, due to its location between the North Pole and the Russian mainland and its treaty framework, could become a major Arctic security and geopolitical flashpoint—potentially more influential than Greenland. Key tensions exist between Norway and Russia over Svalbard’s sovereignty, interpretation of the Svalbard Treaty, and the balance of non-NATO involvement in the Arctic. Norway insists on sovereignty and practical control while avoidin
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The limits of a possible settlement with Iran | Arab News
Summary: - The piece frames Saudi Arabia as playing a pivotal, balancing role in the Iran diplomacy process, pushing for de-escalation while transparently safeguarding its sovereignty and security interests. - Riyadh is backing mediation efforts led by Pakistan and Qatar, with strong support for a framework that prevents Iranian aggression from spilling into Gulf states. - Saudi demands include sovereignty and noninterference, free navigation, an end to strikes on Gulf neigh