U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio meets with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi at the State Department in Washington, U.S.

Both allies and adversaries of the U.S. are preparing for a new ‘America First’ phase

Less than a day after U.S. President Donald Trump took office on Monday, newly appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaged with foreign ministers from America’s key allies in the Indo-Pacific region, known as the “Quad,” which includes Australia, India, and Japan. This meeting coincided with the USS Carl Vinson completing its first significant training exercise of 2025 in waters near the Philippines. While there … Continue reading Both allies and adversaries of the U.S. are preparing for a new ‘America First’ phase

Secretary of State, Sen. Marco Rubio testifies during his Senate Foreign Relations confirmation hearing at Dirksen Senate Office Building.

Rubio claims the U.S. is committed to supporting the Philippines amid concerns over China’s ‘threatening’ actions

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaged in discussions on Wednesday with his Philippine counterpart regarding China’s “dangerous and destabilizing actions in the South China Sea,” reaffirming the United States’ “ironclad” commitment to defense support for Manila. According to a statement from the U.S. State Department, Secretary Rubio emphasized that China’s conduct threatens regional peace and stability and contravenes international law during his conversation with … Continue reading Rubio claims the U.S. is committed to supporting the Philippines amid concerns over China’s ‘threatening’ actions

Japan's Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya

Japan must enhance its defence capabilities, the foreign minister informs the new Trump administration

Japan is set to enhance its defence capabilities in response to the evolving security landscape in East Asia, as stated by the country’s foreign minister during a meeting with his U.S. counterpart on Tuesday, according to his spokesperson. The return of U.S. President Donald Trump has raised expectations that Washington may exert greater pressure on its allies to boost defense spending. In light of concerns … Continue reading Japan must enhance its defence capabilities, the foreign minister informs the new Trump administration

Japan's Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya

Takeshi Iwaya says Japan ‘gravely concerned’ about maritime tensions escalating

Japan has expressed serious concerns regarding the escalating tensions in the South China Sea, emphasizing its strong opposition to any unilateral efforts to alter the existing status quo, as stated by its foreign minister on Wednesday. During his visit to the Philippines, Takeshi Iwaya reaffirmed Japan‘s commitment to providing development assistance and enhancing maritime security for Manila. He also noted that a trilateral framework involving … Continue reading Takeshi Iwaya says Japan ‘gravely concerned’ about maritime tensions escalating

North Korea fires short-range missiles ahead of Trump return

North Korea launched several short-range ballistic missiles from its east coast on Tuesday, according to South Korea’s military. This action represents Pyongyang’s latest demonstration of military capability, occurring just days before U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. The missiles traveled approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles) after being launched around 09:30 am (0030 GMT) from Kanggye in Jagang Province, close to the border with China, as reported … Continue reading North Korea fires short-range missiles ahead of Trump return

Japan's Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya

Japan’s foreign minister has announced his intention to participate in the inauguration of Trump

Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya announced on Sunday his intention to attend Donald Trump‘s inauguration as U.S. president on January 20. This move reflects Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s administration’s desire to strengthen its relationship with the United States, a key security partner. Iwaya expressed his commitment to fostering a trusting relationship with the Trump administration during a discussion on NHK, Japan’s public broadcaster. He also … Continue reading Japan’s foreign minister has announced his intention to participate in the inauguration of Trump

Japan's Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya

Japan’s foreign minister is set to travel to South Korea to strengthen security collaboration

Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya is set to visit South Korea on Monday to strengthen security collaboration between the two East Asian nations and their shared ally, the United States, in response to China‘s increasing influence in the region. This visit marks the first time in seven years that a Japanese foreign minister has traveled to Seoul. During his trip, Iwaya will engage in discussions … Continue reading Japan’s foreign minister is set to travel to South Korea to strengthen security collaboration

Japan's Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya

Japan ministers announced that they are not pursuing PM’s proposal to create an Asian NATO

Japan’s foreign and defense ministers announced on Wednesday that they are not pursuing a proposal from the newly elected prime minister to create an “Asian NATO,” following rejections from both the United States and India. Shigeru Ishiba had put forth this idea prior to his anticipated victory in the ruling party leadership election on Friday, suggesting it would enhance security across Asia. However, Indian Foreign … Continue reading Japan ministers announced that they are not pursuing PM’s proposal to create an Asian NATO