Japan commemorated 80 years since its WWII surrender, with leaders expressing remorse and emphasizing the importance of passing lessons from militarism to younger generations. Meanwhile, tensions persist over visits to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine.

According to a psychology framework, the gaslighter’s goal is to make us believe that we, or other targets, are deranged and untrustworthy. To counter, we need both internal strategies and the engagement of others.

The prototype ‘Blue Whale’ builds on the UR6000 Chinese tiltrotor drone. Of a similar size to the Italian AW609 and, about half the Osprey’s size, it could be used to rapidly move troops against Taiwan.

The new Australia–Nauru security agreement formalises cooperation in defence and policing, enhancing stability in the Pacific. It reinforces Australia’s strategic presence and commitment to regional partnerships amid growing geopolitical competition.

US, UK, and EU aid cuts and slowing infrastructure spending are limiting Southeast Asia’s development options—reducing resilience, widening inequality, and increasing the region’s reliance on external partners. Reduced options could increase Chinese influence.

Former Ukrainian POWs describe enduring psychological trauma, including PTSD, after prolonged captivity and abuse by Russian forces. The article raises concerns about reintegration, veteran care, and the long-term mental health cost of war.

French and EU authorities dismantled a cybercrime group suspected of targeting financial institutions and infrastructure; some with ties to actors in Ukraine. The investigation highlights the link between organised cybercrime and conflict zones.

Three Australian companies have each supplied 100 drones to the Army enabling research, development, continuous improvement and strengthened sovereign industry capacity; ensuring rapid access to affordable, scalable systems—supporting resilience, innovation and future readiness.

Microsoft confirmed that Russia’s FSB-affiliated hacking group, Secret Blizzard, launched a cyber-espionage campaign against embassies in Moscow using ISP-level access. The group deployed custom malware and backdoors, marking a significant escalation in diplomatic cyber threats.

Following a comment by a U.S. official, China said Taiwan was an inalienable part of Chinese territory. The United States is Taiwan's most important international backer, despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties.