Latest Lloyd Austin News
Blinken will be the latest top US official to visit China in a bid to keep ties on an even keel
WASHINGTON (AP) — Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to China this coming week as Washington and Beijing try to keep ties on an even keel despite major differences on issues from the path to peace in the Middle East to the supply of synthetic opioids that have heightened fears over...
Pentagon leaders press Congress for Ukraine funding, saying battlefield situation is dire
WASHINGTON (AP) — Ukraine and Israel both desperately need the military weapons that are being held up by Congress' failure to pass a funding package for the two countries at war, Pentagon leaders told House appropriators Wednesday, calling the situation in Ukraine dire. “Whether...
US navy flies aircraft through the Taiwan Strait a day after US-China defense chiefs hold rare talks
TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — The U.S. 7th Fleet said a Navy P-8A Poseidon flew through the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday, a day after U.S. and Chinese defense chiefs held their first talks since November 2022 in an effort to reduce regional tensions. The patrol and reconnaissance plane...
US Pentagon chief speaks with Chinese counterpart for first time since November 2022
WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with China's national defense minister Tuesday morning, in the latest in a series of U.S. steps to improve communications with the Chinese military and reduce unsafe and aggressive incidents in the Indo-Pacific. It was the...
US helps Israel shoot down 'nearly all' Iran-launched attack drones as Biden pledges support
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden lauded American forces who helped Israel down “nearly all” of the drones and missiles fired by Iran and vowed to coordinate a global response to Tehran's unprecedented attack. The Pentagon said U.S. forces intercepted “dozens of missiles” and drones...
Israel says Iran launched more than 300 drones and missiles, 99% of which were intercepted
JERUSALEM (AP) — Booms and air raid sirens sounded across Israel early Sunday after Iran launched hundreds of drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles in an unprecedented revenge mission that pushed the Middle East closer to a regionwide war. A military spokesman said the launches numbered...
US and Philippines step up strategic partnership as China threats loom in South China Sea
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration on Friday reassured the Philippines anew that the U.S. commitment to the country's defense is steadfast amid increasing concerns about provocative Chinese actions in disputed areas of the South China Sea. A day after President Joe Biden...
The Latest | Blinken says Israel hasn't told US of any specific date for Rafah ground invasion
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday said Israel has not apprised the U.S. of any specific date for the start of a major offensive into the southern Gaza city of Rafah, but added that American and Israeli officials remained in contact to try to ensure that “any kind of major military...
U.S. announces $138 million in emergency military sales of Hawk missile systems support for Ukraine
WASHINGTON (AP) — The State Department has greenlighted an emergency $138 million in foreign military sales for Ukraine to provide critical repairs and spare parts for Kyiv’s Hawk missile systems. The U.S. announced the move Tuesday saying that Ukraine has an urgent need for the...
Top military leaders face Congress over Pentagon budget and questions on Israel and Ukraine support
WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. CQ Brown Jr. testified on Capitol Hill on Tuesday about the Pentagon's $850 billion budget for 2025 as questions remained as to whether lawmakers will support current spending needs for Israel or Ukraine. ...
