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Currently, Taiwan has set an increase in its defense budget to 3.3% of its GDP for 2026, allocating $949.5 billion New Taiwan Dollars ($31.18 billion). U.S. President Donald Trump has demanded Taiwan raise its defense spending to as much as 10% of GDP, a proportion well above what the U.S. or any of its major allies spend. Taiwan, a self-ruled island, is claimed by China. In recent years, China has deployed warplanes, navy ships and drones toward the island on a daily basis in military exercises as part of its efforts to exert pressure. Lai had previewed the announcement in…

Last month, U.S. President Donald Trump rekindled a decades-old debate about nuclear testing. “Because of other countries testing programs,” he wrote on social media, “I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis.”The United States has not tested a nuclear weapon since September 23, 1992. Energy Secretary Chris Wright quickly tried to walk back Trump’s post, explaining on Fox News that the president had meant testing nuclear delivery systems, not explosives. But Trump doubled down on his original meaning, telling 60 Minutes that he ordered resumption of nuclear testing in response to…

The Taihe No.1 unmanned vessel. Credit: DIGITIMES The Taiwanese government has expanded its list of core national technologies from 32 to 42 items to enhance the protection of trade secrets and prevent unlawful infringements. The National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) coordinated efforts among…

USMC personnel operate a Rheinmetall Canada MMSP for a casualty evacuation exercise. (USMC)The US Marine Corps (USMC) continues to actively explore the application of unmanned ground vehicles (UGV) to directly support small ground tactical units. The corps’ latest field evaluation of Rheinmetall Canada’s Mission Master Silent Partner UGV was conducted by the 4th Marine Regiment in Okinawa, Japan.In this field exercise, the marines utilised the Mission Master Silent Partner (MMSP) in a casualty evacuation role. However, it is equally capable of, and has previously been demonstrated by the USMC, as a resupply platform for ammunition, water and rations, or to…

There are 12 different Martial Arts weapons in Where Winds Meet, each offering unique playstyles and skill sets. While every weapon can shine with the right build, some stand out as more versatile and generally better across most situations. In this guide, I will list the top 5 best Martial Arts weapons in Where Winds Meet. Knowing which weapons perform best overall helps you decide where to spend your resources and which options are truly worth investing your time in. Here’s the best Martial Arts weapons in Where Winds Meet: Nameless Sword This is hands down the best weapon in…

Welcome to the BJJ Beat! On this recurring feature, we’ll tackle the biggest news from the professional grappling scene, and roll everything up in an easily digestible and familiar jiu-jitsu format.UFC star Bo Nickal attends first gi class, gets promoted to purple beltBo Nickal, fresh off his highlight reel head kick KO win at UFC 322, is seemingly trying to cross train and tighten up his overall grappling game. He recently joined his first ever BJJ class in the gi, and the 3-time NCAA Division I wrestling champion immediately got promoted from blue to purple belt.There were also some clips…

Taiwan is set to reinforce its military capabilities with a new $40 billion supplementary defense budget, President Lai Ching-te announced after a high-level security meeting.The presidential office indicated that Defense Minister Wellington Koo will detail the plans at an upcoming news conference. The budget aims to underscore Taiwan’s determination to defend itself amid rising regional tensions.In a Washington Post op-ed, President Lai revealed plans for significant new U.S. arms acquisitions, highlighting enhanced military collaboration between Taiwan and the United States.

Aaron Brandt Between January and June 2025, more than $16 billion in government funds have been invested in modernizing U.S. naval fleets. The Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security are driving this push with programs focused on submarine production, combat system upgrades, and industrial base expansion.The increased investment carries a deep responsibility for shipbuilders. The industry faces mounting pressure to increase throughput, reduce costs, and comply with strict safety and environmental standards. Advanced cutting technologies, especially plasma and waterjet, play a vital role in helping shipbuilders meet production, material, and labor challenges.Strategic Pressures Demand Versatile Cutting SolutionsModern shipbuilding…

On 16 November 2025, at the Seventh Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia, the presidents of the “C5,” the Central Asia republics of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, announced the Republic of Azerbaijan would join the group, now christened the “C6.” In October 2023, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan attended the Fifth Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and noted, “Azerbaijan is a reliable transit country along the route to the markets of Türkiye and Europe. Not least significant is the transit in the opposite direction. Our brothers in Central Asia know…

ABILENE, Texas — Thanksgiving falls late this year, compressing the holiday shopping calendar and intensifying the pressure on consumers to grab deals quickly. Experts caution that retailers often exploit this rush, targeting shoppers who already feel compelled to buy.Experts warn of retailer tactics exploiting holiday rush, urge budgeting discipline (SBG)”They put big sale items on, knock the prices way down, and get people to come in the store and spend more than they can afford” said Stifel Financial Advisor, Frank Johnson. Whether shopping in person or browsing online deals, everyone is a target. Experts warn of retailer tactics exploiting holiday…