U.S., NATO worry about European defense cuts
First, Germany announced that it would suspend its draft, ending one of the touchstones of its post-World War II society. Then Britain and France, frequent rivals since at least the Norman Conquest, announced plans to share military equipment and research. And smaller countries across Europe are cutting defense budgets and shrinking militaries that were never large to begin with.
Russian rearmament: Moscow fears China and Islamist insurgents
Russia's decision to plough more than 400 billion pounds into upgrading its armed forces is motivated by a fear of China and radical Islam on its southern borders.
U.S. backs Japan in looming confrontation with Russia
Last week Kamitsuki Toyohisa, the Japanese Foreign Ministry counselor for European Affairs, said that the relationship between his country and Russia is "at its worst point in decades."
Russia summons US envoy over Japan islands dispute
The Russian foreign ministry on Monday summoned the US ambassador to Moscow over comments in which Washington reportedly backed the Japanese position in a simmering territorial row with Russia.
US hails Uzbek cooperation on NATO supply routes
A top US official visiting Tashkent on Friday praised Uzbekistan for opening up supply routes and building infrastructure for NATO operations in Afghanistan.
China: Deal With Russia Denied
The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Thursday denied a report that Chinese and Russian companies had agreed to start a joint venture in islands that are disputed by Russia and Japan.
U.S. to expand civilian nuclear cooperation with Russia
The United States will continue to expand its civilian nuclear cooperation with Russia, including reactor development and security of radioactive materials, a top U.S. nuclear official told
Russian foreign minister criticises the West for supporting Arab protests
Russia and Britain engaged in a war of words over the people power protests across the Middle East as Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov blasted Western support for demonstrations as counterproductive.
|
