NATO defense spending to fall this year despite Russia tensions
Military spending by NATO countries is set to fall again this year in real terms despite increased tensions with Russia and a pledge by alliance leaders last year to halt falls in defense budgets, NATO figures released on Monday showed.
U.S. airs concerns in China meetings, stresses need for progress
The United States on Tuesday expressed deep concern about state-sponsored cyber theft and stressed the need to keep Asian sea lanes open at the start of annual talks with China, and said the world depended on the ability of the two countries to narrow their differences.
Key points in Greece's cash-for-reform proposals
Greece presented new reform proposals on Monday which its euro zone partners cautiously welcomed as a possible basis for an agreement to unlock bailout funds needed to avert a possible debt default.
Philippines steps up drills with U.S., Japan forces near South China Sea
The Philippines will hold separate naval exercises with U.S. and Japanese forces this week on a Philippine island that is not far from the disputed Spratly archipelago, where China's rapid creation of seven island outposts is stoking regional tensions.
Greece offers new plan to avert default, creditors see some hope
Greece took a step back from the abyss on Monday when it presented new reform proposals that euro zone finance ministers cautiously welcomed as a possible basis for an agreement in the coming days to avert a looming default.
EU keeps up pressure on Russia by extending economic sanctions
European Union foreign ministers extended economic sanctions on Russia until Jan. 31 on Monday, keeping up pressure on Moscow to help resolve the Ukraine conflict.
Pentagon chief to push U.S. allies to ditch 'Cold War playbook'
U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter will urge NATO allies to "dispose of the Cold War playbook" during a trip to Europe this week, as the alliance adapts to a new kind of threat from Russia in the east and Islamic State to the south, U.S. officials said.
Merkel's Bavarian allies urge tough line with Greece
German Chancellor Angela Merkel's Bavarian allies warned against giving in to Greece in order to keep it in the euro zone, with senior Christian Social Union lawmaker Hans Michelbach saying he saw no realistic chance of an agreement at an emergency summit on Monday.
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