The NATO-led KFOR mission, which currently numbers about 4,600 personnel, has been deployed in Kosovo since the end of the 1998-1999 conflict between ethnic Albanian separatists and Serbian forces.US General Alexus Grynkewich, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, said the alliance saw an opportunity to “optimize KFOR’s size and posture further” as stability improved.

NATO said the planned reductions would be “calibrated” and implemented over time, with the possibility of reversal if the security situation deteriorates.The announcement comes as the United States signals a broader effort to reduce its military presence in Europe, according to European diplomats cited prior to the decision.

The US currently contributes just under 600 troops to the KFOR mission, based on April figures.In 2023, NATO deployed an additional 1,000 troops to Kosovo following a spike in tensions, though that reinforcement was later halted earlier this year after conditions stabilized.While the situation has improved overall, tensions remain in northern Kosovo, where the majority-Serb population resides.

The last major incident occurred in September 2023, when a Kosovo police officer was killed during a gunbattle with Serb separatists.NATO did not specify which national contingents would be affected by the reduction.

The updated designation was released weeks after U.S. President Donald Trump met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, where both leaders sought to maintain dialogue amid ongoing strategic and economic competition. Trump has subsequently invited Xi to visit Washington in September.

The Pentagon’s revised list identifies companies that the United States considers to be Chinese military companies or entities contributing to China’s military modernization efforts. Although inclusion on the list does not automatically trigger sanctions, it is often viewed as a precursor to potential restrictions on investment, procurement or other business activities.

The new version closely resembles a list briefly published and then withdrawn by the Pentagon in February without public explanation. Two memory-chip manufacturers that had been removed from the earlier version were reinstated in Monday’s update.

Those companies are ChangXin Memory Technologies and Yangtze Memory Technologies, both significant players in China’s semiconductor sector.

The revised list also includes several of China’s most prominent technology firms involved in artificial intelligence and digital services. Alibaba, Baidu and Tencent were among the companies identified, although Tencent had already appeared on previous versions of the designation.

Representative John Moolenaar, chairman of the U.S. House Select Committee on China, described the update as a warning to American businesses and government institutions. He urged U.S. companies to avoid commercial relationships that could contribute to China’s military capabilities.

The designations drew swift criticism from affected companies.

Baidu rejected the Pentagon’s assessment, stating that there was no factual basis for classifying the company as a military-linked entity. The company said it would pursue all available options to seek removal from the list.

Alibaba similarly disputed the designation, calling it an error and arguing that the company neither functions as a military enterprise nor participates in China’s military-civil fusion strategy. The company indicated that legal action remained under consideration.

In addition to major technology firms, the Pentagon added pharmaceutical company WuXi AppTec and robotics start-up Unitree, known for developing humanoid robots.

The updated list reflects Washington’s continuing scrutiny of Chinese firms operating in sectors viewed as strategically important, particularly semiconductors, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies. The move comes as U.S.-China competition increasingly extends beyond trade into areas involving national security, technology leadership and military capability.

In one of the most significant political speeches of his papacy, Leo called on governments to pursue peace, address the root causes of migration and exercise greater ethical oversight of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.”The world is undergoing a profound spiritual and cultural crisis, which is manifested in multiple forms of violence, polarization, and mutual distrust,” the pope told lawmakers in Madrid.

Speaking hours after renewed exchanges of fire between Israel and Iran, he said military force could not provide lasting solutions to global conflicts.”Weapons can impose a temporary silence, but they can never build an authentic and lasting peace,” he said.The address, delivered in Spanish and met with a prolonged standing ovation, marked the first speech by a pope before Spain’s national parliament and formed a centerpiece of Leo’s week-long visit to the country.

The pontiff devoted significant attention to migration, describing the treatment of migrants as a test of the international community’s moral principles. He argued that governments should move beyond simply managing migration flows and instead address the underlying causes driving displacement, including war, poverty and climate change.

“The moral greatness of a nation is manifested above all in its capacity to accompany, protect, and love those lives that pass through the greatest fragility,” Leo said.His remarks come as Spain continues to confront migration pressures along routes linking West Africa to the Canary Islands.

According to rights group Caminando Fronteras, more than 3,000 migrants died attempting the crossing in 2025.Leo also criticized the acceleration of defense spending across Europe, describing the trend as troubling at a time when diplomatic efforts should be prioritized.

European military expenditures rose sharply over the past year amid security concerns and pressure from the United States for NATO members to increase defense budgets.Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has resisted calls for NATO countries to raise defense spending to 5% of gross domestic product, although Spain’s military budget has increased substantially during his tenure.The pope further urged governments to establish rigorous ethical safeguards governing the use of artificial intelligence, particularly in military applications.

Last month, he issued a broader appeal for international oversight of advanced AI systems.Addressing relations between religion and the state, Leo defended religious freedom and argued that faith should remain part of public discourse.

He also reaffirmed the confidentiality of the Catholic seal of confession, which prohibits priests from disclosing information shared during confession.Several European countries have debated whether clergy should be legally required to report allegations of abuse disclosed during confessions following a series of sexual abuse scandals within the Catholic Church.

Leo said preserving the confidentiality of confession protected a sacred space of individual conscience and spiritual freedom.Although the Vatican has announced that the pope will meet victims of clerical abuse during his visit to Spain, Leo did not address the issue directly in his parliamentary speech.

The visit reflects the pope’s increasingly active engagement with global political debates, including war, migration, technology and the role of democratic institutions in addressing mounting international challenges.

In commentary carried by state media, analyst Kim Myong Chol said the statement demonstrated that the United States intended to use South Korea as a geopolitical tool in its regional competition with China. He accused Washington of undermining peace and stability in the region.

Brunson made the remarks in a recent interview, where he also described Japan as a “shield” against China’s regional ambitions. The comments have drawn criticism from both North Korea and China.

South Korea’s presidential office said it was aware of the remarks and remained in communication with Washington on related issues. Local media reported that Seoul had conveyed concerns to U.S. officials.

The United States maintains about 28,500 troops in South Korea as part of its long-standing security alliance aimed at deterring threats from nuclear-armed North Korea.

The dispute erupted after Teodoro told Reuters in an interview on Saturday that China remained a “severe threat” and had shown no evidence of long-term good faith, even after Beijing supplied fertilizer and fuel to the Philippines during shortages linked to regional conflict-related disruptions.

Responding to the remarks, China’s Foreign Ministry accused the Philippine defense chief of politicizing issues affecting ordinary citizens and disregarding the benefits of Chinese assistance.

Speaking at a regular briefing in Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Teodoro’s comments demonstrated that he was “solely driven by personal interests” and had failed to consider the welfare of the Philippine people.

Mao questioned how China could be expected to continue providing aid and essential supplies to the Philippines if such views prevailed among senior officials in Manila.

The exchange underscores the fragile state of relations between Beijing and Manila, which have been strained by longstanding maritime disputes, security concerns and competing strategic interests in the region.

Teodoro’s remarks reflected continued skepticism within the Philippine security establishment regarding China’s intentions, despite recent efforts by Beijing to project a more cooperative image through economic and humanitarian assistance.

China’s response signals growing frustration over what it views as Manila’s unwillingness to separate practical cooperation from broader geopolitical and security disagreements.

Neither side indicated any immediate plans for high-level talks following the latest diplomatic exchange.

According to the report, Washington has signaled openness to extending nuclear-sharing arrangements beyond the six European countries that currently host U.S. dual-capable aircraft, which can deliver nuclear weapons.

NATO members on the alliance’s eastern flank, including Poland and some Baltic states, are reportedly interested in hosting such facilities. However, the newspaper said no agreement appears imminent and discussions remain ongoing within NATO channels.

The White House, Pentagon and NATO had not commented on the report. The discussions come as the alliance continues to assess its deterrence posture amid heightened security concerns in Europe.

Addressing defense officials, military leaders and diplomats gathered in Singapore, Koizumi argued that criticism of Japan’s security posture was misplaced given the country’s longstanding adherence to international law and the absence of strategic weapons such as nuclear arms and long-range strategic bombers.

“Think about it. There’s a country that has a huge arsenal of nuclear weapons and strategic bombers. Japan has neither of such weapons, and yet Japan is labelled ‘new militarism’?” Koizumi said in remarks widely interpreted as directed at China.

The comments reflected growing tensions between Asia’s two largest economies as regional governments respond to shifting security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific. Japan has expanded defense spending and strengthened security partnerships in recent years amid concerns over China’s military modernization and increasingly assertive actions in regional waters.

Koizumi said Japan had consistently supported the international rules-based order since the end of the Second World War and remained committed to the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter.

“Since the end of the Second World War, Japan has consistently respected international law, including the Charter of the United Nations, and has made sincere efforts to maintain and strengthen a free and open international order,” he said.

The speech came weeks after China’s Foreign Ministry urged Asia-Pacific nations to remain vigilant against what it described as Japan’s “neo-militarism,” reflecting Beijing’s longstanding concerns over Tokyo’s defense reforms and closer security cooperation with Western allies.

Koizumi also expressed disappointment that he was unable to meet Chinese defense officials during the forum.

“I feel sad,” he said, referring to the absence of Chinese counterparts from discussions at the annual gathering.

For the second consecutive year, Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun did not attend the Shangri-La Dialogue, depriving regional officials of one of the few opportunities for informal high-level military engagement between China and other countries.

The absence comes as strategic competition intensifies across the Indo-Pacific, with disputes in the South China Sea, concerns over Taiwan, and competing military buildups increasingly shaping regional security discussions.

Japan’s efforts to modernize its defense capabilities have become a central element of its national security strategy, but Tokyo maintains that its policies remain defensive in nature and consistent with the country’s post-war constitutional framework.

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said the missiles were fired from Jongju, a city on North Korea’s west coast, and traveled toward the sea. The military did not immediately disclose the number of missiles launched or their flight distances.

Seoul said it had strengthened its surveillance and readiness posture following the launches and was closely coordinating with the United States and Japan on intelligence assessments and monitoring activities.
The test was North Korea’s first known missile launch since April 19, when Pyongyang fired multiple short-range missiles that state media described as part of an exercise involving cluster-bomb warheads.

The latest launch extends a pattern of weapons testing that has intensified as North Korea advances its military modernization programs.
Kim has prioritized the expansion of North Korea’s nuclear arsenal and missile forces since negotiations with then-U.S. President Donald Trump collapsed in 2019 without an agreement on sanctions relief and denuclearization.

Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in reviving direct engagement with Kim. However, North Korea has largely ignored those overtures and has maintained that Washington must abandon demands for unilateral nuclear disarmament before meaningful negotiations can resume.

Relations between Pyongyang and Seoul have also deteriorated sharply. Kim has increasingly characterized South Korea as North Korea’s principal adversary and has moved to sever longstanding channels of inter-Korean cooperation and dialogue.

The missile launches came hours after South Korean President Lee Jae Myung called for accelerated efforts to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities during a Cabinet meeting. Lee highlighted the importance of investing in artificial intelligence-driven military systems, expanding drone capabilities and examining the potential acquisition of a nuclear-powered submarine.

While Lee did not directly address Tuesday’s missile launches, he emphasized the need for South Korea to demonstrate its ability to safeguard its own security interests. He said a stronger national defense posture would reinforce the country’s alliance with the United States.

The latest test is likely to draw renewed scrutiny from regional security partners as tensions on the Korean Peninsula remain elevated and diplomatic engagement between North Korea and its neighbors shows little sign of revival.

Speaking at a congressional hearing, Cao said foreign military sales to Taiwan had been put on hold while the Pentagon assessed weapons inventories needed for Operation Epic Fury, the U.S. campaign targeting Iran. He said the United States had sufficient stocks but was taking steps to ensure military requirements were fully met before resuming transfers.

“Right now we’re doing a pause in order to make sure we have the munitions we need for Epic Fury,” Cao said, adding that foreign military sales would continue once the administration determined it was appropriate.

The remarks mark the clearest public indication yet that the Iran conflict has affected the timing of U.S. weapons deliveries to Taiwan, which has sought to strengthen its defenses amid rising military pressure from China.

The U.S. State Department and the Pentagon did not immediately comment on Cao’s statement.
Taiwan’s Presidential Office pushed back against suggestions that approved sales were being altered. Presidential Office spokeswoman Karen Kuo said on Friday that Taipei had received no indication Washington intended to revise the arms package.

The reported delay centers on approximately $14 billion in weapons purchases sought by Taiwan, though U.S. officials have not detailed which systems could be affected by the pause.

The development comes as questions persist over President Donald Trump’s approach to Taiwan. While the United States formally recognizes Beijing rather than Taipei, U.S. law requires Washington to provide the self-governed island with defensive weapons.

China, which views Taiwan as part of its territory, has repeatedly opposed U.S. arms sales to the island. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Friday that Beijing’s opposition to such sales remained “consistent, clear and firm.”

Trump also signaled a potential shift in approach ahead of a recent visit to China, saying he would discuss Taiwan arms sales with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Previous U.S. administrations had maintained that decisions on arms transfers to Taiwan were a matter between Washington and Taipei and not subject to consultation with Beijing.

Following the trip, Trump said he had made no commitments to Xi regarding Taiwan and would decide on the proposed sales within a relatively short period.
The pause underscores the competing demands facing U.S. defense planners as Washington balances support for partners in the Indo-Pacific with military commitments stemming from the Iran conflict.

The investigation focuses on Operation Southern Spear, a campaign launched by the administration of US President Donald Trump in September 2025 targeting boats Washington alleges are linked to narcotics trafficking networks operating from Latin America.

According to reports, the Pentagon review will examine whether the US military followed established operational and legal procedures under the Joint Targeting Cycle, the framework governing the planning and execution of military strikes.

“The scope of this evaluation includes the joint process for targeted vessels in the US Southern Command area of responsibility as part of Operation Southern Spear,” the Pentagon inspector general’s office said in a memorandum cited by Bloomberg.

The review will be conducted at the Pentagon and at the headquarters of United States Southern Command in Florida, according to the memorandum dated May 11.

The military campaign has drawn criticism from legal experts and human rights organizations, which argue the strikes may constitute extrajudicial killings because the targeted vessels allegedly did not pose an imminent threat to the United States.

Critics have also questioned whether the administration has provided sufficient evidence demonstrating that the vessels destroyed during the operations were actively involved in drug trafficking.
At least 192 people have reportedly been killed since the start of the operation, according to media accounts cited in the reports.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has defended the campaign, describing the operation as part of a broader war against what the administration terms “narco-terrorists.” Hegseth previously said the operation had been so aggressive that potential maritime targets had become increasingly difficult to locate.

The strikes represent a significant shift in US counter-narcotics strategy. Historically, American anti-drug operations in the region have focused on intercepting vessels, seizing narcotics shipments and arresting suspects rather than conducting lethal military attacks at sea.

The growing scrutiny comes as the Trump administration continues expanding military involvement in transnational security operations across Latin America and the Caribbean.