The Latest Breaking News from Lloyd Austin

'Seriously doubt' imminent invasion of Taiwan by China -Pentagon chief

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Wednesday he seriously doubted that ramped up Chinese military activities near the Taiwan Strait were a sign of an imminent invasion of the island by Beijing.

Reuters · Jan 11, 2023

U.S. and Japan agree to step up security cooperation amid China worries

The United States and Japan on Wednesday announced stepped-up security cooperation in the face of shared worries about China, and Washington strongly endorsed a major military buildup Tokyo announced last month.

Reuters · Jan 11, 2023

Pentagon drops COVID vaccination mandate

The move is set to help the Pentagon boost enrollment numbers, while not having to remove troops for not complying.

Axios · Jan 10, 2023

Biden signs defense bill that repeals troop vaccine mandate

President Joe Biden has signed a nearly $858 billion defense spending bill into law despite his opposition to a Republican-backed provision in the legislation that repeals the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for U.S. troops

The Independent UK · Dec 23, 2022

China, Russia are 'destabilizing' Africa, warns United States

The United States warned Tuesday that China and Russia were destabilizing Africa with their growing inroads as it rolled out the red carpet to the continent's leaders and pledged billions of dollars in support.

Radio France Internationale · Dec 14, 2022

US-hosted Africa summit opens with focus on youth, security

Vice President Kamala Harris has opened the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington by spotlighting Africa’s youthful population

The Independent UK · Dec 13, 2022

Russia is expanding its nuclear arsenal, U.S. defense secretary says

Russia is expanding and modernizing its nuclear arsenal, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Friday at a time when Russian President Vladimir Putin, faced with setbacks in Ukraine, has repeatedly suggested he could use nuclear weapons.

Reuters · Dec 9, 2022

Michael Hiltzik: Rescinding the military's COVID vaccine rule is the Democrats' dumbest compromise in the lame-duck session

If you need evidence that Congress is dominated by its stupidest members, look no further than the apparent agreement in the House to lift the requirement that members of the military be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Los Angeles Times · Dec 8, 2022

EXPLAINER: What end of vaccine mandate means for US troops

Congress’ move to eliminate the Pentagon mandate that all U.S. service members get the COVID-19 vaccine delivers a victory for lawmakers and troops who oppose getting the shot

The Independent UK · Dec 7, 2022

AUKUS members say plans on track for US and UK to help Australia acquire nuclear-powered submarine fleet

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles rules out Australians paying extra to fund an ambitious plan to acquire a fleet of expensive nuclear-powered submarines.

ABC News · Dec 7, 2022