Good morning! It’s February 15, 2025, and we’re bringing you the key updates in defense and global affairs as you enjoy your weekend. Let’s take a look.

Trump Calls for Military Cuts, China Says US Should Go First

Beijing has pushed back against President Donald Trump’s proposal for trilateral military spending cuts, stating that the US should take the lead in reducing its defense budget.

Trump, portraying himself as a global peacemaker in his second term, suggested a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss cutting military budgets and nuclear arsenals.

However, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun countered that the US has the world’s largest military budget and should set the example.

He emphasized that China’s defense spending is “reasonable and necessary” for national security and world peace.