Russia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have concluded their first joint naval exercise, Indonesia’s navy said on Saturday, as the region faces rising tensions with China. The three-day exercise off the coast of Indonesia’s Sumatra island aimed at increasing interoperability between the ASEAN member states and the Russian navy in the strategic… Continue reading Russia, ASEAN conclude first joint naval exercise
Tag: ASEAN
US, EU hit China’s ‘problematic’ actions at sea
The United States and European Union on Thursday, December 2, voiced strong concern at China’s “problematic and unilateral actions” in the West Philippine Sea and stressed the need for close contact to manage “competition and systemic rivalry” with Beijing. The joint statement followed talks in Washington between US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman and… Continue reading US, EU hit China’s ‘problematic’ actions at sea
China protested Indonesian drilling, military exercises
China told Indonesia to stop drilling for oil and natural gas in maritime territory that both countries regard as their own during a months-long standoff in the West Philippine Sea earlier this year, four people familiar with the matter told Reuters. The unprecedented demand, which has not previously been reported, elevated tensions over natural resources… Continue reading China protested Indonesian drilling, military exercises
DND chief says reforms had a key role in Philippines’ ‘modest’ defense integrity rating
Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the country’s Defense System of Management played a key role in the rating given by Transparency International in its Government Defence Integrity Index 2020 Report. The Defense System of Management refers to the DND’s judicious use of resources in its acquisitions for the continued improvement of… Continue reading DND chief says reforms had a key role in Philippines’ ‘modest’ defense integrity rating
Xi tells Southeast Asian leaders China does not seek ‘hegemony’
Chinese President Xi Jinping told leaders of the 10-country Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at a summit on Monday, November 22, that Beijing would not “bully” its smaller regional neighbors amid rising tension over the South China Sea. Beijing’s territorial claims over the sea clash with those of several Southeast Asian nations and have… Continue reading Xi tells Southeast Asian leaders China does not seek ‘hegemony’
Indonesia, Malaysia concerned over AUKUS nuclear subs plan
Malaysia and Indonesia share strong reservations over Australia’s decision to acquire nuclear-powered submarines, even though nuclear weapons were not part of the plan, Malaysia’s foreign minister said on Monday. Referring to AUKUS, a trilateral security pact agreed last month between Australia, the United States and Britain, Saifuddin Abdullah said the two Southeast Asian nations were… Continue reading Indonesia, Malaysia concerned over AUKUS nuclear subs plan
Tsai Ing-wen says Taiwan will ‘spare no effort’ to defend island, democracy
Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen stated that the island wishes to avoid armed war but will “spare no effort” to defend itself as the island works to create a long-range missile capable of striking Beijing. On Friday, days after the People’s Liberation Army’s sent scores of its largest warplanes to patrol near the island, Tsai said… Continue reading Tsai Ing-wen says Taiwan will ‘spare no effort’ to defend island, democracy
Philippine, Australian navy ships conducts maritime drills to promote peace and stability
Aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region, the BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) of the Philippine Navy (PN) and two Royal Australian Navy (RAN) vessels engaged in the at-sea portion of Exercise Lumbas 2021 on Saturday, September 25, 2021, for the “maneuver exercise, division tactics, and formations in column and abreast using NATO coded… Continue reading Philippine, Australian navy ships conducts maritime drills to promote peace and stability
Philippines supports Australia nuclear sub pact to counter China
The Philippines is backing a new defense partnership between the United States, Britain, and Australia, hoping it can maintain the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region, a view that contrasts sharply with some of its neighbors. Known as AUKUS, the alliance will see Australia get technology to deploy nuclear-powered submarines as part of the… Continue reading Philippines supports Australia nuclear sub pact to counter China
Malaysia warns new Indo-Pacific pact may trigger nuclear arms race
Malaysia on Saturday, September 18, expressed concerns that Australia’s plan to build nuclear-powered submarines under a new pact with Britain and the United States could catalyze a nuclear arms race in the Indo-Pacific region. Australia will build eight nuclear-powered submarines under an Indo-Pacific security partnership that has riled China. “It will provoke other powers to… Continue reading Malaysia warns new Indo-Pacific pact may trigger nuclear arms race