Indo-Pacific Defense Forum

19/06/2024

US condemns PRC escalations in South China Sea

"The United States stands with its ally the Philippines and condemns the escalatory and irresponsible actions by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to deny the Philippines from lawfully delivering humanitarian supplies to service members stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre on June 17. PRC vessels’ dangerous and deliberate use of water cannons, ramming, blocking maneuvers, and towing damaged Philippine vessels, endangered the lives of Philippine service members, is reckless, and threatens regional peace and stability."

The United States stands with its ally the Philippines and condemns the escalatory and irresponsible actions by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to deny the Philippines from lawfully delivering humanitarian supplies to service members stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre on June 17. PRC vessels.....

19/06/2024

"India and the United States on Monday pledged to boost defense and technology cooperation and remove long-standing barriers to bilateral strategic trade, following a meeting between the national security advisers of both countries.

National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan is on a two-day visit to the Indian capital, New Delhi...Sullivan met with his counterpart, Ajit Doval, to discuss progress on the Initiative on Critical Emerging Technologies, which the two countries launched in 2022.

The initiative sets a path for collaboration on semiconductor production and developing artificial intelligence and was critical in sealing a deal that will allow U.S.-based General Electric to partner with India’s Hindustan Aeronautics to produce jet engines in India."

They called for more collaboration in funding innovative research in semiconductor manufacturing, clean energy, and machine learning, and discussed possible co-production of land warfare systems.

19/06/2024

U.S. Secretary of State pledged to do 'everything' to cut off North Korea's support for Russia

"Washington has revealed that (North Korea) provided Russia with more than 11,000 containers of munitions and related material and dozens of ballistic missiles for use in Ukraine."

"'Deepening cooperation between Russia and the DPRK is a trend that should be of great concern to anyone interested in maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, upholding the global nonproliferation regime, abiding by the U.N. Security Council resolutions and supporting the people of Ukraine as they defend for their freedom and their independence against Russia's aggression,' White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre told a press briefing."

(ATTN: ADDS photo, Pentagon spokesperson's remarks in paras 18-20)By Song Sang-ho W...

19/06/2024

Taiwan monitoring PRC nuclear submarine in Taiwan strait

"Taiwan's defense minister said on Tuesday that they have a 'grasp' of the situation after pictures appeared online of a Chinese nuclear submarine surfacing in the sensitive Taiwan Strait near Taiwanese fishermen."

"'We must be fully alert to China's continued military harassment and grey zone threats and must always understand China's constant salami-slicing attempts to unilaterally change the status quo,' (Taiwan Defence Minister Wellington Koo) said. 'We must be alert at all times, but not panic nor be apathetic, and calmly deal with the situation in the strait,' he added. 'We won't be the one provoking, and call on China not to be a troublemaker.'"

Taiwan's defence minister said on Tuesday that they have a "grasp" of the situation after pictures appeared online of a Chinese nuclear submarine surfacing in the sensitive Taiwan Strait near Taiwanese fishermen.

19/06/2024

"New Zealand will increase its contribution to North Korea sanctions monitoring, New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said Tuesday... 'This increase reflects the importance New Zealand places on collective security efforts that support peace and stability and the international rules-based system in the Indo-Pacific region,' Luxon said."

"The New Zealand government has been trying to step up international engagement both diplomatically and in its military contributions and earlier this month announced it would deploy more soldiers to the United Nations mission in South Korea."

New Zealand will increase its contribution to North Korea sanctions monitoring, out of Japan, New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said Tuesday.

19/06/2024

Japan-Philippines ties bolster Free and Open Indo-Pacific amid PRC’s coercion
https://ipdefenseforum.com/2024/06/japan-philippines-ties-strengthen-free-and-open-indo-pacific/

FORUM Staff The strengthening bond between Japan and the Philippines is expected to soon produce an

19/06/2024

"Myanmar prison authorities beat about 80 female political prisoners, critically injuring five of them, after prison authorities sparked a protest when they confiscated the women’s belongings, a human rights group told Radio Free Asia on Tuesday. "

"Junta authorities have been accused of torture, extrajudicial killings and other abuses in Myanmar’s cramped and crumbling prisons. Tension in the Bago region’s Daik-U Prison began when guards seized food and personal belongings of about 40 political prisoners on Saturday, according to the Political Prisoner Network Myanmar."

Several are in critical condition, a human rights group said.

19/06/2024

"Canada joined its first joint patrol with the Philippines in the South China Sea (SCS) in a multilateral maritime cooperative activity (MMCA), along with Japan and the United States, to uphold freedom of navigation and overflight amid Beijing’s growing assertiveness in the contested waters."

"The activity 'demonstrates our collective commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation in the maritime domain,' INDOPACOM said."

The maritime activity took place as China interfered with a Philippine resupply mission to Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, a low-tide elevation that lies within the Philippines’ 370-kilometer exclusive economic zone, some 194 kilometers off Palawan province.

19/06/2024

"Military junta troops have destroyed major roads that connect several towns and cities controlled by rebel forces in northern Myanmar’s Shan State in what could be preparation for renewed fighting in the area, residents told Radio Free Asia."

"The destroyed roads have led to a rise in the price of rice and other goods, a Namtu township resident told RFA. Gasoline has increased from 3,600 kyat (US$1.72) to 4,000 kyat (US$1.91) per liter and is being sold on a limited basis, he said."

Bulldozers have made several major roads impassable amid a buildup of insurgent forces in the area.

19/06/2024

During , participants executed a joint-service, multilateral patient movement exercise. This exercise ensures servicemembers who might become injured during operations are taken care of from the time they become injured through the time they are transported back to a location where they can receive full medical care.

19/06/2024

Nations condemn latest PRC aggression in the South China Sea

On Monday, Chinese Navy, coast guard and maritime militia vessels obstructed a Philippines resupply mission to a Philippines military outpost at the in the .

Around the region and world, nations are reacting. Here’s what officials are saying about these dangerous actions.

18/06/2024

The India-U.S. relationship is “really strong,” U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said https://ipdefenseforum.com/2024/06/india-u-s-expected-to-further-strengthen-defense-ties-to-boost-regional-security/

18/06/2024

On sovereignty and maritime trade, from the latest issue: "The oceans and seas that dominate the Indo-Pacific present a challenge of immense proportions to safeguarding sovereignty and upholding freedom of navigation and commerce."

18/06/2024

"Cambodia and Australia agreed to deepen cooperation in the fight against transnational crime, with Australia pledging to provide cybercrime training to Cambodian police officers... In a meeting with Sokha, Australia’s Deputy Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Michelle Chan praised the good relations and cooperation between the two countries, reflected in the exchange of visits between Cambodian and Australian leaders, according to a June 16 press release from the ministry."

"Thong Mengdavid, a lecturer at the Royal University of Phnom Penh’s Institute for International Studies, said Sokha’s visit to Australia underscores the strengthening relationship between the two countries, noting that Australia possesses advanced capabilities in intelligence gathering, human resources and technology to address potential cyber threats and counterintelligence. 'Cybersecurity is a significant concern for national security due to its covert and elusive nature. Australia has been a valuable partner to Cambodia's National Police, with Australian experts and officials sharing their expertise and information, enabling local authorities to pinpoint and prevent the threat from happening.'"

PHNOM PENH: Cambodia and Australia agreed to deepen cooperation in the fight against transnational crime, with Australia pledging to provide cybercrime training to Cambodian police officers.

18/06/2024

PRC maritime rule allowing China Coast Guard to detain foreigners who cross PRC-claimed marine zones, takes effect

"A tough Chinese maritime provision takes effect on Saturday, directing the China Coast Guard to detain foreign nationals who cross marine demarcations set by Beijing, drawing concerns from Philippine officials and experts that territorial disputes in the South China Sea could flare up anew. The provision issued last month allows for detaining 'trespassing' foreigners for up to 60 days without trial. As this could allow the coast guard to lock up Filipinos who fish in the South China Sea, Manila immediately denounced its unilateral implementation."

"China's new regulations threaten the livelihoods of Filipino fishermen and hinder the military's ability to conduct resupply and humanitarian missions to its outposts in the West Philippine Sea..."

Decree potentially allows detentions of those not heeding Beijing's '10-dash line'

18/06/2024

NATO urges Partners and Allies to deepen connections against authoritarian misdeeds

"The chief of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) said Monday that Russia's growing alignment with North Korea, China and its other 'authoritarian' friends makes it 'even more important' for the transatlantic alliance to work closely with its Indo-Pacific partners. Speaking at a forum, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also criticized China's support for Russia's defense industrial base as well as North Korea's transfer of munitions and Iran's provision of attack drones to Russia for use in Ukraine... 'I have therefore invited the leaders of Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the Republic of Korea to the NATO summit in Washington next month. Together, we can uphold the international rules-based order and protect our shared values...'"

"He also underlined what he called the 'reality that China is fueling the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II' thorough its backing for Russia's defense industry. 'At the same time, it wants to maintain good relations with the West,' he said. 'Well, Beijing cannot have it both ways. At some point ... unless China changes its course, allies need to impose a cost.'"

By Song Sang-ho WASHINGTON, June 17 (Yonhap) -- The chief of the North Atlantic Treaty O...

18/06/2024

"Japanese officials have toured a U.S. intercontinental ballistic missile base in the state of Wyoming, learning about the specific procedures leading up to a nuclear missile launch. The visit took place during the bilateral Extended Deterrence Dialogue at Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne last Thursday and Friday. This is the first disclosed tour of an ICBM base during the deterrence dialogues, which were established in 2010."

"The intentional disclosure of the visits, which started in 2022, is believed to be a signal to adversaries like China, Russia and North Korea that the U.S. nuclear umbrella is up and running. In a joint statement released after his meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in April, U.S. President Joe Biden reiterated the 'unwavering commitment' of the U.S. to defend Japan using its full range of capabilities, 'including nuclear capabilities.'"

Disclosure of Wyoming visit seen as signal to China and Russia

18/06/2024

"A Filipino soldier was reportedly hurt during a collision between Philippine and Chinese vessels in the waters adjacent to Ayungin Shoal on Monday morning. According to Joseph Morong’s 24 Oras report on Monday, a reliable source of GMA Integrated News said a medical evacuation was conducted for the soldier who sustained injuries during an alleged resupply mission. His condition is still being determined."

“'We will not dignify the deceptive and misleading claims of the CCG,' said AFP Spokesperson Col. Frances Padilla. 'The main issue remains to be the illegal presence and actions of Chinese vessels within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, which infringes on our sovereignty and sovereign rights. The continued aggressive actions of the CCG are escalating tensions in the region,' Padilla added."

A Filipino soldier was reportedly hurt during a collision on Monday morning between Philippine and Chinese vessels in the waters near Ayungin Shoal.

18/06/2024

"China's dangerous and reckless behavior in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) will 'be resisted' by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), assured Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. Monday night... 'Their behavior contravenes their statements of good faith and decency. We will exert our utmost in order to fulfill our sworn mandate to protect our territorial integrity, sovereignty and sovereign rights,' Teodoro said."

"The People’s Liberation Army-Navy, CCG and Chinese Maritime Militia vessels engaged in dangerous maneuvers, including ramming and towing. Despite the illegal, aggressive, and reckless actions by the Chinese maritime forces, our personnel showed restraint and professionalism, refrained from escalating the tension, and carried on with their mission..."

MANILA – China's dangerous and reckless behavior in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) will "be resisted" by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), assured Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. Monday night. He issued the statement after the China Coast Guard (CCG) claimed that a Philippine…

18/06/2024

Allies and Partners reject the PRC’s ‘worrisome’ detention law in the South China Sea https://ipdefenseforum.com/2024/06/ccps-baseless-detention-order-increases-south-china-sea-tensions/

FORUM Staff A Chinese coast guard threat to detain “trespassing” foreign fishermen and sailors in th

18/06/2024

"The United States, Canada, Japan, and the Philippines conducted a two-day joint maritime exercise in Manila's exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea, the U.S. Pacific Fleet said on its website on Monday. The maritime cooperative activity was aimed at 'upholding freedom of navigation and overflight, reaffirming the four nations' commitment to bolstering regional security and stability,' the U.S. Pacific Fleet said.

It involved four warships and a series of maritime maneuvers to test and validate the interoperability of our armed forces' doctrines, tactics, techniques, and procedures, it added."

The United States, Canada, Japan, and the Philippines conducted a two-day joint maritime exercise in Manila's exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea, the U.S. Pacific Fleet said on its website on Monday.

18/06/2024

"The U.S., South Korea and Japan will sign a deal to formalize their security partnership against threats from North Korea’s nuclear weapons, cementing ties before America inaugurates its next president in January. South Korean Defense Minister Shin Wonsik said in an interview that he will soon meet his U.S. and Japanese counterparts to sign the pact known as the Trilateral Security Cooperation Framework."

South Korean Defense Minister Shin Wonsik said that the three countries' defense chiefs will soon sign a pact known as the Trilateral Security Cooperation Framework.

18/06/2024

U.S. submarine tender visits Australia with Australian sailors aboard

USS Emory S. Land (AS-39), the U.S. Navy’s mobile submarine maintenance platform, is currently in Cairns, Australia. It departed Guam on May 17th for a deployment to Australia, stopping in Darwin last month for its first port visit of the deployment.

A team of Royal Australian Navy sailors are embedded on board to build the unique knowledge, skills and experience in how the U.S. conducts nuclear-powered submarine maintenance.

The embedded maintenance team aboard Emory S. Land will inform the RAN effort to support U.S. deployments to Western Australia for boats that will be crewed by U.S. and Australian sailors.

“The skills, knowledge and experience gained in Guam alongside our United States Navy partners will afford our people the opportunity to undertake some of the most complex maintenance on a United States SSN,” RAN chief Vice Adm. Mark Hammond said in a statement.

17/06/2024

South Korea, U.S. developing joint strategy to confront North Korean nuclear threat https://ipdefenseforum.com/2024/06/south-korea-u-s-developing-joint-strategy-on-north-korea-nuclear-threat/

Reuters Senior South Korean and United States defense officials met in Seoul recently to develop gui

17/06/2024

"ASEAN countries' exports to the U.S. in the January-March period surpassed those to China for the first time in six quarters as the region's trade appears to be shifting along with moves in the global supply chain."

"Malaysia's exports to the U.S. increased 8% year-on-year in the quarter, whereas China-bound exports decreased 3.3%... For Vietnam, the U.S. in 2023 received 28% of the country's exports and China 17%. The country's exports to the U.S. increased 24% to $25.7 billion in the first quarter, the biggest gain among ASEAN members, far ahead of Thailand, at $12.6 billion, and Singapore, at $12.0 billion... Likewise, Thailand's first-quarter exports to China fell 5.1% year over year, with those of natural rubber, tapioca products and fruit declining. In contrast, exports to the U.S. increased 9.8%, driven by agricultural and agro-industrial products."

Positions flip-flop for 1st time in 6 quarters, following supply chain shift

17/06/2024

Japan assists Philippine Coast Guard with loan to acquire ships

"The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) thanked the Japanese government and the Department of Finance (DOF) for the recent signing of a PHP24.5 billion loan to finance the acquisition of five capital ships for the PCG fleet. PCG Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, said the loan agreement signifies the 'extraordinary support and cooperation' from the DOF and the Japan Embassy in the Philippines.

“This is to enable our agency to better fulfill our unique roles in the security and development of our maritime and archipelagic country..."

MANILA – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) thanked the Japanese government and the Department of Finance (DOF) for the recent signing of a PHP24.5 billion loan to finance the acquisition of five capital ships for the PCG fleet. PCG Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, said the loan agreement…

17/06/2024

"The chipmaking equipment industry is moving to set up bases of operation in India, as the country emerges as a promising alternative to China amid tensions between Beijing and the West. International chip industry group SEMI will hold its Semicon exhibition in India for the first time in September near New Delhi. The exhibition has been held in the U.S., Japan, Europe, Taiwan, South Korea, China and Southeast Asia."

Tokyo Electron, Disco, Applied Materials, KLA to attend New Delhi Semicon

17/06/2024

U.S. and South Korea warn Russia against forging closer military ties with North Korea

"Putin is planning to meet the North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, in a reciprocal visit following Kim’s weeklong trip to Russia last September, media reports said. During that trip, the two leaders are believed to have agreed that North Korea would receive Russian help with its space program in return for providing Russia with armaments for the war in Ukraine, in violation of UN resolutions."

"'While closely monitoring related developments, (the U.S and South Korea) agreed to resolutely respond through airtight cooperation to North Korea’s provocations against South Korea and actions that escalate tensions in the region,' South Korea’s foreign ministry said in a statement on Friday."

Civilian aircraft have been cleared from Pyongyang’s airport and there are signs of preparations for a possible parade in Kim Il-sung Square

17/06/2024

Indicators show prosperity in the PRC on a downward trend

"China once enjoyed an optimistic and confident middle class. It supported the economy’s growth path with sometimes exuberant spending and aggressive investing. Sadly, those millions are now losing ground, with many slipping back toward poverty."

"This is no small problem for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). It has long had an implicit contract with the Chinese people under which they will quietly tolerate the party in power and the party will deliver them prosperity. The authorities increasingly seem to be failing on their end of the bargain. So far, the public has taken a passive approach to the situation, cutting back on spending and trying, against the odds, to rebuild wealth. If things go to extremes, however, there is no telling how the Chinese people will react. There was after all considerable violence during the recession of 2009."

A once-optimistic Chinese middle class is struggling, with many now slipping toward poverty – sad for workers, dangerous for the CCP.

17/06/2024

"China is directly subsidizing production of illicit fentanyl precursors for sale abroad and fueling the U.S. opioid crisis, a U.S. congressional committee said on Tuesday, releasing findings from an investigation it said unveiled Beijing's incentives for the deadly chemicals.

China continues to provide subsidies in the form of value-added tax rebates to its companies that manufacture fentanyl analogues, precursors and other synthetic narcotics, so long as they sell them outside of China, the House of Representatives' select committee on China said in a report."

"'The PRC (People's Republic of China) scheduled all fentanyl analogues as controlled substances in 2019, meaning that it currently subsidizes the export of drugs that are illegal under both U.S. and PRC law,' the report said, adding that some of the substances 'have no known legal use worldwide.'"

China is directly subsidizing production of illicit fentanyl precursors for sale abroad and fueling the U.S. opioid crisis, a U.S. congressional committee said on Tuesday, releasing findings from an investigation it said unveiled Beijing's incentives for the deadly chemicals.