| Regional Affairs
The Relevance of the South Korea-US Alliance The Diplomat 14th Apr 2014
More than 60 years old, the South Korea-U.S. military alliance has weathered monumental change on the divided Korean Peninsula. Since the signing of the Mutual Defense Treaty at the close of the Korean War in 1953, South Korea has transformed from a poor authoritarian state to a prosperous democracy. The once poorer sibling’s economy now dwarfs that of neighboring North Korea, its primary security concern. Further afar, the Cold War has been consigned to history. Meanwhile, China has entered the international consciousness as a burgeoning superpower. Yet, fundamentally, the alliance remains little changed. South Korea’s defense continues to be the responsibility of the U.S., which retains wartime control over the local military and stations close to 30,000 troops on Korean soil. A plan to transfer wartime control to South Korea, first agreed upon in 2006, has been delayed repeatedly, most recently to 2015 – a date that itself looks in doubt due to trepidation from the conservative government in Seoul. Despite the now vast development gap between the Koreas, both Washington and Seoul insist their partnership remains essential. Marking its 60th anniversary last May, a joint statement described the relationship as an “anchor for stability, security, and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula, in the Asia-Pacific region, and increasingly around the world.”
US puts the Asian ‘pivot’ into pictures EAF 11th Apr 2014
The ‘rebalance’ to the Asia Pacific is alive and well according to the recently released US Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR). If a picture tells a thousand words then the United States Department of Defense’s (DoD) latest strategic policy document has some interesting things to say. Eight of the 22 photos in the document focus on the region, and this outstrips the US homeland — the focus of overall US strategy. Twenty-two pictures illustrate five chapters that cover the strategic environment, rebalancing the joint force, rebalancing defence institutions, and risks of sequestration. On first glance the regional emphasis of these photos provides some revealing insights. After the Asia Pacific and the US, the Middle East comes in third with four images, while Europe gets just two and the ‘Western Hemisphere’ and Africa one each. The Asia Pacific not only ranks first in terms of the document’s order of analysis for the global security environment, it also fills out twice as much space in the strategic environment section of the document as the Middle East. Europe, Africa and the Western Hemisphere are summed up in only one paragraph each. In discussing the US strategy to ‘Build Security Globally’, again the Asia Pacific is front and centre with the QDR declaring that ‘US interests remain inextricably linked to the peace and security of the Asia Pacific region’.
Is Abe bypassing democracy to push his defence agenda? EAF 11th Apr 2014
Is Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s new interpretation of Japan’s Constitution constitutional? Seeking to move his national agenda to revise the regime created after World War II, Abe has repeatedly argued for a new interpretation of Article 9 to allow ‘collective self-defence’ actions by Japan’s Self-Defense Forces. He has said that, as the head of the government, he would take ultimate responsibility for a potential reinterpretation by facing general elections. Abe has commissioned a Council on Security and Defense Capabilities to develop a proposal for a new interpretation of Article 9. He will seek approval from his cabinet members once the council develops a proposal. But there has been strong opposition — even from his own Liberal Democratic Party members and his coalition party — over concerns that if his approach establishes a precedent, any future prime minister can come up with a new interpretation without changing the Constitution. It is important to remember that the prime minister himself handpicks all the council and cabinet members.
Dangerous Neighborhoods: U.S.-Japan Naval Cooperation The Diplomat 11th Apr 2014
U.S.-Japan naval cooperation has long been recognized as the critical core of the U.S.-Japan security relationship; the navies’ success in rebuffing the Soviet naval threat in the 1980s is legendary. The successful cooperation between the U.S. Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) even helped to buoy the broader alliance relationship, which was suffering at the time from trade-related and other economic challenges. The key elements that were so important to the naval relationship—strategic clarity, definitive roles and missions, and operational engagement—emanated from a strong and committed security alliance. As preparations are finalized for U.S. President Barack Obama’s upcoming trip to Japan, a reminder of what made these two navies so successful during a strategically challenging period of history can provide useful lessons. Today, the two navies once again find themselves on the front lines in the Asia-Pacific region as maritime challenges increase. Yet the U.S.-Japan security alliance is facing its own set of challenges as Washington and Tokyo come to terms with what the new environment means for them and their interests. Some analysts are calling into question the U.S. commitment to the alliance relationship. Others say that Japan is moving towards greater independence from the alliance and that it is hedging its bets to ensure that it has the ability to defend itself.
Littoral Ship’s Fitness for Asia Questioned by Some in U.S. Navy Bloomberg 10th Apr 2014
U.S. Navy officers in the Pacific fleet say the service’s Littoral Combat Ship may lack the speed, range and electronic warfare capabilities needed to operate in Asian waters, according to a congressional audit. “Several 7th Fleet officials told us they thought the LCS in general might be better suited to operations” in the smaller Persian Gulf, the U.S. Government Accountability Office said in a 56-page report, labeled “For Official Use Only,” obtained by Bloomberg News. The Navy should consider buying fewer of the ships if its limitations prevent effective use in the Pacific, according to the report by GAO, Congress’s watchdog agency. The report follows others that have questioned the cost, mission and survivability in combat of the ship that’s designed to operate in shallow coastal waters.
Chinese Premier Li Warns Southeast Asia Nations Against 'Provocations' WSJ 10th Apr 2014
Premier Li Keqiang delivered a warning to Southeast Asian countries with whom China is embroiled in territorial disputes, saying that China will "respond firmly to provocations." His remarks, in a speech also peppered with calls for regional cooperation, follow a move by the Philippines last month to challenge China's claims to almost the entire South China Sea at a U.N. arbitration panel in The Hague, a legal gambit that has enraged China. They also come U.S. officials harden their rhetoric against China's increasing assertiveness in the region. This week, visiting U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel warned that this behavior risked conflict. In a speech at the Boao Forum for Asia, Mr. Li combined a strong message regarding China's sovereignty claims with soothing words aimed at reassuring a region that is growing nervous about China's military intentions. "I wish to emphasize that China is committed to peaceful development," he told delegates to the forum on Hainan, a southern island province through which China asserts sweeping administrative control over large tracts of the South China Sea. "We will give full support to initiatives that help strengthen maritime cooperation," he said. "On the other hand, we will respond firmly to provocations that undermine peace and stability in the South China Sea."
Philippine, Vietnamese navies to unite against China over beers and volleyball Reuters 10th Apr 2014
The Philippine navy will soon return to a South China Sea island it lost to Vietnam 40 years ago to drink beer and play volleyball with Vietnamese sailors, symbolizing how once-suspicious neighbors are cooperating in the face of China's assertiveness in disputed waters. Diplomats and experts describe the nascent partnership as part of a web of evolving relationships across Asia that are being driven by fear of China as well as doubts among some, especially in Japan, over the U.S. commitment to the region. When U.S. President Barack Obama visits Asia this month he will see signs that once-disparate nations are strategizing for the future, even though he will likely seek to shore-up faith in America's "pivot" back to the region. Among the new network of ties: growing cooperation between Japan and India; Vietnam courting India and Russia; and Manila and Hanoi, the two capitals most feeling China's wrath over claims to the potentially energy-rich South China Sea, working more closely together. The Philippines and Vietnam are also talking to Malaysia about China. "We are seeing a definite trend here, one that is likely to accelerate," said Rory Medcalf, a regional security specialist at Australia's independent Lowy Institute for International Policy in Sydney.
Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel walks with ASEAN defense ministers PhilStar 9th Apr 2014
The defense chiefs of China and the US faced off yesterday over Beijing's escalating territorial disputes in the region, with US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel telling his Chinese counterparts they do not have the right to unilaterally establish an air defense zone over disputed islands with no consultation. And he said America will protect Japan, the Philippines and other allies locked in disputes with China, as laid out in US treaty obligations. Chinese Defense Minister Chang Wanquan said his country will not take the initiative to stir up troubles with Japan, but warned that Beijing is ready to use its military if needed to safeguard its territory. And he said the US must "stay vigilant" against Japan's actions and "not be permissive and supportive" of Tokyo. Washington has criticized Beijing's recent declaration of an air defense zone over a large swath of the East China Sea, including disputed remote islands controlled by Japan but also claimed by China. Hagel was in Japan earlier this week, reassuring its leaders of ongoing US support. In their remarks yesterday, Hagel and Chang largely aired their countries' well-known positions about the territorial disputes, although doing it for the first time in China, shoulder to shoulder, after nearly two hours of meetings.
McCain blasts U.S. Navy's LCS ship plan; urges cut to 24 vessels Reuters 9th Apr 2014
Senator John McCain on Wednesday blasted the U.S. Navy's new Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program as a "shameful" and dangerous waste of taxpayer money, and he urged the Pentagon to cut its planned purchases back by another eight ships to 24 ships. McCain, a senior Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said the Navy's poor planning had led to a new class of ships that could not survive in combat, cost far more than expected, provided less capability than earlier warships and had not demonstrated their utility after 13 years of development. Lockheed Martin Corp and Australia's Austal are building two different versions of the ship, which was designed to be rapidly reconfigured to fight other surface ships, hunt for and destroy enemy mines and battle submarines. A longtime critic of the program, McCain used a speech on the Senate floor to back Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel's decision to limit LCS procurement to 32 ships instead of the 52 ships initially planned and called for a further cut to 24 ships.
Navy and Marines Still Unclear How Army Will Fit Into Pacific Pivot USNI 9th Apr 2014
The key to success for operations in the Pacific is mobility, but having sufficient resources to meet the vast requirements—even for training—across the next five years is in serious question. Lt. Gen. John Wissler, commanding general of the III Marine Expeditionary Force, said “We don’t even achieve those 33 ships” [the minimum needed for amphibious operations by the Navy and Marine Corps] over that time. To meet the combatant commanders’ stated requirements would require more than 50 ships. Vice Adm. Scott Swift, director of the Navy staff, said those ships are over utilized now and are being pressed to work even more—delaying maintenance to maintain forward presence. While leveraging other types of vessels, such as oilers, to supply communications connectivity or emptying pre-positioned ships to support amphibious operations works in exercises, “We need those warfighting ships to do Phase 2 and 3 things,” said Lt. Gen. John Toolan Jr., commander of the I Marine Expeditionary Force. He also expressed concern over the reduction of maritime preposition squadrons from three to two in the Pacific.
Australia in Talks to Buy Japanese Submarines to Upgrade Fleet Defense Studies 9th Apr 2014
Almost 72 years after Japanese midget submarines attacked Sydney Harbour killing 21 sailors, Australia could buy Japanese subs for its $30 billion replacement program. Possible access to Japanese technology and even a so-called “military off-the-shelf” deal to buy the boats is on the agenda during high-level defence talks in Tokyo between Prime Minister Tony Abbott and senior Japanese officials. Mr Abbott’s talks follow a top-secret mission to Japan in February by the nation’s defence purchasing guru and head of the Defence Materiel Organisation Warren King to open negotiations with Japan’s defence agency for possible access to its Soryu Class submarines. Defence Minister David Johnston has also met Japanese officials to discuss submarines and senior navy officers have been on board the Japanese boats to examine technologies such as the Swedish-designed air independent propulsion (AIP) system.
ASEAN’s haphazard response to MH370 disaster EAF 8th Apr 2014
ASEAN’s Search and Rescue (SAR) response to the MH370 disaster highlighted both regional solidarity and poor cooperation. The speed at which ASEAN nations provided resources to the SAR efforts showed that there was a willingness to work together — but there were no mechanisms in place to coordinate a regional response. The response from the maritime states in ASEAN was almost immediate, with Brunei, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam offering varying degrees of SAR assistance. This initial willingness of ASEAN neighbour states to help each other out should be seen as a positive development in the region and evidence that the existing regional community-building exercises are starting to work. But despite an abundance of resources, the MH370 SAR operation was characterised by poor cooperation and communication, contradictory statements and a lack of trust in sharing sensitive information between ASEAN countries. The strengthened regional community has been very much overshadowed by the poor coordination of the MH370 SAR operation in the Gulf of Thailand and South China Sea.
U.S. defense chief gets earful as China visit exposes tensions Reuters 8th Apr 2014
Tensions between China and the United States were on full display on Tuesday as Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel faced questions in Beijing about America's position in bitter territorial disputes with regional U.S. allies. Chinese Defense Minister Chang Wanquan, standing side-by-side with Hagel, called on the United States to restrain ally Japan and chided another U.S. ally, the Philippines. Then, Hagel was sharply questioned by Chinese officers at the National Defense University. One of them told Hagel he was concerned that the United States was stirring up trouble in the East and South China Sea because it feared someday "China will be too big a challenge for the United States to cope with." "Therefore you are using such issues ... to make trouble to hamper (China's) development," the officer said. Hagel assured the audience that America had no interest in trying to "contain China" and that it took no position in such disputes. But he also cautioned repeatedly during the day that the United States would stand by its allies. "We have mutual self defense treaties with each of those two countries," Hagel said, referring to Japan and the Philippines. "And we are fully committed to those treaty obligations."
Secretary of Defense Speech - PLA National Defense University DoD 8th Apr 2014
General, thank you. I am honored and consider this a privilege to have this opportunity to speak to you and later hear from you and get a sense of, first, what’s on your minds, what you think about not just the China-U.S. future, but in particular where we can build stronger and richer and deeper relations between our two countries, which will much determine how the 21st century turns out. I first want to introduce a friend, a former Senate colleague, now our U.S. ambassador to China, Max Baucus. Many of you know Ambassador Baucus. We’re very proud of his work here. He’s working very hard to strengthen this very special friendship and relationship. So, Max, thank you for being here and taking time to be with me on my – on my trip. And, again, thank you all for inviting me. I want to also thank President Xi; Vice-Chairman General Fan; my old friend from Washington days, State Councilor Yang; and especially my host here in China, General Chang, who I’ve spent the morning with. I thank them all for their gracious hospitality and all that they have done to accommodate my visit here to China. We’ve had a very wide-ranging and constructive discussion today on many issues that reflect our growing cooperation. I also want to thank our ambassador, as I said, in particular for his insightful understanding of this relationship. While he was in the Senate, he was chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, which many of you may know is the committee that oversees trade and exports and imports. So to have his knowledge here as our ambassador is particularly important to this relationship. Preparing for my visit here to China, but in particular my visit to this prestigious institution, I was reminded that the first United States defense secretary to travel to China was my friend, Harold Brown, whom I see often. During that trip, which took place in January 1980, Secretary Brown spoke at one of this institution’s predecessors, the PLA Military School.
Aloha Diplomacy: What the U.S.-ASEAN Defense Forum in Hawaii Could Achieve CNAS 7th Apr 2014
Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel walks with defense ministers with the Association of South East Asian Nations in Honolulu, Hawaii April 1, 2014. Hagel held a round table meeting as well as visiting military bases around Honolulu showcasing the aid and support the United States can partner with the ASEAN nations. DoD Photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo (Released) *** Last week, U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel played host to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) Defense Ministers in the first ever U.S.-ASEAN Defense Forum in Honolulu. Secretary Hagel had announced his decision to finally reciprocate ASEAN’s numerous meeting invitations last July, at the International Institute for Strategic Studies’ Singapore-based Shangri La Dialogue – which has become one of the region’s de facto high-level defense meetings.
Hagel Press Briefing En Route to Japan DoD 6th Apr 2014
The 10 ASEAN defense ministers and I just completed what I believe is an extremely valuable meeting here in Hawaii, one that affirmed the deepening bonds of friendship between our nations, and the growing opportunities that exist for us to partner together -- continue to partner together to meet new and enduring security challenges across the Asia-Pacific region. This gathering was an important milestone in America's growing engagement with the ASEAN nations, and another signal of the important role ASEAN has to play in promoting regional stability and prosperity. I'm grateful to all the ministers for making the trip. It was not easy. They all have many responsibilities. So I appreciate their time -- and for their investment of their efforts and energy to make this happen. I also appreciate the hospitality that's been shown to all of us here by the people of Hawaii, the people of Pacific Command, in particular, Admiral Locklear and his men and women who have done so much, not only to assist us in putting this forum together, but what they do for the United States every day in this region of the world.
Strategic ambiguity a hazard for Asian security EAF 4th Apr 2014
One of the most dangerous challenges facing the Asia Pacific is ambiguity — particularly strategic ambiguity on the part of the two most important players in Asian security, the United States and China. How these two nations engage with each other is ultimately of paramount importance to regional security. Therefore, it is crucial that they make their intentions crystal clear, not only to each other but to the other Asia Pacific nations as well.
US-ASEAN Defense Forum Reaffirms Partnerships and Growing Role of ASEAN ASEAN Matters For America 4th Apr 2014
The first US-ASEAN Defense Forum to be held on US soil occurred in Honolulu, Hawai‘i on April 1st, 2014, followed the next day by a defense ministerial roundtable. Defense ministers from all 10 ASEAN countries were in attendance. The forum emphasized not only the U.S. rebalance to Asia, but also the increasing security role of ASEAN in the region, as US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said , “This gathering was an important milestone in America’s growing engagement with the ASEAN nations, and another signal of the important role ASEAN has to play in promoting regional stability and prosperity”.
Asia Follows China Into an Old-Fashioned Arms Race FT 2nd Apr 2014
Beijing’s build-up is leading rivals to follow suit, a trend likely to gather pace in coming years. Everyone knows about China’s arms build-up. Beijing’s defence budget has risen eightfold in 20 years. In that time it has become comfortably the world’s second-biggest spender on the military. In 2012, the country accounted for nearly 10 per cent of global expenditure, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, which monitors defence spending. That was more than Russia and the UK combined, although only a quarter of what the supposedly cash-strapped US laid out on its armed forces, according to official figures. Less understood, however, is the effect China’s military build-up is having on Asia as a whole. In 2012, for the first year in modern times, Asian states spent more on defence than European ones. From India to South Korea and from Vietnam to Malaysia, governments in the region are ramping up defence spending. Even pacifist Japan, which for years has been cutting its defence outlays, has recently started to reverse the trend as it reorients its defence posture towards what it perceives as a growing Chinese threat. To some extent the build-up in Asia, at a time when the US and Europe are paring military expenditure, is a “natural” shift to a fast-growing region. As economies grow, they are bound to modernise their defence capabilities. Likewise, as China becomes more dependent on imports of raw materials, whether of iron ore from Brazil or oil from Sudan, it is less keen to outsource control of vital sea lanes to the US. Yet the arms build-up in Asia has another, more worrying, dimension. This is what Desmond Ball, professor of strategic studies at Australian National University, calls “action-reaction dynamics”. To put it bluntly, there is an old-fashioned arms race going on. Robert Kaplan, an academic and author of Asia’s Cauldron, a new book about the South China Sea, calls it “one of the most under-reported stories in the elite media in decades”.
Missing MH370: The Unintended Silver Lining of Regional Security Cooperation Establishment Post 2nd Apr 2014
The missing Malaysian Airlines MH370 Boeing 777 aircraft, with the apparent loss of all passengers and crew, has captivated the world for over two weeks now as each revelation generates surprising twists and turns in the story of the search for the missing aircraft. For Australia perhaps the biggest surprise has been that so much of the search and recovery efforts are based out of Perth. Equally surprising, however, is the level of international cooperation and collaboration this operation has engendered. Experience in Aceh, following the Indian Ocean tsunami disaster, and elsewhere has seen the Australian Defence Force (ADF) place considerable emphasis on collaborative international military exercises. There members of the respective defence forces meet together, share stories and compare notes, while studying contrasting techniques and procedures. This kind of activity is sometimes called military diplomacy. It provides avenues for members of the ADF to get to know and become familiar with members of neighbouring defence forces as well. This is increasingly coming to be seen as a good thing. Building trust and mutual confidence can help in times of crisis.
Japan Ends Decades-Long Ban on Export of Weapons NYT 1st Apr 2014
Taking his nation another step away from its postwar pacifism, the government of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe discarded a nearly half-century ban on the export of weapons and military hardware on Tuesday, a move aimed at helping Japan assume a larger regional security role to offset China’s growing military might. The decision, which had been under consideration for years before Mr. Abe took office, replaced the self-imposed ban dating to the late 1960s with new, still-restrictive guidelines that permit the export of weapons only to allies and partners that agree not to sell them to third nations without Japanese approval. The new guidelines will also make it easier for Japan to join multinational development projects for expensive new weapons systems, like the American-led effort to build the F-35 stealth fighter jet. The move formalizes a change that had already begun in incremental steps a few years ago, as Japan created a growing number of exceptions to its export ban, known as the three principles. The principles were one of the most visible pillars of Japan’s post-World War II renunciation of war, along with its pacifist Constitution, which Mr. Abe has also said he wants to revise. Adopted in 1967, the three principles originally prohibited arms sales to Communist nations, countries under United Nations sanctions and countries in armed conflict, but it eventually grew into a blanket ban on all weapons exports.
China documentary: What's in store for PH, ASEAN? Rappler 26th Mar 2014
n a few days, the Philippines is expected to file its Memorial with the Permanent Court of Arbitration that acts as the Registrar for the arbitration panel established under Annex VII of the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. The act represents the first major milestone ever since the Philippines launched its arbitration case against China over the disputes in the West Philippine Sea. It is expected that the Memorial will contain an extensive treatment of the legal status of China's claim to sovereignty and exclusive jurisdiction over the entire South China Sea, represented by the so-called Nine Dashed Lines map (9DL). Among the main issues that must be squarely addressed is the nature of China's claims in the South China Sea, and the precise contours of sovereignty and jurisdiction which they claim to have in the entire area.
China’s new subs to get long-range nuclear missiles for the first time Washington Times 25th Mar 2014
China’s newest class of submarines appear to be getting a special upgrade for the first time: long-range nuclear missiles. The head of U.S. Pacific Command, Admiral Samuel Locklear III, told Congress on Tuesday that the ballistic missiles on China’s newest submarines would have an estimated range of 4,000 nautical miles. “This will give China its first credible sea-based nuclear deterrent, probably before the end of 2014,” Adm. Locklear told the Senate Armed Services Committee, Agence France Presse reported. “China’s advance in submarine capabilities is significant. They possess a large and increasingly capable submarine force,” Adm. Locklear continued. The head of the U.S. Pacific fleet said that within the next decade China would possess 60 to 70 submarines, with its JIN-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines armed with new JL-2 missiles.
Budget Cuts Could Limit Military's Pacific Pivot military.com 25th Mar 2014
Budget constraints and force requirements in other regions will likely stall the Pentagon's plans to beef up the U.S. military presence in the Asia-Pacific and send more high-tech weaponry to deter a rising China, officials and analysts say. DoD released its $496 billion fiscal 2015 budget request earlier this month. Due to caps imposed by Congress' bipartisan budget deal in December, the Pentagon is requesting $45 billion less than what it anticipated it would need to carry out the national defense strategy when it submitted last year's budget request. DoD also released its Future Years Defense Program, which calls for $115 billion more in military spending than current law allows over the course of the next five years. "Right now, the pivot [to the Pacific] is being looked at again, because candidly it can't happen [due to budget pressures]," Katrina McFarland, the assistant secretary of defense for acquisition, said at an Aviation Week conference in Arlington, Va. on March 4, according to multiple news reports.
Building Maritime Collaboration for Security and Stability state.gov 19th Mar 2014
Modernization, Partnerships and Maritime Domain Awareness Thank you for inviting me to participate in the Jakarta Defense Dialog. I assure you I am not sailing under false colors, I am indeed a Naval Officer but I am currently on assignment to the State Department and the uniform of the day at our State Department is a Business Suit. My assignment to the State Department underscores our military’s commitment to develop increased partnerships across two departments that have very different roles but share the same goal of better partnerships. I’ll touch more on that later but for now, I relish the opportunity to discuss Maritime topics so thank you once again for providing me with this opportunity to participate. I am going to start my remarks by first addressing Modernization. If we take a look at the newest naval systems you might be impressed by cruise missiles with terminal speeds far in excess of the speed of sound. You will also see a proliferation of unmanned vehicles, stealthy aircraft and ships that are more connected in a command and control sense than we have ever seen. Gone are the days when a Sailor determined a ship’s might by the tonnage she displaced. Instead, we look at these ships and first ask, how far can the ship see, how well connected is the ship with all the other sensors available to the commander?
How U.S. Military Power Benefits China The Diplomat 18th Mar 2014
Often overlooked in the debates about the possibility of a future struggle between the United States and China in East Asia is the fact that the current U.S. military presence in the region actually serves and supports a number of critical Chinese strategic interests. Beijing actually benefits in a number of ways from U.S. power, suggesting that the contention that China is ultimately seeking to push the United States militarily out of the region may not be as clear cut as is often assumed and asserted.
Why 2014 in Asia will not be a repeat of 1914 in Europe EAF 18th Mar 2014
The Jeremiah prophets are coming out of the woodwork to predict that there will be an outbreak of war between the major powers in Asia, just like in Europe 100 years ago. The idea is that a rising China will inevitably go to war with the United States, either directly or through conflict with Japan. Some commentators are even suggesting that the Sarajevo incident that provoked World War I will be replicated between China and Japan over the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands in the East China Sea. Former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has likened this situation to what he calls ‘a 21st-century maritime redux of the Balkans a century ago — a tinderbox on water’. My colleague Hugh White recently proclaimed that the risk of war between China and Japan is now very real.
Navy Kicks Off LCS Follow-on Study USNI 18th Mar 2014
The Navy has outlined its next steps in an Pentagon mandated efforts to create a new type of ship to follow the 32 planned Flight 0 Littoral Combat Ships, according to a March 13 letter signed by Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert and Sean Stackley, the Navy’s chief weapons buyer. The new Small Surface Combatant Task Force — made up of equal parts Office of Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV) and Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) personnel — will generate a side-by-side comparison between the 1980s vintage Oliver Hazard Perry class frigates and the current crop of LCS to create a baseline for requirements for the new unnamed combatant. The task force — overseen by John Burrow, executive director of the Marine Corps Systems Command — will then present three options to Navy leadership to evaluate which are:
Countering China in the South China Sea National Interest 18th Mar 2014
On March 18, officials from China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will meet in Singapore to discuss steps towards an elusive code of conduct in the contentious South China Sea dispute. If the past is any indicator, China will ensure that such diplomacy will produce little significant progress even as it continues to coercively change realities on the ground in its favor. While cooler heads hope diplomacy will prevail, hope is not a strategy. Southeast Asian officials and other external partners like the United States and Japan need to use the full range of instruments at their disposal to persuade Beijing about the urgent need for a diplomatic solution, dissuade it from undertaking further destabilizing moves, and prepare for a range of crises in the absence of Chinese cooperation.
A China Focused Policy for Southeast Asia Indo-Pacific Review 13th Mar 2014
Testimony before the US-China Economic and Security Review My name is Walter Lohman. I am Director of the Asian Studies Center at The Heritage Foundation. The views I express in this testimony are my own and should not be construed as representing any official position of The Heritage Foundation. Now and for many decades to come, peace and prosperity in the Western Pacific will turn on the successful management of China’s rise, checking its ambitions for territorial aggrandizement and channeling its growing power through existing international institutions and norms. For this reason, China policy should be central to U.S. relationships throughout the region. This does not mean that nations there do not commend themselves to many forms of American engagement for purposes beyond China management. It is simply a matter of priority. It is therefore thoroughly fitting that the Commission take a close look at the way the nations of Southeast Asia and, collectively, their organization—the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)—see their own strategic interests. The way the organization has dealt with China amidst its aggressiveness in the South China Sea in particular argues for hedging against the inability of ASEAN processes to protect American interests. They will serve American interests only under pressure.
Fighting cybercrime difficult in PH – NBI Rappler 7th Mar 2014
In the Philippines, there are only two forensic examiners in the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) who specialize in cybercrime. One of them is NBI Special Investigator Joey Narciso and for him, the developments in the implementation of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 come in the nick of time.
Indonesia
Indonesia military worries over Asia arms race, territorial tensions Chicago Tribune 8th Apr 2014
Indonesia's military is concerned that a rebalancing of power in the Asia-Pacific is driving an arms race in the region and that increasingly tetchy territorial disputes could trigger conflict, its armed forces chief said. In an interview with Reuters, military commander Moeldoko did not single out China for criticism, but his comments are the latest from regional officials that suggest there are growing fears over China's assertiveness and military modernization. "We are definitely worried because there is a trend happening in the region right now and that is an arms race, between ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries themselves and between major powers," he said late on Wednesday. According to IHS Jane's, a defense publisher, the Asia-Pacific region is the only part of the world to see military spending grow steadily since 2008. China is believed to have more than quadrupled its military spending since 2000 and by 2015 is expected to be outspending Britain, France and Germany combined. Even with Chinese spending stripped out, the rest of the Asia-Pacific region is seen overtaking the whole of Western Europe by the same date.
SE Asia’s biggest peacekeeping, antiterror training camp opens Jakarta Post 8th Apr 2014
At a cost of around Rp 1.64 trillion (US$145 million), Southeast Asia’s largest training center for counterterrorism and United Nations (UN) peacekeeping officially commenced operations on Monday. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono inaugurated the Indonesia Peace and Security Center (IPSC), in Sentul, West Java, which will provide world-class training for local and international stakeholders. “This center is proof of Indonesia’s commitment to maintaining global peace, as stipulated in the 1945 Constitution,” Yudhoyono said in his speech at the inauguration ceremony. The 262-hectare compound was constructed by the Defense Ministry in 2010, consisting of seven offices and training centers operated by, among others, the Indonesian Military (TNI), the National Police and the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT). BNPT chairman Ansyaad Mbai said the agency’s training center would provide soldiers and police with the skills to handle terrorist-linked hijacks. For that, the agency has provided a mock-up of a passenger aircraft, a train, a ship and a hotel.
Indonesia Beefs Up Air Force in South China Sea The Diplomat 7th Apr 2014
Indonesia is beefing up its air presence along the South China Sea, a military officer announced late last month. According to IHS Jane’s, Lieutenant Colonel Andri Gandy, the commander of Ranai airbase on the Riau Islands, which borders the South China Sea, said Indonesia was upgrading the airbase so that it could accommodate Sukhoi Su-27 and Su-30 fighter aircraft. Separately, Indonesian Army (TNI-AD) Chief of Staff General Budiman said that four Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters would be deployed to Ranai airbase. Lt. Col Gandy said that the TNI had already installed runway lights, taxiway lights and integrated radar at the airbase. He added that there were plans to extend the length of the runway in order to accommodate the Su-27 and Su-30s. The announcement comes at a time when Indonesia has been raising concerns about China’s territorial designs on the Natuna Sea off the coast of the Riau Islands. As The Diplomat previously reported, last month Commodore Fahru Zaini, a senior Indonesian defense official, told reporters: “China has claimed Natuna waters as their territorial waters. This arbitrary claim is related to the dispute over Spratly and Paracel Islands between China and the Philippines. This dispute will have a large impact on the security of Natuna waters.” Although there have long been suspicions that China’s nine-dashed line overlapped with Indonesia’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off the Riau Islands, Indonesia has refused to officially acknowledge the dispute exists. Zaini’s comments seemed to depart from this position.
Indonesia aiming to be among key contributors of peacekeeping forces Antara News 7th Apr 2014
Indonesia is keen to be among the ten major contributors of peacekeeping forces in the world in the next one or two years time. "Currently, Indonesia is ranked 17th in the world, but in the next one or two years time, we intend to be among the ten biggest contributors," President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono stated while inaugurating the Indonesia Peace and Security Center in Sentul, West Java, on Monday afternoon. He explained that in order to achieve this goal, Indonesia has set up the IPSC in Sentul, which is a center for preparing the forces that will take part in peacekeeping missions across the world as mandated by the countrys 1945 Constitution. President Yudhoyono elaborated that Indonesia has already deployed two thousand personnel for peacekeeping purposes, but in order to meet the target, two thousand additional forces will be required.
With great powers, law enforcers told to remain neutral Jakarta Post 2nd Apr 2014
The country’s law enforcement bodies must remain politically neutral ahead of the elections to ensure that their powerful resources are not used to manipulate the election, analysts and observers have warned. Speaking in a discussion on Tuesday, University of Indonesia (UI) defense and security expert Edy Prasetyono said the coercive authority and nationwide operation of the Indonesian Military (TNI), for example, would tempt military officials to support the campaigns of certain political parties or presidential candidates in exchange for political or financial gains. Among the common methods used by these individuals, according to Edy, are intimidating voters and giving direct orders to subordinates. “There is no doubt that the TNI still has a very strong capacity to do that [interfere], especially in the country’s remote areas,” he said.
The end of strategic ambiguity: Indonesia formally announces its dispute with China in the South China Sea CSIS 1st Apr 2014
In a significant policy shift, Indonesian officials on March 12, 2014 announced that China’s nine-dash line map outlining its claims in the South China Sea overlaps with Indonesia’s Riau province, which includes the Natuna Island chain. For over two decades, Indonesia has positioned itself as an independent mediator in the South China Sea disputes between its ASEAN partners and China. Indonesia and China have no overlapping claims to islands. In Jakarta’s view, therefore, Indonesia and China should have no disputes over waters since, under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS), rights to waters are derived from rights to land. Indonesia has long pressed Beijing for reassurance on this point, but it has not been forthcoming. Indonesia’s declaration that it is indeed a party to the South China conflict with China ends the strategic ambiguity that has reigned for years, and is likely to heighten tensions on an issue that is already fraught with them.
RI prepares military protocols for disaster relief Jakarta Post 30th Mar 2014
Indonesia was preparing a standard operating procedures (SOP) draft for disaster relief activities carried out by the military that would be proposed to become the SOP for ASEAN militaries in carrying out disaster relief activities, a senior minister said on Saturday afternoon. Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Minister Djoko Suyanto said the SOP draft was near completion and was being field tested at the 2014 Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo (MNEK) currently underway in the waters of the Anambas Islands, Batam and Natuna in Riau Islands province. “After being evaluated, the Indonesian Navy will submit the SOP draft to the Indonesian Military [TNI] chief because it will also involve the Indonesian Army and Air Force,” Djoko said after officially opening the exercise at the Swiss Bel Harbour Bay hotel. “The TNI chief will then submit the SOP draft to the defense minister to be discussed at the ASEAN Defense Minister Meeting [ADMM].”
Indonesian army starts training for Apache`s pilot Antara News 27th Mar 2014
The Indonesian army had started the pilot training to fly the Apache AH-64E, the combat helicopters that were bought from the United States, prior to their arrival in 2017. "Apache is a sophisticated helicopter, so we have to train the pilots prior to their arrival in 2017," the Army Chief of Staff, General Budiman, said at the Ahmad Yani Armys Base Force in Semarang, Central Java, on Thursday. Indonesia had bought eight Apache helicopters of the type AH-64E from the United States as part of the program to strengthen the nations primary weapons defense system. Budiman said during the training, the United States will lend a few Apache helicopters to train the Indonesian pilots. Half of the Apache helicopters that were bought would be placed in Natuna Islands, while the others will be stationed in Jakarta.
Military Ambition In Indonesia – Analysis Jakarta Post 21st Mar 2014
Heading into the 2014 election, Indonesian society is being faced with certain political figures, ranging from businessmen and office holders, to military background figures. However, given many election surveys, two prominent figures have emerged as the most likely to be the next Indonesian president, namely Joko Widodo and Prabowo Subianto. Joko Widodo, affectionately known as Jokowi, is Jakarta’s current governor, whereas Prabowo is the chief patron of the Greatest Indonesian Movement Party (Gerindra) as well as a former general of the late President Suharto. Recently, Jokowi has been announced as the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) candidate. Thus, the governor Jokowi and former military general, Prabowo will likely dominate the Indonesian political landscape prior to presidential election in September 2014. After 15 years of democratic consolidation, the big inquiry is whether Indonesia still needs the military style leadership. In the last three general elections, the military candidates have always been involved to run for office. The current president is the former Suharto general who has been in office for two terms.
Indonesia Orders Armored Personnel Carriers From Ukraine Defense News 17th Mar 2014
Indonesia has signed a contract for five BTR-4 armored personnel carriers with Ukraine’s Ukrspetsexport, a subsidiary of state-owned defense giant Ukroboronprom, the company said in a statement. The new vehicles will be supplied to the Indonesian Navy. If the first batch is positively evaluated by the country’s military, Indonesia will order a further 50 armored vehicles from Ukraine, the statement said. Ukrspetsexport’s offer was selected by the Indonesian Ministry of Defense through a tender in which it topped bids by Russian manufacturers, the statement said. The amount of the latest deal was not disclosed by the Ukrainian company.
Indonesia’s arm candy: Quantity vs capability dilemma Jakarta Post 13th Mar 2014
Arm candy is commonly termed as a person that someone takes to public outings not to enjoy their company but simply to appear important, wealthy or worthy of attention. What is Indonesia’s arm candy? Replace “a person” with “arms” and “someone” with “Indonesia”, and you get this sentence: Arms that Indonesia takes to public outings not to enjoy their company but simply to appear important, wealthy or worthy of attention. Sounds harsh? It is. And sadly, it is the ugly truth of what has been going on with Indonesia’s arms procurement. In February, the Indonesian government signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on defense cooperation with the Netherlands. The MoU includes production of war equipment (arms procurement) between the two countries. Arms procurement, undeniably, is crucial for Indonesia, not only because of the country’s arms modernization agenda but also on account of the country’s bid to achieve its Minimum Essential Force (MEF) framework designed to increase its military capability.
Indonesia’s Military Flexes Muscle as S. China Sea Dispute Looms Jakarta Globe 13th Mar 2014
In a move that could have serious repercussions for the security situation in the South China Sea, Indonesian officials on Wednesday acknowledged that China was claiming part of Indonesia’s Riau Islands province as its own territory. The Indonesian Military’s (TNI) Air Commodore Fahru Zaini, who is a member of the defense strategy unit at the office of the coordinating minister for political, legal and security affairs, said that China had included parts of the Natuna Islands within its so-called nine-dash line. This line indicates the border of China’s maritime claims, comprising almost the entire South China Sea. An image depicting the nine-dash line was also included in newly issued Chinese passports. “What China has done affects the Unitary State of Indonesia,” Fahru said in Natuna on Wednesday. “As such, we have come to Natuna to see firsthand the strategic position of the TNI, especially in its ability, strength and its deployment of troops, just in case anything should happen in this region.” Indonesia is not the only country whose territory China has laid claim to, with Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines and Taiwan all experiencing similar problems in the South China Sea.
Indonesia Looks To Buy European Missiles Through Foreign Loans Defense News 11th Mar 2014
Indonesia, a regional power building its military capability through foreign loans, is seeking a loan to pay for four Thales missile batteries worth more than £100 million (US $167 million), a European banker said. Regional powers Indonesia and Brazil are seen as potentially big borrowers as the governments try to raise money on the open market to buy arms, while Western firms rely on exports to survive a domestic downturn. Indonesia’s Finance Ministry aims to raise an “international financial credit” to fund an order for a ForceSHIELD system of vehicle-mounted missiles and radars, to be built in Britain and France, the bank executive said. Commercial banks could receive a request for proposals in March or April, allowing the ministry to pick the most competitive loan terms to close a contract for the weapon system this year.
Strait of Malacca still not safe from pirates Jakarta Globe 11th Mar 2014
The waters in the Singapore and Malacca straits are still not entirely safe from pirates, as evidenced by three ships that were robbed this month alone as they passed through the area, according to Indonesian Maritime Safety Information Center (PIKMI) officials. PIKMI receives incident alerts from the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) Information Sharing Center in Singapore. PIKMI member Mohammad Yasin revealed that the first act of piracy this month occurred on March 6, while the second happened only half an hour after the first incident. “Then, in the morning on March 10, another robbery took place. The vessels that fell victim were the MT Sea Voyager, MT Orpheas and MT Cape Veni, respectively,” he said on Monday as quoted by tribunnews.com.
TNI to overhaul ammunition depots Jakarta Post 8th Mar 2014
The Indonesian Military (TNI) will launch a full-scale evaluation of the military’s ammunition depots following the recent explosion at the Navy’s ammunition depot in Pondok Dayung, Tanjung Priok, which killed one person and injured 87 others. “We need to launch the evaluation [to enable] improvements in the future. The evaluation is not just for the existing depots, but also old and full depots,” TNI commander Gen. Moeldoko said at the State Palace in Jakarta on Friday. The Navy, with the assistance of the National Police’s forensics laboratory, is running an investigation into the cause of the explosion. The Navy’s preliminary investigation found that a short circuit was the possible cause of the initial blast.
In Military We Trust? Strongman Nostalgia Runs Strong Among Indonesian Voters Jakarta Globe 6th Mar 2014
Indonesian voters still prefer a presidential or vice presidential candidate with a military background over a civilian, a recent poll concluded. The National Survey Institute, or LSN, announced on Wednesday that three out of every five respondents in a recent poll said they preferred a candidate who had military experience. “We asked the respondents whether they preferred a candidate with a civilian background or a military background, and 60 percent of them said they would vote for the one with a military background,” Umar S. Bakry, the LSN executive director, said in Jakarta. He said the poll highlighted the positive leadership qualities associated by most Indonesians with military figures, including decisiveness, discipline and firmness.
Indonesia to boost military in South China Sea PressTV 4th Mar 2014
The Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) says Jakarta will increase its presence around the Natuna waters in the South China Sea as a preemptive measure to avert instability in the area. TNI Chief Gen. Moeldoko stated on Thursday that Jakarta will deploy additional forces and increase the presence of its army and air force around the Natuna Islands, which shares its borders with Vietnam in the north, and Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam in the east, Antara news agency reported. The official said that Indonesia aims to uphold the principles of neutrality and maintain close ties with other countries, including China. “Since Natuna is strategically located, the increase of its forces at sea, on the ground, and in the air is necessary to anticipate any instability in the South China Sea and serve as an early warning system for Indonesia and the TNI,” Moeldoko said.
Govt keeping an eye out for potential social conflicts Jakarta Post 10th Mar 2014
To avoid the reoccurrence of past social conflicts, some of which resulted in fatalities, particularly during this year’s elections, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has issued an instruction to all relevant institutions to beef up alertness on potential conflicts and to enhance efforts to address them before they escalate into physical clashes. Presidential Instruction No. 1/2014 was signed by the President on Feb. 28 but it was released to the public on Sunday. The instruction highlights the importance of comprehensive efforts between regional administrations and the central government. Missed-coordination between the two had been blamed for past conflicts in regions, such as religious conflicts, land disputes between plantation companies and locals, as well as conflicts related to local elections.
Malaysia
Putrajaya must justify new radar system purchase – Kua Kia Soong The Malaysia Insider 3rd Apr 2014
As the Global Day against Military Spending (GDAMS, April14, 2014) approaches, it is wise for Malaysian tax payers to scrutinise the next big budget military procurement of the government’s. Apart from the multi-role combat aircraft and other multimillion weapons of war the defence ministry plans to acquire, defence minister and acting transport minister, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, is now talking about “a need to strengthen the nation’s military assets”, following the disappearance of the Malaysian Airlines Flight 370. According to the official state news agency, Hishammuddin said that our radar surveillance should be reviewed to equip the Malaysian military The public is given a (false) impression that the Malaysian military’s radar capability is inadequate and that is presumably the reason the military failed to trace MH370 as it turned back and traversed the northern part of the peninsula on that fateful night on March 8, 2014.
‘A waste to buy new military equipment’ Free Malaysia Today 1st Apr 2014
The government’s plan to buy new military equipment, especially the radar system, will only punch a bigger hole in the yearly budget and burden the public, said two DAP MPs. Steven Sim (DAP-Bukit Mertajam) and Julian Kok (DAP-Setampin) said in a joint statement today that the government should form a parliamentary select committee to discuss the MH370 issue rather then buy new military equipment in light of the air tragedy. On Saturday, Acting Transport Minister and Defence Minister Hishamuddin Hussein said the government would replace the ageing military equipment, especially the radar system.
Hagel to meet with Malaysian counterpart Associated Press 1st Apr 2014
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel will meet with Malaysia's defense minister this week, amid ongoing criticism about how well the search for missing Flight 370 has been conducted and coordinated with other nations. The defense leaders will come together at a meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations hosted by Hagel in Honolulu. And a key topic will be how all the countries can better work together during disasters like the missing Malaysian Airlines plane and Typhoon Haiyan that ravaged the Philippines late last year. "There's always lessons to be learned," Hagel said when asked Tuesday about the search for the plane by reporters traveling with him en route to Hawaii. "We're going to go back, the Malaysians will go back, all the ASEAN nations will go back and walk through this. What could have been done, maybe what should have been done, what needs to be done better. But coordination is a key part of this." The desperate search across the southern Indian Ocean for debris from the missing airliner, now in its fourth week, has shown how far nations need to go to better share information and cooperate more aggressively during disasters, said senior defense officials, who spoke to reporters about Hagel's trip on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to discuss the meeting publicly in advance.
MH370: Malaysia needs to strengthen military assets, says Hisham FZ 30th Mar 2014
Acting Transport Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein says there is a need to strengthen Malaysia's military assets, especially after the incident involving the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 aircraft. He said apart from the radar system, other technological capabilities should also be reviewed to equip the Malaysian Armed Forces with better assets. “Malaysia made a very courageous decision to talk about our defence capabilities. "And now, (Prime Minister) Datuk Seri Najib has got to find me the money to change our radar system because the whole world now knows our defence capabilities, in terms of radar," Hishammuddin, who is also defence minister, said in jest. "We did that, putting aside national interests to find MH370. What more do the people want from the government of Malaysia and from the ATM (Malaysian Armed Forces)?," he asked at a media conference with local media yesterday.
DPM: Malaysia backs efforts to slash use of weapons-grade nuclear material New Strait Times 26th Mar 2014
Malaysia has expressed support for the international efforts to reduce the use of weapons-grade nuclear material. Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said here Tuesday that Malaysia was happy to note that 12 of the countries participating in the 2014 Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) here had removed highly enriched uranium from their territories. All the participating countries had expressed commitment to reduce the amount of dangerous nuclear material, he said, adding that several countries had also stated that they were down-blending highly enriched uranium to be used as fuel in nuclear power plants. Speaking to Malaysian journalists, Muhyiddin said the summit had also seen progress in improving security pertaining to all nuclear material and radioactive sources. Fifty-seven countries and international organisations attended the 2014 summit. Almost all participating countries, including Malaysia, informed the NSS that they had updated or were currently revising nuclear security-related legislation for compliance with international guidelines and best practices.
MH370 throws spotlight on Malaysia’s air force and radar capabilities Malaysia Insider 17th Mar 2014
Even before all questions on the lost Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flight MH370 has been answered, a debate has already started on the state of readiness of the Malaysian air force and the privatisation of military and civilian radar services. DAP Raub MP Datuk Mohd Ariff Sabri Abdul Aziz today questioned the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) for not checking an aircraft that flew mysteriously across the Malay peninsula the morning that the MAS Boeing 777-200ER disappeared. The mysterious flight has now been identified as the Beijing-bound flight MH370, which was carrying 239 on board when it vanished from radar screens at 1.30am on March 8. It remains missing. "At the time that whatever radar captured an intrusion into our space by an unidentified plane, why did TUDM not do anything. Where were our 18 Sukhois, our MIG and all that," he asked in his popular blog today, referring to the air force by its Bahasa acronym.
Malaysian plane saga highlights air defence gaps Reuters 15th Mar 2014
Whatever truly happened to missing Malaysian Airlines (MASM.KL) flight MH370, its apparently unchallenged wanderings through Asian skies point to major gaps in regional - and perhaps wider - air defences. More than a decade after al Qaeda hijackers turned airliners into weapons on September 11, 2001, a large commercial aircraft completely devoid of stealth features appeared to vanish with relative ease. On Saturday, Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak said authorities now believed the Boeing 777 (BA.N) flew for nearly seven hours after disappearing early on March 8. Either its crew or someone else on the plane disabled the on-board transponder civilian air traffic radar used to track it, investigators believe. It appears to have first flown back across the South China Sea - an area of considerable geopolitical tension and military activity - before overflying northern Malaysia and then heading out towards India without any alarm being raised.
Myanmar
Myanmar Government, Ethnic Rebels Agree on First Draft of Nationwide Cease-Fire RFA 10th Apr 2014
Myanmar’s government and ethnic rebels have agreed on a first draft of a nationwide cease-fire accord, negotiators said Tuesday at the end of four days of peace talks in the country’s former capital Yangon. Negotiators from the government’s Central Peace Making Work Committee and the rebel groups' 16-member National Ceasefire Coordination Team (NCCT) said they had “agreed on a first draft of a single text,” according to a joint statement issued after Tuesday’s meeting. The two sides did not make public the text of the draft, however, saying only that they had discussed the nationwide cease-fire agreement “with transparency and friendliness” and agreed to meet again in the first week of May to deliberate further.
Ceasefire talks extended an extra day DVB 7th Apr 2014
Government peace negotiators and representatives of 21 ethnic armed groups have extended ceasefire talks for an extra day. Negotiations at the Myanmar Peace Centre in Rangoon started on Saturday and have been ongoing over the weekend. Delegates are aiming to agree on points that will be included in the draft for a nationwide ceasefire. Pado Kwe Htoo Win from Karen National Union and member of the National Ceasefire Coordination Team (NCCT) said they agreed to extend their talks as they needed more time to discuss one of the subjects. “We still need to discuss certain subjects that we are yet to reach an agreement on; and so to finalise discussions, we decided to extend the negotiation process,” he said. Special advisor to the Myanmar Peace Centre, Hla Maung Shwe said the delegates wanted more time to discuss the first chapter of the draft ceasefire agreement.
Ministers discuss ceasefire process with political parties Eleven News 31st Mar 2014
Political parties met with Ministers of the President’s Office on Saturday evening at the Myanmar Peace Center to discuss various issues including a nation-wide ceasefire and constitutional reform. Some political parties voiced concerns over political dialogue with ethnic armed groups, while the ethnic parties consulted over the economic needs in their respective states and regions. “There are many inconveniences as we are moving from one system to another; the polarity between the new and old systems is big,” said Minister Aung Min. “We have to abandon the old system of the past. In doing so, we are trying to take lessons from the old to result the best in the new. Some cannot yet get out of the old system while some claim to overcome it, but their mindset remains deeply buried in the old system,” he added.
Question of ‘Federal Army’ Looms Over Burma’s Peace Process Irrawaddy 21st Mar 2014
Since last year, Burma’s government and 16 ethnic armed groups have negotiated over a nationwide ceasefire. Substantial progress is being made, all parties say, but looming large over the discussions is a key issue that will be difficult to address: how to merge the various enemy units into a single army. The issue of a “federal army”, as it is being called by some ethnic leaders, is so sensitive that it has been left out of the ceasefire discussions and will have to be resolved during the political dialogue that will follow after a ceasefire is signed. During this dialogue, Burma’s ethnic minorities, entangled in a six-decade long conflict with the Burman majority’s powerful military, would also like to see their demands for political autonomy addressed through the formation of a federal union comprising ethnic states. “What we want is simply is power sharing and no centralized system. And our demand is neither an idea of secession nor separation,” Col Sai Hla, spokesperson of the Shan State Army–South, said.
Tatmadaw seeks peace, president tells Kachin State Myanmar Times 21st Mar 2014
The Tatmadaw shares the president’s wish for genuine peace through a nationwide ceasefire, President U Thein Sein said last week during a visit to Kachin State alongside the country’s commander-in-chief, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. “As for the Tatmadaw, it has the same wish as the government for the peacemaking process, and is seeking to carry it out in harmony,” U Thein Sein said during the one-day visit on March 16. U Thein Sein and Senior General Min Aung Hlaing met residents, civil society leaders and religious figures, and discussed the peace process, the government’s future plans and the challenges the country is facing during the transition period. The trip was his first visit to Kachin State since taking office three years ago. Kachin State has been a constant thorn in the government’s side since June 2011, when a ceasefire agreement between the government and the Kachin Independence Organisation (KIO) broke down after 17 years.
Nationwide Ceasefire: Process To Draft Agreement Begins Karen News 14th Mar 2014
The government’s Union Peacemaking Working Committee (UPWC) and the ethnic armed groups’, National Ceasefire Coordination Team (NCCT), agreed during their last meeting to draft a single nationwide ceasefire agreement. After a two-day meeting, held on the 9th and 10th of March, 2014, representatives of UPWC and the NCCT agreed to form a working committee composed of people from both groups to draft the agreement. Attending the meeting, that was held at the Myanmar Peace Center, were representatives from the NCCT, led by Nai Han Tha, representatives from UPWC, members of parliament, representatives from UWSA, State ministers, representatives from the Defense Minister’s office and the vice-attorney general. In a joint statement released after the meeting, both sides agreed to jointly draft the nationwide ceasefire agreement and to establish a Joint Nationwide Ceasefire Drafting Work Group made up of an equal number of members from both sides.
Vice President, Commander-in-Chief and KNU to discuss overall ceasefire plan Eleven News 10th Mar 2014
Vice President Dr Sai Mauk Kham, Commander-in-Chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and leaders of Karen National Union (KNU) met separately to discuss overall ceasefire plan and peace process on Friday at Nay Pyi Taw. The vice president said the country cannot be build if there is no peace. If fighting continues to occur, the development plan will not be proceed. KNU replied the vice president’s comment that the problems are made by not only the ethnic conflicts but also other problems, said KNU's General Secretary P'doh Saw Kwe Htoo Win. He also met with the commander-in-chief at the Bayintnaung guest hall in Nay Pyi Taw and the commander-in-chief said he will not turn back the peace process and he is determined to continue the process, the KNU’s general Secretary said.
Burma Army Forbids People To Cross at Tar Hsarm Pu SHAN 7th Mar 2014
Burma Army troops have partially withdrawn from Tar Hsarm Pu after seizing Shan State Army-North (SSA-N) outposts, but are forbidding villagers from using this strategic river crossing in central Shan State. The Burma Army troops had seized the outposts without fighting while leaders of the Shan State Progress Party, the political wing of SSA-N, were in Naypyitaw at the end of February. Despite the withdrawal from the SSA-N outposts at Tar Hsarm Pu, there remain two Burma Army camps, one in the east, 1 kilometer away, and one in the west 2 kilometers away from Tar Hsarm Pu, each comprised of 50 soldiers. After the partial withdrawal of the Burma Army, the SSA-N returned to its outposts. An SSPP officer said, “Since the Burma Army moved in around Tar Hsarm Pu, people have not been allowed to cross the river there. They have to travel on the road from Mong Jarng to Mong Su instead of Mong Jarng to Tar Hsarm Pu. It is very difficult for people to travel.” Tar Hsarm Pu is a strategic crossing over the Pang River, where SSA-N collected tax from transport and mining. SSPP/SSA signed a ceasefire with Naypyitaw in January 2012. The SSPP/SSA has reportedly engaged in over 100 clashes with the Burma Army since the ceasefire.
Burmese Army Sends More Troops to Frontline as Peace Negotiators Prepare to Meet Kachinland News 6th Mar 2014
A battle took place on Tuesday between the 5th section of Kachin People Militia (MHH in Kachin) troops under KIA’s 36th Battalion and Burmese army’s 507th Light Infantry Regiment (LIR) troops at Yi Hku village, Pangsai Township in northern Shan State. A KIA frontline source said the battle began at around 10 am when 5 Kachin soldiers encountered government troops coming from Shwi Buk village in Yi Hku village. No casualties on either side have been reported in this battle, said the source. KIA sources say they have spotted a number of Burmese army troops movements in Kachin and northern Shan State during this week. About 60 Burmese army troops from 15th Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) led by Major Ze Yar Min have arrived in Pang Hkawn Yang village and about 80 troops from 309th LIR led by its commander have arrived in Bu Lawng village in western Kachin State on Wednesday. Government troops from 93th LIB, 108th LIR, and 141st LIB take position in Nam Si Aung, Nam Hkyi Maw and Man Ki village in Monyin Township. In northern Shan State, about 100 troops from Burmese army’s 232nd LIB arrive in Man Dat village in Momeik Township. About 150 troops from 123rd and 242nd LIB position themselves in Mung Li Bum near Di Ma village.
US accuses Burma of continuing military ties to N Korea DVB 6th Mar 2014
Burma is among a “core” group of nations still receiving conventional weapons from North Korea, says a 2013 US Department of Defense (USDoD) report to Congress, made public on Wednesday. While the report acknowledges that Burma has “begun to distance itself from North Korea”, the US has included Burma alongside Iran and Syria as notable recipients of “conventional and ballistic missile-related equipment, components, materials, and technical assistance”. Examples of conventional weapons include ammunition, small arms, artillery, armoured vehicles and surface-to-air missiles. The supply of weapons as well as related technical training from North Korea is prohibited across four United Nations Security Council resolutions. The USDoD believes weapons have been made available to Burma via secretive channels out of the isolated Communist state. The report alleges that UNSCRs have been circumvented by “falsifying end-user certificates, mislabeling crates, sending cargo through multiple front companies and intermediaries, and using air cargo for deliveries of high-value and sensitive arms exports.”
Myanmar Ceasefire Deal Depends on Military’s ‘Attitude’: Ethnic Leader RFA 5th Mar 2014
Myanmar’s military holds the key to success of a government plan to forge a nationwide cease-fire accord with armed ethnic groups, a spokesman for a major rebel alliance said Tuesday, warning that current offensives by government troops could throw the peace process off track. “Right now, the Myanmar army is attacking and fighting with ethnic armed groups,” said Khun Okka, deputy secretary of the United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC), a key coalition of 12 ethnic rebel groups. “Its attitude and stance will be key in determining the prospects for a nationwide cease-fire,” he told reporters at the end of a two-day conference with civil society groups in Yangon, Myanmar's commercial capital. Khun Okka's warning came as Myanmar's military pounded rebel positions in recent weeks in northern Kachin and Shan states even as government officials encouraged peace talks in a bid to wrap up a nationwide cease-fire accord next month. “I found there is problem within the government, where some people did not want to recognize a nationwide peace agreement," the Irrawaddy online journal quoted Khun Okka as saying in a report. Khun Okka, who is also a member of the Nationwide Cease-fire Coordination Team—the group that liaises with the government on plans for ending the decades-long armed ethnic conflicts—called for a halt on all military operations to underline the government's seriousness on the peace effort.
Army Increases Attacks in North Burma, Seizes 2 Shan Rebel Camps Irrawaddy 4th Mar 2014
The Burma Army captured two strategically important outposts of the Shan State Army-North (SSA-North) following a two-day offensive last week, according to Shan ethnic rebels. Palaung and Kachin armed groups, meanwhile, are also reporting an increase in military operations in northern Burma in recent weeks. SSA-North Col. Parng Hpa said government troops attacked two rebel camps located in SSA-North territories in Kyethi (Kesi) and Mongshu townships. On the night of Feb. 28, Shan rebels were forced to withdraw from their camp in Kyethi, located about 16 km away from the SSA-North headquarters at Wan Hai, after two consecutive days of bombardments and attacks, Parng Hpa said. He added that while the camp in Kyethi was under fire, three government battalions took control of another SSA-North camp in Mongshu Township, which the group has been using as a hub to transport mining products from areas under its control.
Philippines
Philippines will Get U.S. Foreign Military Financing Possibly Getting a Third Hamilton-Class Cutter Defense Studies 9th Apr 2014
An agreement on U.S.-Philippine defence cooperation, expected to be signed this month during a visit by President Barack Obama, will be a clear sign of a U.S. "rebalance" to Asia despite U.S. preoccupations elsewhere, the Philippines' top diplomat said. The deal will enable the sharing of Philippine bases, an increase in the rotation through the Philippines of U.S. ships, aircraft and troops, and will reassure U.S. allies of support against a rising China. "There is full resolve on the part of the U.S. to fulfil their commitments on this Asia rebalancing, not only in terms of defensive security but also in terms of enhancing economic cooperation," Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario told Reuters in an interview late on Monday. "This enhanced defence cooperation is a clear manifestation of that," he said, days before the eighth and final round of talks on the pact between the old allies. "The situation in the Middle East, the situation in Ukraine - this has been of some distraction in terms of their focus on doing this. But I believe that the resolve is very strong in terms of fulfilling their rebalance to Asia."
US to train PH troops on maritime surveillance Rappler 8th Apr 2014
The annual Balikatan exercises between the Philippines and the US will run next month, May 5-16, in various military camps nationwide. At least 3,000 Philippine troops will train with 2,500 US troops on humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR), maritime surveillance, and civil military operations (CMO), among others. US troops will demonstrate how to use maritime surveillance equipment at the Naval Education Training Center (NETC) in Zambales, the province where the disputed Panatag Shoal (Scarborough Shoal) is attached. Panatag Shoal, a rocky sandbar located within the country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), is practically occupied by Chinese Coast guard ships that keep Zambales fishermen from fishing in the area.
PHL, Singapore upgrade defense, security ties Business Mirror 4th Apr 2014
THE Philippines and Singapore on Thursday agreed to upgrade their defense and security alliance, including intelligence exchanges between the two countries, in a region beset by festering territorial conflicts with China over remote but potentially resourch-rich territories. President Aquino, in a statement he read following Singaporean President Tony Tan’s courtesy call at Malacañang, confirmed that he and Tan “discussed our countries’ defense and security cooperation,” which Aquino added, “includes high-level training, educational and intelligence exchanges.” The President also disclosed that the Philippines had proposed the holding of a defense dialogue “in order to further strengthen our cooperation.” “We also welcomed the opportunity to host this year’s Asian Defense and Security exhibition from July 16 to 18. I believe that strengthening defense and security cooperation between the Philippines and Singapore is key to maintaining regional stability,” Mr. Aquino said. Mr. Aquino added that he and Tan also discussed the revival of the Philippines-Singapore Action Plan, as a mechanism for expanding bilateral discussions between our countries. “The action plan provides a consolidated framework for strengthening our bilateral cooperation, covering expansive areas including trade and investments, information technology, education, culture, defense, and people-to-people exchanges. I look forward to the implementation of initiatives in these areas, knowing that it will have a positive impact on relations between the Philippines and Singapore,” Mr. Aquino said.
The Rise of the Philippines IPR 3rd Apr 2014
As China expands its military footprint, America’s alliance with the Philippines will be increasingly important to protecting U.S. interests in a rising Asia. If there’s one thing we know about history, it’s that it’s only a matter of time before what was once old becomes new again. That’s certainly the case when it comes to U.S. interests in the Philippines. As the commander of U.S. military operations in Asia, Adm. Samuel Locklear, told senators last year, the one-time Spanish colony ”remains key to our efforts to ensure the stability and prosperity of the Western Pacific.” But then, U.S. General Arthur MacArthur was telling senators that all the way back at the turn of the 20th century. America’s governor of the Philippines and father of the famed World War II general Douglas MacArthur said back in 1902 that the archipelago represented ”the stepping stone to commanding influence—political, commercial and military supremacy in the East.” 112 years later, the Philippines may no longer be the key to influence in the East, but between its deepening security ties with the United States, a dispute with China over island claims in the South China Sea that is threatening to boil over and a suddenly booming economy, the world’s eyes are certainly on the Asian island chain like they haven’t been for decades.
The Philippines’ South China Sea Memorial: Sailing into the Wind CSIS 3rd Apr 2014
On March 30, the Philippines submitted a memorial detailing its arguments and evidence against China’s nine-dash line and other aspects of Beijing’s South China Sea claims to an arbitration tribunal at The Hague. The 10-volume, nearly 4,000-page document marks a bold step by Manila, and one that Beijing seems to have believed never would actually happen. The Philippines chose the right course. Now the international community must weigh in and convince China of that fact. China has refused to take part in the case since it was first brought by the Philippines in January 2013. It has also exerted considerable pressure on Manila to abandon the arbitration proceedings. As the deadline for the memorial approached and pressure failed to alter the Philippine position, Beijing switched to the carrot. It reportedly offered Manila incentives to drop the case, including trade benefits and a mutual withdrawal of ships from Scarborough Shoal, which China occupied in April 2012. But the Philippines did not budge. An incident near a reef in the Spratly Islands on March 29 helps explain why.
PNoy to tackle trade, defense issues with Singapore President during PHL visit GMA News 1st Apr 2014
President Benigno Aquino III will be discussing matters related to trade and defense with Singapore President Dr. Tony Tan Keng Yam during his state visit to the Philippines this week, Malacañang said Tuesday. During a press briefing, Presidential Communications Operations Office head Herminio Coloma Jr. said the leaders will discuss "cooperative activities in defense, trade and investment" during Tan's state visit to the Philippines from April 2 to 5. Aside from this, the Palace official said Tan and his party will offer a wreath in honor of Dr. Jose Rizal at the Luneta Park on Thursday before proceeding to Malacañang where Aquino will host a state luncheon in his honor. Coloma said Tan will also meet with the Philippine-Singapore Business Council on Friday to "strengthen trade ties between the two countries." Singapore is the Philippines’ fourth largest trade partner last year with total trade amounting to $8.22 billion.
'No more war. We are tired of it.' Rappler 27th Mar 2014
More than a year after signing an initial peace framework, Philippine government officials and Muslim rebels once again meet in the country's seat of power to sign a peace agreement that is seen to end decades of armed conflict and create a new political entity in the Bangsamoro region. "No more war. No more children scampering for safety. No more evacuees. No more injustice. No more poverty. Tama na," Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles said at the opening of the signing ceremony in Malacañang on Thursday afternoon, March 27. "We are tired of it."
RPT-Philippines to sign aircraft contracts worth about $526 mln Reuters 21st Mar 2014
The Philippines will award aircraft contracts to South Korean and Canadian companies worth $525.62 million (23.7 billion pesos), a senior defence official said on Friday, boosting its capability as tension simmers in the South China Sea. The Philippines has embarked on a five-year, 75-billion-peso modernisation programme to boost its capability to defend its maritime borders against the creeping expansion of China in the South China Sea.
Philippine lawmakers question legality of bases access deal with US Global Times 19th Mar 2014
While Philippine government officials have said that the security agreement that would allow the United States to have access to Philippine military bases is almost a done deal, top congressional leaders here have questioned its legality. On Friday, Defense Undersecretary Pio Lorenzo Batino, who heads Philippine panel in the negotiations with the US side, said that the Agreement on Enhanced Defense Cooperation (AEDC) between Manila and Washington is "80 percent" done. Both sides hoped that the final draft of the pact could be signed during the scheduled visit to Manila of US President Barack Obama next month.
Philippines to acquire two new ASW helicopters for PHP5.4 billion IHS 18th Mar 2014
The Philippine Department of National Defence (DND) announced on 17 March that it has allocated PHP5.4 billion (USD120 million) to fund the acquisition of two new anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters for the Philippine Navy (PN). According to Fernando Manalo, undersecretary for finance, modernization, installations, and munitions, the helicopters will be purchased under the country's AFP Modernisation Programme. Manalo expects the acquisition process to be completed by the end of 2014. The PN announced in December 2013 that it was considering the AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat as a maritime helicopter but PN spokesman Lieutenant Commander Gregory Fabic declined to confirm that it has indeed been selected for acquisition, telling IHS Jane's that the navy is looking at all possibilities for the acquisition. The AW159 is an improved version of the Westland Super Lynx military helicopter. The helicopters are expected to be deployed on board the Hamilton and Hero-class frigates BRP Gregorio Del Pilar and BRP Ramon Alcaraz . Gregorio Del Pilar was first deployed in 2011 to protect the archipelago's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and its oil and gas activities in the South China Sea. The vessel has since been involved in a number of incidents with Chinese vessels in territorial waters, where both countries have overlapping claims.
Philippine Navy Looks at the Possibility of Acquiring AW-159 "Wildcat"Helicopter Defense Studies 18th Mar 2014
Defense department allocates P5.4B for 2 anti-submarine choppers THE Department of National Defense (DND) announced on Monday that it has allocated P5.4 billion to fund the acquisition of two brand-new anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters for the Philippine Navy. This was confirmed by DND undersecretary for finance, modernization, installations, and munitions Fernando Manalo in a message to the Philippine News Agency. "The ASW helicopters is one of the projects included in the list of the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) Modernization Program. The project is for implementation," he added. Manalo said the budget for acquiring the two ASW helicopters is placed at P5.4 billion and the acquisition process for the aircraft is expected to be completed by this year. The Philippine Navy earlier announced that it is looking at the possibility of acquiring the AW-159 "Wildcat" as its ASW helicopters. The Navy is in the market for two ASW helicopters.
Philippine Plans to Procure 8 Combat Utility Helicopters and 2 ASW Helicopters Defense Studies 18th Mar 2014
The President said the government also plans to procure an additional eight combat utility helicopters “that will fly our skies for search and rescue and disaster relief missions by 2016.” Public bidding for the purchase of two twin-engine naval anti-submarine helicopters will also start soon, according to the President. The imminent purchase of military equipment will be on top of the new modern ships, eight Sokol helicopters, three Navy helicopters and other vessels already being used by the Armed Forces, the President said. Aquino assured that the government will continue to equip the AFP with better weapons and vessels as well as improve their benefits.
American-Philippine alliance emphasized BW 18th Mar 2014
THE US PACIFIC commander yesterday emphasized the Philippines’ importance as a military ally, as Filipino forces were involved in an increasingly tense standoff with Chinese ships in the South China Sea. "Our 62-year alliance with the Philippines remains key to our efforts to ensure the stability and prosperity of the Western Pacific," Rear Admiral Robert Thomas told reporters in Manila. Mr. Thomas sailed to the Philippine capital yesterday aboard his command ship, the USS Blue Ridge, days after the latest of a series of hostile encounters between the Philippines and China in the South China Sea. China said its coast guard on March 9 blocked two Philippine-flagged vessels approaching Second Thomas Shoal, which is guarded by a small group of Filipino marines but is also claimed by China. The Philippine military evaded the blockade by air-dropping supplies to the troops. The shoal is part of the Spratlys, a chain of islets and reefs that sit near key shipping lanes, are surrounded by rich fishing grounds and are also believed to lie atop huge oil and gas reserves. They are around 200 kilometers from the western Philippine island of Palawan and about 1,100 kilometers from the nearest major Chinese land mass. China claims most of the South China Sea, even waters approaching the coasts of its neighbors. The Philippines grounded an old navy ship at Second Thomas Shoal in 1999, four years after China built structures on a nearby Filipino-claimed reef locally known as Ayungin Shoal.
Flagship of US 7th Fleet back in PH amid heightened tension over sea dispute Inquirer 18th Mar 2014
The USS Blue Ridge, the flagship of the United States 7th Fleet, is back in Manila. The commander of the 7th Fleet, Vice Admiral Robert Thomas, arrived ahead of the ship and met with Navy chief Flag Officer in Command Vice Admiral Jose Luis Alano on Monday night. He also visited the Navy Headquarters in Roxas Boulevard on Tuesday. The USS Blue Ridge arrived on Tuesday at South Harbor for a four-day goodwill visit. US Navy data said that the US 7th Fleet based in Japan is the largest US numbered fleet, with 60-70 ships, 200-300 aircraft and approximately 40,000 sailors and Marines operating in the region on a typical day.
China challenges Philippines in the South China Sea EAF 18th Mar 2014
While much of the world was busy watching Russia swallow Crimea, few realised that an also dangerous territorial tit-for-tat had begun to unfold earlier this month more in the South China Sea. At Second Thomas Shoal, a handful of Philippine marines have long been stationed and re-provisioned on the rusting deck of the BRP Sierra Madre, a Philippine naval ship half-sunk into the reef in 1999. Ever since, the vessel and the marines have served to embody Manila’s claim of sovereignty over the shoal. More recently, China has tried to raise the salience of its own claim by intensively patrolling the area.
US-Philippines Reach Deal on US Military Access The Diplomat 14th Mar 2014
The Philippines announced on Friday that Washington has accepted its draft for a new agreement granting the U.S. military greater access to bases in the Southeast Asia country. In a press conference on Friday, Undersecretary of Defense Pio Lorenzo Batino said that consensus has been reached and just the final details are being hammered out. “Consensus was arrived at on many provisions of the draft agreement,” Batino said according to Reuters, adding that the deal was 80 percent done. The Philippine Inquirer summarized Batino as saying that the “U.S. had accepted the Philippine draft of the proposed Agreement on Enhanced Defense Cooperation.” It went on to quote him as explaining that the draft “more comprehensively articulated the Philippines’ positions, notably its consistency with the Philippine Constitution and relevant laws, as well as mindfulness of the country’s historical experiences.”
Philippines protests China stopping troop resupply Boston.com 11th Mar 2014
The Chinese coast guard prevented delivery of supplies to Filipino soldiers guarding a disputed shoal in the South China Sea and an envoy rejected a Philippine protest over the interference, officials said Tuesday. Chinese ships prevented two Filipino civilian vessels hired by the Philippine navy from reaching Second Thomas Shoal on Sunday, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. The shoal is called Ayungin Shoal by Manila and Ren'ai Reef by the Chinese. ‘‘Ayungin Shoal is part of the continental shelf of the Philippines and therefore, the Philippines is entitled to exercise sovereignty rights and jurisdiction in the area without the permission of other states,’’ the statement said. China’s actions ‘‘constitute a clear and urgent threat to the rights and interests of the Philippines’’ under the Law of the Sea, it added.
Philippines, US agree on language in troops deal PhilStar 10th Mar 2014
Both panels of negotiators on the increased rotational presence of American troops have made a consensus on a "mutually agreeable language" upon the conclusion of the sixth round of talks on Sunday. Defense Undersecretary Pio Lorenzo Batino, also chair of the Philippine negotiating panel, said that both parties have made "significant progress" on several critical provisions of the proposed framework agreement.
MILF forms political party Manila Bulletin 9th Apr 2014
Fresh from signing an agreement with the government to end decades-long rebellion, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Tuesday announced it had formed its own political party to contest leadership in the future Bangsamoro autonomous region in Mindanao. The political party will be called the United Bangsamoro Justice Party and will field candidates in the regional elections, according to Ghadzali Jaafar, political affairs chief of the 11,000-strong MILF. With the political party, Iqbal says the rebels “will continue the struggle, but no longer with arms,” Mohagher Iqbal, chief MILF negotiator, said Tuesday.
Panels ready new security pact for Obama-Aquino signing Print Business Mirror 9th Apr 2014
Negotiators are scheduled to resume on Thursday discussions on the Enhanced Defense Cooperation between the Philippines and the United States, and sources indicated an agreement might be reached before President Barack Obama’s planned visit here late this month. Filipino negotiators had earlier expressed hope a final copy of the agreement could be sealed for Obama’s and President Aquino’s signatures during the former’s visit.
Phl to probe arms smuggling cefa.ph 31st Mar 2014
The government is preparing to investigate alleged arms trafficking involving an unnamed military captain, California senator Leland Yee and a faction of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). “It cannot be taken lightly,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said yesterday over radio dzRB. “Certainly, this is a matter that has to be looked into.” The development came amid an admission by an “arms buyer” that some members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) were routinely selling weapons to rebels and other armed groups.
PHL submits papers vs China Philippine Star 31st Mar 2014
MANILA, Philippines - Citing national interest and seeking a just and durable solution grounded on international law, the Philippines submitted yesterday a 4,000-page memorial or written argument to the United Nations arbitral tribunal hearing its case against China for the latter’s excessive claims in the South China Sea. The Philippines submitted electronically its memorial to the registrar of the tribunal based in The Hague at 9:37 a.m. (Manila time). Copies were also sent to each arbitrator – the Chinese ambassador in the Netherlands and the Chinese chargé d’affaires in Manila.
Bidding for P5.4B helicopter deal set on April 24 Philippine Star 31st Mar 2014
The bidding process for the acquisition of two anti-submarine helicopters worth P5.4 billion will start this week, the Department of National Defense (DND) said yesterday. The procurement of the helicopters is expected to boost the country’s maritime defense capabilities. A bid bulletin obtained by The STAR showed the bidding would be held on April 24. The DND will have the bid invitation published this week to formally start the bidding process for the project that will cover the integrated logistics support for the helicopters including training for naval pilots. “The two anti-submarine helicopters are primarily ship-based helicopters with mission essential equipment,” Navy spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic told The STAR.This will be the first time for the government to acquire anti-submarine helicopters.
BSP enters tightening cycle with no negative impact seen Business Mirror 29th Mar 2014
THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is expected to implement several tightening measures in its policy stance, as its recent adjustment on the reserve-requirement ratio of banks would usher in a period of “tightening cycle” up until the end of this year. In separate research notes, three international banks said that although policy rates were kept unchanged in the latest meeting of the Monetary Board, the increase in the reserve-requirement ratio indicated that the central bank was willing to raise its key rates in the near term.
PH acquires P23.7B-worth of fighter jets, helicopters Phil Daily Inquirer 28th Mar 2014
The contract signing of P23.7 billion worth of brand new lead in trainer fighter jets and combat utility helicopters on Friday ushered a new era in Philippine military aviation amid the country’s bid to defend maritime borders. “With the eventual delivery and acquisition of these new air assets our air force can already forget the lingering naughty joke that it is all air without force,” Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said in his speech at the joint contract signing held at Camp Aguinaldo. The deals that were signed include the 12 lead-in trainer jets from Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) of South Korea worth P18.9 billion and eight Bell 412 EP combat utility helicopters from Canada worth P4.8 billion. Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/589890/ph-acquires-p23-7b-worth-of-fighter-... Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook
2 contracts for purchase of fighter jetc signed today Philippine Star 28th Mar 2014
Contracts for two big-ticket items in the military’s upgrade program will be signed today, bringing the Philippines closer to its aim of achieving minimum credible defense. The contracts, with a total amount of P23.7 billion, involve the acquisition of 12 lead-in fighter trainer jets worth P18.9 billion from South Korea and eight combat utility helicopters worth P4.8 billion from Canada. Armed Forces chief Gen. Emmanuel Bautista will sign the contracts in behalf of the government. South Korean Ambassador Lee Hyuk and Canadian Ambassador Neil Reeder are expected to witness the event. The 12 FA-50 jets will be purchased from the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI). The acquisition is so far the most costly military upgrade project to be sealed by the government.
PH, US panels schedule another round of talks Philippine Star 27th Mar 2014
Contrary to expectations, the Philippines and US panels negotiating a new military agreement concluded their 7th round of talks this week without a final agreement. Another round of talks is scheduled in April. “We are moving forward on many key provisions and it is crucial at this point that both sides are clear on their common understanding of these key provisions and of the thrust of the agreement,” a statement from the government quoted Philipine panel chairman Defense Undersecretary Pio Lorenzo Batino as saying. "An eighth round of negotiations is expected to be held in early April," the statement added.
House leaders back bases access pact Philippine Star 17th Mar 2014
Leaders of the House of Representatives are supporting the new security agreement being forged between the Philippines and the US, saying it could serve as a credible deterrent against China’s increasing aggressiveness in the West Philippine Sea. Deputy Speaker and Isabela Rep. Giorgidi Aggabao and Deputy Majority Leader Sherwin Tugna welcomed news that the Philippines and the US have moved closer to signing an agreement that would increase the “rotational presence” of American troops in the country.
Military acquiring 12 more fighter jets, other weapons Manila Bulletin 16th Mar 2014
The government is finalizing the purchase of more aircraft and weapons for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to boost its capacity to guard the nation’s territory and conduct search and rescue operations. At the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) graduation rites in Baguio City, President Aquino announced that the government is set to purchase 12 lead-in fighter trainer jets for “territorial defense operation.”The FA-50 trainer jets would reportedly be acquired from South Korea for P18.9 billion as part of the Armed Forces modernization program. The contract is expected to be signed this month.
Lawmakers divided over new US-PH security plan Manila Bulletin 16th Mar 2014
Lawmakers divided over new US-PH security plan by Charissa Luci March 17, 2014 Share this: The proposed “Agreement on Enhanced Defense Cooperation” (AEDC) between Manila and Washington is drawing mixed response in Congress, with a member of the House independent bloc joining a group of progressive lawmakers in opposing the deal while two other congressmen expressing support for such an agreement. Deputy Speaker and Isabela Rep. Giorgidi Aggabao and Western Samar Rep. Mel Senen Sarmiento rallied behind the security deal, which is expected to be finalized before US President Barack Obama visits the Philippines next month. “The American presence is a credible deterrent. This is true in South Korea where the American bases there provide a strong counterfoil to North Korean aggression. It is also true in Japan where the American base in Okinawa presents a solid deterrent to a Chinese grab of disputed Senkaku Islands,” Aggabao said.
Philippines offers U.S. forces access to military bases Reuters 16th Mar 2014
The Philippines has agreed to allow the United States access to its military bases under a new security deal being negotiated by the two allies, amid mounting concern over China's increasing assertiveness in the disputed waters of the South China Sea. The offer was made during a sixth round of talks held in Washington last week, Filipino officials said on Friday. The two sides hope to finalize terms before U.S. President Barack Obama embarks on a visit to Asia, including the Philippines, next month. "Consensus was arrived at on many provisions of the draft agreement," Pio Lorenzo Batino, defense undersecretary told a news conference, adding the deal is 80 percent done."The proposed agreement will allow the sharing of defined areas within certain AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines)facilities with elements of the U.S. military."
No basis in China’s historical right over West Phl Sea’ Philippine Star 10th Mar 2014
China’s most salient argument in its territorial claim over the West Philippine Sea – its historical right – holds no water, according to a senior justice of the Supreme Court (SC). “China’s claim to a historical right to the waters enclosed within the nine-dash lines in the South China Sea is utterly without basis under international law,” Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio said, echoing what he said is “almost universal opinion of non-Chinese scholars on the law of the sea.” In his speech during the 19th National Convention and Seminar of the Philippine Women Judges Association last week, Carpio cited China’s claim of “historical facts” on Scarborough Shoal.
Bangsamoro development plan launched Philippine Daily Inquirer 6th Mar 2014
Promoting the development of Mindanao’s economy will be among policymakers’ top priorities once the peace deal between the government and Muslim rebels is signed this year. Government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) officials on Wednesday announced the kick-off of the Bangsamoro Development Plan (BDP), which will map out investments and programs to promote inclusive growth and stability and help create jobs in the Bangsamoro from 2014 until 2020. Bangsamoro refers to the new political entity that will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), as provided in the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) signed by the Aquino administration and the MILF in 2012.
Singapore
Singapore proposes regional crisis center The Star 4th Apr 2014
Singapore has proposed hosting a regional crisis command center that would help coordinate governments' efforts after major natural disasters, the city-state's defense minister said Thursday. "We were obviously struck over the last decade by how many disasters there were" in the region, said Ng Eng Hen, citing earthquakes, tsunamis and typhoons that have cut a swathe of destruction from the Philippines to Japan. "We recognized in the first critical 24, 48 hours, it is actually very difficult for the affected country to be able to set up a C2 (command and control) center, for the very reason they're the ones hit," said the minister, in Hawaii for an ASEAN meeting. With communications knocked out, governments at the center of a natural disaster often are "overwhelmed" and don't have the ability to manage international offers of help, he said.
Sleepless In Singapore: LCS Is Undermanned & Overworked, Says GAO Breaking Defense 4th Apr 2014
Some spectacular glitches marred the first overseas deployment of the Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship, including an electrical failure that left the USS Freedom “briefly” dead in the water. Now Breaking Defense has obtained an unpublished Government Accountability Office study of Freedom‘s Singapore deployment that raises more serious questions about a long-standing worry: whether the small and highly automated LCS has enough sailors aboard to do up all the work needed, from routine maintenance to remedial training. By now, the Navy brass have surely gotten tired of GAO taking shots at LCS. But according to GAO, LCS sailors are getting literally tired of the ship: They averaged about six hours of sleep per day, 25 percent below the Navy’s eight-hour standard, and key personnel such as engineers got even less. That’s in spite of extensive reliance on contractors both aboard and ashore, with a “rigid” schedule of monthly returns to Singapore that restricted how far from port the LCS could sail; the decision to increase Freedom‘s core crew by 25 percent, from 40 to 50 — the maximum the ship can accommodate without a “significant” redesign; and the 19-sailor “mission module” crew, who are supposed to operate LCS’s weapons, helicopters, and small boats, pitching in daily to help the core crew run the ship’s basic systems.
Why Singapore Wants the F-35 The Diplomat 10th Mar 2014
At this year’s Singapore Airshow, held from February 11-16, visiting foreign defense reporters viewed a model of the Singapore Navy’s Endurance-class Landing Platform Dock (LPD) reconfigured as a Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD). This led to speculation that Singapore intends to outfit its future Endurance LHDs by procuring the Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning IIs. The F-35B is a fifth generation supersonic stealth fighter that meets Singapore’s unstated objective of maintaining air superiority over its immediate neighborhood. The F-35B is a short vertical take off and landing aircraft suited for Singapore’s congested landmass. Singapore is in the process of consolidating its three military airfields. The reduction in runways is compensated for by the F-35′s ability to take off in a short space. A fully loaded F-35B needs only 168 meters of runway. In addition, the F-35B has demonstrated that it can land and take off easily from ships at sea. In recent trials, the F-35B successfully landed and took off from the USS Wasp LHD-1. The F-35B would give Singapore a winning advantage should a conflict break out in Southeast Asia. Singapore has been a Security Cooperative Participant in the F-35 program since 2003. In 2011, Singapore began a serious study of the F-35B. In July 2013, U.S. Air Force General Herbert Carlisle seemingly let the cat out of the bag when he disclosed that Singapore’s Chief of Defense Force, Lt. Gen. Ng Chee Meng, told him that Singapore had decided to buy the B version of the F-35. General Carlisle also indicated that the timing of Singapore’s decision to announce its procurement of the F-35B was related to its budgetary cycle. Because Singapore is currently committed to a mid-life upgrade of its F-16s fleet, its leaders have repeatedly qualified their public interest in acquiring the F-35B. In mid-2013, for example, Lt. Gen. Ng was quoted as stating that Singapore “is in no hurry to make a decision.”
Thailand
China Offers Copy of Kilo Submarine to Thailand Defense Studies 9th Apr 2014
Chinese weapon has full of opportunities to penetrate the Thai market, after artillery system by WS-1B and WS-32, China continues to offer S-20 submarines for Thailand. This transaction will be significant because Thailand has no previous experience using submarines. Although he expressed interest in submarine production by China, Thailand however still no official response regarding this invitation. According to what China claims, submarine S-20 was designed by this country and production, but according to what was published, the S-20 is a copy of the Kilo class submarines from Russia. S-20 has a length of 66 m, a width of 8 m, height 8.2 m, as well water displacement of 1,850 tons when submerged water displacement of 2,300 tons, speed 18 knots/h, distance of journey speed 16 knots/h is 8,000 nautical miles.
Thailand finalises purchase of Lakota helicopters Janes.com 31st Mar 2014
Airbus Helicopter has been awarded a modified contract to build six UH-72A Lakota light utility helicopters for the Royal Thai Army (RTA), the US Department of Defense (DoD) announced on 28 March. The contract is valued at USD34 million and includes the delivery of the helicopters fitted with Raytheon's AN/ARC-231 airborne radio terminal, as well as an environmental control unit and a mission equipment package. The helicopters will be built at Airbus Helicopter facilities in Columbus, Mississippi, and are expected to be delivered to the RTA from April 2015. The contract award follows Thailand's request to purchase the helicopters through the Foreign Military Sale (FMS) mechanism in June 2013.
Government mulls over proposed security fence along Malaysia-Thailand border in Kelantan The Malay Mail Online 30th Mar 2014
The government is still studying the proposed construction of security fence along Malaysia-Thailand border in Kelantan.Ministry of Home Affairs secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Khalid Sharif said the study by a special committee, which was set up to look at the cost and suitable sites. “The committee, known as the Security Fence Technical Team, is still conducting an in-depth study, as it involves huge cost. We also need co-operation from the Kelantan state government, as it may involve land matters,” he told a press conference at Marine Operations Force Base, near here today.
Military to maintain bunkers despite lifting of emergency The Nation 20th Mar 2014
The military will maintain its force and 176 street bunkers across Bangkok, even though the government has lifted the emergency decree. A military source said the reason the government scrapped the state of emergency was not only because the Civil Court had put restrictions on its clamping down on anti-government protesters, rendering the emergency decree meaningless. Another reason was that "Thaksin supporters" wanted to gauge the military's power over maintaining its 176 bunkers on Bangkok's streets. After lifting the state of emergency, the government has been pressuring the military to remove the bunkers, citing adverse effects on business and foreign investors' confidence.
Royal Thai Navy joins search for Malaysian airliner Royal Thai Embassy 18th Mar 2014
The Royal Thai Navy has joined the search for Malaysian Airways flight MH370 which disappeared last week while on a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. The search has been expanded to 25 countries, but the plane has yet to be found. The Royal Thai Air Force also gave its radar data to Malaysia, according to its spokesman. While the navy suspended its search on Saturday given the shift in the investigation, its ships stand ready in case the Malaysian government needs another search. Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra spoke by telephone with her Malaysian counterpart Razak Najib and expressed her condolences shortly after the apparent loss of the aircraft, which disappeared on March 8. Marshaling the Kingdom’s military, which devotes significant resources and training to enhance its search and rescue capabilities, the Prime Minister vowed full cooperation with Malaysia.
Vietnam
US, Vietnam Navies Conduct First Search and Rescue Exercise CPF 12th Apr 2014
The guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) conducted a search and rescue exercise with a Vietnam People’s Navy minesweeper off the coast of Da Nang, Vietnam, April 12. This first-ever SAR event between the U.S. and Vietnamese navies occurred a few hours after McCain got underway from the port of Da Nang, concluding six days of professional exchanges and skills transfers as part of Naval Engagement Activity (NEA) Vietnam that began April 7. “After a very productive series of naval exchanges in Da Nang this week, our at sea exercise today was an important stepping stone in building confidence to operate together in the maritime domain,” said Capt. Paul Schlise, commodore, Destroyer Squadron 7 and commander, Task Group 73.1.
U.S. to send ships for repair at Vietnam’s Cam Ranh port: commodore Tuoi Tre News 8th Apr 2014
U.S. ships will continue to come to Vietnam’s Cam Ranh Military Port, located in the central province of Khanh Hoa, for repair services if the port is able to serve them, U.S. Captain Paul Schlise said upon the arrival of two U.S. vessels in the central city of Da Nang on Monday. As scheduled, the guided missile destroyer USS John S. McCain and the rescue and salvage ship USNS Safeguard landed in Da Nang for a five-day visit to begin their 5th Naval Exchange Activity (NEA) with the Vietnamese side. Capt. Schlise, commodore, is the general chief of the 2014 U.S.-Vietnam Naval Exchange Activity. The two U.S. naval vessels docked at the city’s Tien Sa Port yesterday morning and a welcoming ceremony along with a press conference was held upon their arrival. Capt. Schilse told reporters that during the visit, the naval forces of Vietnam and the U.S. will exchange expertise in health, search and rescue, disaster relief, diving training, and on-board repairs. NEA Vietnam and the many port visits by U.S. Navy ships over the past decade are prominent examples of growing cooperation between the two countries’ naval forces, the U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City said Monday in a press release.
U.S.-Vietnam Naval Exercises Begin Amid Sea Tensions Bloomberg 8th Apr 2014
Two U.S. Navy ships began six days of non-combat exercises with the Vietnamese military as the U.S. seeks to bolster its presence in Asia at a time of growing tension between China and its neighbors. The engagements, the fifth year of joint exercises between the two navies, will focus on military medicine, search and rescue and shipboard damage control, with participation by the missile destroyer USS John S. McCain. While non-combat in nature, the exercises between two former enemies in Danang carry symbolic weight as the Obama administration pursues closer economic ties with Vietnam through efforts such as the proposed 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact and a deal to sell nuclear fuel and technology to Vietnam.
2014 Vietnam - US Naval Exchange Begins Embassy of Vietnam 7th Apr 2014
Officers of the US Navy arrived in Tien Sa port in the central city of Da Nang on April 7, beginning their Naval Exchange Activity (NEA) with Vietnamese counterparts. During their stay, the US officers plan to pay courtesy visits to leaders of the municipal People’s Committee and the Naval Zone 3 High Command, and exchange experience with their peers from the Vietnam Navy. The two navies will focus on sharing experience in non-combatant activities such as medical services, search and rescue operations, and ship repair. Their officers will also join sports activities and take part in a talk on the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea at Da Nang University. 2014 marks the fifth consecutive year of the NEA programme between the US and Vietnam, and the tenth year US naval ships have anchored at Da Nang port.
U.S.-Vietnam Naval Exercises Begin Amid SE Asian Tension Bloomberg 7th Apr 2014
Two U.S. Navy ships began six days of non-combat exercises with the Vietnamese military as the U.S. seeks to bolster its presence in Asia at a time of growing tension between China and its neighbors. The engagements, the fifth year of joint exercises between the two navies, will focus on military medicine, search and rescue and shipboard damage control, with participation by the missile destroyer USS John S. McCain. While non-combat in nature, the exercises between two former enemies in Danang carry symbolic weight as the Obama administration pursues closer economic ties with Vietnam through efforts such as the proposed 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact and a deal to sell nuclear fuel and technology to Vietnam.
U.S., Vietnam Navies Build Confidence During Naval Engagement Activity CPF 7th Apr 2014
The U.S. Navy and Vietnam People's Navy began the annual Naval Engagement Activity (NEA) April 7 with a welcoming ceremony for USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) and USNS Safeguard (T-ARS-50) at the port of Da Nang. During the welcoming ceremony, Vietnamese officials from the Ministry of Defense, Foreign Relations Department, Naval Zone 3, Military Region 5, Da Nang Defense Command, External Relations Office and Border Guard welcomed the crews of both ships. 2014 marks the fifth consecutive NEA Vietnam and the tenth year that U.S. Navy ships have called upon the port of Da Nang. USS John S. McCain last visited Da Nang in August 2010 as part of the inaugural NEA Vietnam, which coincided with the 15th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the United States and Vietnam.
Russia and Vietnam Team Up to Balance China National Interest 7th Apr 2014
Justified emphasis on the current Ukraine crisis should not lead us to make the mistake of overlooking Russia’s policies in East Asia. Normally Russia’s policies in Southeast Asia do not get much attention. But they reveal important motifs and themes in Russia’s overall foreign policy and its response to China’s rising power and to trends in Asian security. Examination of those policies reveals much about Russian policy in Asia and in general. In particular they demonstrate Moscow’s quest for total independence and tactical flexibility as well as its habitual reliance on energy and arms sales in strife-torn areas as the instruments by which it seeks to gain leverage on regional security agendas. Moreover, they also demonstrate that like other powers, Russia is pursuing what may be called a hedging strategy against China in Asia. On the one hand it supports China against the US and on the other works to constrain Chinese power in Asia.
A Line with Nine Dashes Viet-Studies 25th Mar 2014
If it was the sinking of the Cheonan that prompted a lot of soul-searching in Northeast Asia about China, then the moment of clarity in Southeast Asia came from a more mundane source: the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf. In 2009, this largely obscure UN body set a deadline for countries in the region to deliver submissions of their claims in the South China Sea and its myriad of disputed rocks, islets, and coral reefs. The South China Sea has a large and complicated list of claimants. China, Taiwan, and Vietnam claim most of the area and its islands, but the Philippines, Brunei, and Malaysia also claim part. The UN Law of the Sea Treaty provides a framework of international legislation to adjudicate such disputes, a process of case law and precise legal language which is designed to take the heat out of emotionally charged arguments. In the case of the South China Sea, however, the result was the exact opposite. After Vietnam and Malaysia submitted a joint written claim to the panel, China was incensed. Beijing released its own note, which stated: “China has indisputable sovereignty over the islands of the South China Sea and the adjacent waters.” Alongside this diplomatic note verbale, Beijing attached a map of the area, in which China’s claims are demarcated by a line made up of nine dashes.
Probe attacks on boats, China told Vietnam News 21st Mar 2014
Viet Nam has requested China to seriously investigate the recent acts of chasing and damaging two Vietnamese fishing vessels in Viet Nam's waters by several Chinese ships. The request was forwarded by a representative from the Consular Department of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs after handing over a diplomatic note to a representative from the Chinese Embassy in Ha Noi during their meeting on Monday. According to the Consular Department, since the start of 2014, some Vietnamese fishing vessels have been prevented, chased, and damaged by Chinese ships while they were fishing in the traditional fishing grounds around Viet Nam's Hoang Sa (Paracel) Archipelago. At 2:00 p.m., on January 7, fishing ship QNg 90055 TS of the central Quang Ngai province with seven fishermen on board was chased by a Chinese vessel coded 1239. Assets on the ship QNg 90055 TS were damaged by the Chinese side.
A Budding Alliance: Vietnam and the Philippines Confront China Foreign Policy in Focus 20th Mar 2014
ast year, the Philippines brought a complaint against China’s aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea to the United Nations Arbitral Tribunal. The Chinese “were really unprepared for that and were really embarrassed by it,” one of Vietnam’s top experts on Chinese diplomacy told me during my recent visit to Hanoi. It was a master stroke by the Philippine government. The move put China on the defensive, said another Vietnamese analyst, and was one of the factors that prompted Beijing last year to agree in principle to hold discussions with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on a Code of Conduct for the disputed body of water—known in the Philippines as the West Philippine Sea, in Vietnam as the East Sea, and in China as the South China Sea. The budding cooperation between Vietnam and the Philippines is the latest development stemming from China’s aggressive territorial claims in the region. In 2009, China put forward the so-called “Nine-Dash Line” map in which it claimed the whole of the South China Sea, leaving four other countries that border on the strategic body of water with nothing more than their 12-mile territorial seas. In pursuit of Beijing’s goals, Chinese maritime surveillance ships have driven Filipino fisherfolk from Scarborough Shoal, which lies within the Philippines’ 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). In the most recent incident, the Chinese tried to disperse Filipino fishing boats approaching the shoal with water cannons. Chinese government ships have also reportedly chased off Filipino boats trying to replenish a garrison on Ayungin Shoal in the Spratly Islands.
U.S.-Vietnam Defence Relations: Convergence Not Congruence China Policy Institute 17th Mar 2014
Military-to-military relations between Vietnam and the U.S. developed slowly after the normalization of diplomatic relations in July 1995 mainly due to Vietnamese sensitivities and concern that defense relations might outstrip economic ties. In 2000, William Cohen became the first U.S. Secretary of Defense to visit Hanoi. The year 2003 proved pivotal. In July, the Vietnam Communist Party (VCP) Central Committee’s eighth plenum redefined its ideological approach to interstate relations by adopting the concepts doi tac (object of cooperation) and doi tuong (object of struggle). In other words, Vietnam had come to view its relations with both China and the United States as containing elements of cooperation and struggle when either state adopted policies that affected Vietnam’s nation interests. This new policy sanctioned new avenues of cooperation with the United States. In 2003, U.S. Navy warships began annual port visits to Vietnam. In December 2003 General Pham Van Tra, Vietnam’s Minister of National Defence, made a visit to Washington to reciprocate the visit of Secretary Cohen three years earlier. Significantly, during General Tra’s visit it as agreed that exchanges between defence ministers would take place every three years on an alternating basis. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld visited Hanoi in June 2006, Vietnamese Defence Minister General Phung Quang Thanh visited Washington in December 2009, and Defense Secretary Leon Panetta visited Hanoi in June 2012. In 2007, the George W. Bush Administration amended the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) to permit the issuing of “licenses, other approvals, exports or imports of non-lethal defense articles and defense services” to Vietnam on a case-by-case basis. U.S., however, continues to prohibit the export of “lethal defense articles and services destined for Vietnam” as well as components of lethal weapons, non-lethal crowd control equipment and night vision devises. In June 2008, Vietnam’s Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung made an official visit to the United States where he met with President George W. Bush. A joint statement issued after their meeting noted that they had reached agreement to hold an annual high-level dialogue on security and strategic issues at deputy minister/assistant secretary level. The first Political, Security and Defense Dialogue was held in Washington in October.
Motorola Solutions Foundation Contributes Toward Public Safety in Vietnam Wall Street Journal 6th Mar 2014
Motorola Solutions Inc. (NYSE: MSI) today, through the charitable arm of the company, Motorola Solutions Foundation, announced contributions totaling 949.5 million VND (US$45,000) to two organizations in Vietnam with the aim of enhancing public safety and recognizing the sacrifice and dedication of brave first responders across the country.
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