| Regional Affairs
Naval Fortresses: An Old Concept for a New Era? The Diplomat 5th Aug 2014
But after two decades of U.S. hegemony in the post-Cold War era, the evolving international situation may revive the strategic and tactic value of naval fortresses. Several rising sea powers (like China), and Washington’s recent reluctance on overseas intervention, could shift the strategic circumstances of maritime states. As Washington D.C. hesitates to maintain the status quo, new naval powers have wider space to exert their maritime muscle over other coastal states, as China has done in the East and South China Seas for instance. Although these new sea powers may build up considerable surface and submarine fleets, fortresses would pose a significant obstacle to them. Most land-attack and anti-ship missiles equipped on modern warships and submarines are loaded with relatively small warheads of less than a ton to facilitate a precision strike. As for gunfire, the main medium caliber guns, between 76mm and 155mm for modern frigates and destroyers, can only project shells of less than 150kg. Without nuclear warheads, the main weapon systems of modern surface ships and submarines would be unlikely to destroy fortresses, and anti-fortress missions would rely on special air-delivered munitions, such as bunker-buster bombs, because normal air-to-surface bombs and missiles are unable to effectively destroy fortresses. The main constraints for these new sea powers would be their limited number of aircraft carriers and a lack of overseas bases. The very few non-U.S. aircraft carriers with ski-jump decks restricts both the number of operational aircraft and their payload, so a new sea power would be unlikely to be in a position to spare the capacity to effectively attack a fortress while other operations, such as establishing and maintaining air superiority, require those aircraft. Without an adequate overseas base, a new sea power would be unable to use land-based aircraft to carry out anti-fortress missions. That would make neutralizing a fortress a tough challenge for an emerging sea power.
China says can build what it wants on South China Sea isles Reuters 4th Aug 2014
China can build whatever it wants on its islands in the South China Sea, a senior Chinese official said on Monday, rejecting proposals ahead of a key regional meeting to freeze any activity that may raise tensions in disputed waters there. Southeast Asian foreign ministers this week hold security talks with counterparts, including those from the United States and China, in Myanmar, with escalating tensions over maritime disputes in Asia likely to be a major issue. The Philippines will propose a freeze on all activity that raises tension in disputed waters in the South China Sea as part of a three-part plan at the ASEAN Regional Forum meeting, Manila's foreign minister said last week. The United States, a close ally and former colonial power in the Philippines, has also called on all parties to halt activity in the disputed sea to ease tension. Manila has accused China of carrying out reclamation work on at least three shoals in the Spratly Islands, where most of the overlapping claims lie, especially between China and the Philippines. Yi Xianliang, deputy head of the Chinese Foreign Ministry's Boundary and Ocean Affairs Departments, told reporters that China had every right to build on its islands as a way of improving basic living conditions there. "The Spratly Islands are China's intrinsic territory, and what China does or doesn't do is up to the Chinese government. Nobody can change the government's position," Yi said.
Oil rig out, but still no happy ending EAF 30th Jul 2014
On 15 July, the Haiyang Shiyou 981 oil rig was removed from Vietnam’s claimed EEZ in the South China Sea. But this might not be the happy ending it appears to be. The way the crisis began and ended suggests that similar incidents will occur. The Chinese decision to place the rig in the area was unilateral. So was the decision to pull it out. It was made in the absence of an agreed solution between China and Vietnam and was accompanied by a claim touting the ‘success’ of the drilling operation, which occurred ‘well within China’s sovereignty’, according to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Hong Lei.
Aegis, Missile Defense and the US Pivot The Diplomat 30th Jul 2014
Geopolitical developments across the Western Pacific region are generating a rise in military modernization efforts among U.S. allies and partners and other countries. One of the military systems receiving increased focus and resources is missile defense—especially ship-based defenses against cruise and ballistic missiles. In that regard, the U.S. Navy’s Aegis Weapon System is emerging as a centerpiece of these efforts, and will play a significant role in enhancing regional missile defense cooperation, interoperability and integration against common adversaries––particularly North Korea but also China as well. Regional Missile Threats Many nations in the Pacific are growing increasingly uncomfortable with the pace of China’s military modernization as well as its regional expansionism. Likewise, the North Korean regime’s continued bellicosity combined with its testing and deployment of new, longer-range ballistic missiles is ratcheting up regional tensions. According to the Pentagon’s 2014 report to Congress on China’s military, the PLA Navy has experienced at least a decade of modernization that has yielded an impressive force with modern ships, submarines and an aircraft carrier entering the fleet. In mid-2014, the PLAN boasts nearly 200 major combatants, and some experts project it will surpass the size of the U.S. Navy as early as 2020. In 2013, the PLAN laid down, launched or commissioned more than 50 ships and similar numbers are expected in 2014, including a new-generation guided missile destroyer armed with anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCMs), land-attack cruise missiles, surface-to-air missiles and anti-submarine missiles––the PLAN’s equivalent of the U.S. Navy’s Burke guided missile destroyers (DDGs) that first went to sea in 1991. New destroyers and guided-missile frigates provide a significant upgrade to the PLAN’s air defense capability, which will be critical as it expands operations into “distant seas” beyond the range of shore-based air defenses.
Gov’t Ministers Meet With Regional Counterparts Cambodia Daily 30th Jul 2014
Defense Minister Tea Banh expressed confidence in the Thai junta’s leadership in the first meeting between top-ranking military officials from the two countries since Thailand’s army seized power two months ago, according to Thai media reports. General Banh told Thai Defense Ministry officials, including General Prayuth Chan-ocha, in Bangkok on Tuesday that he believes the junta’s actions will lead to “peace and order” and that Prime Minister Hun Sen “understands the situation in Thailand very well,” according to Thai news website Khaosod English. Upon his return to Phnom Penh last night, Gen. Banh said migrant workers and strengthening military cooperation were also discussed. Also Tuesday, an Interior Ministry delegation led by Interior Minister Sar Kheng arrived back in Phnom Penh from a two-day security summit with Laos and Vietnam.
How China May Still Win Despite Pulling Out its Rig from Vietnam’s EEZ cogitaASIA 23rd Jul 2014
China’s decision to pull out deep water rig HYSY 981 from Vietnam’s Exclusive Economic Zone last week was as sudden as the decision to deploy it near the Paracel Islands in the first place. The owner of the rig, China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) and the block rights holder, China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), issued a statement claiming that it has completed the tests it had set out to achieve and now plans to “check geological data” back in Hainan. Xinhua quoted CNPC officials as claiming that preliminary analysis promises potential for oil exploration in the area. Though the rig is gone, not everyone is ready to believe claims by CNOOC that it has completed exploration at the location. For one, the company had set itself an August deadline to complete its activities. It is possible that just as the decision to deploy was more political than economic, so is the decision to disengage. If that is true, then China will be back soon – perhaps when it is least expected. It has left the door open to return anytime it wills – the Chinese Foreign Ministry said CNOOC will “map out a specific work plan in the next step” after studying the data.
RIMPAC and the Politics of Maritime Engagement The Diplomat 22nd Jul 2014
Almost three weeks ago, the world’s largest naval exercise got underway in the Pacific. RIMPAC, or the Rim of the Pacific exercise, is a U.S. Pacific fleet organized and administered biannual naval drill held off Hawaii, which brings together maritime forces of many Pacific nations. This year, 49 ships and six submarines from 23 nations are taking part in exercises that will last for a duration of over four weeks, spread over two separate sea and harbor exercise programs. Unsurprisingly, it is China’s participation in the exercises that has attracted the most attention. Even though it is the first time the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA-N) has been invited to the exercises, the scale of its participation is considerable. With four of its premier maritime assets taking part in the exercises, including the destroyer Haikou and hospital ship Ark Peace, China is reportedly fielding the second largest contingent – a presence that belies the subdued image of a first time invitee. Needless to say, maritime observers have been surprised by the development, not least because the PLA-N is popularly perceived as the U.S. Navy’s chief adversary in the Pacific. Curiously, the invitation to China to participate in the RIMPAC comes in the midst of deepening tensions in the Pacific littorals. In recent weeks, the PLA-N’s aggressive posturing in the South China Sea and the East Sea has led to confrontations with Japan, the Philippines and Vietnam. Many of these nations are close allies of the U.S. and are said to have opposed the plan to invite China. That the U.S. still managed to have its way says something about the priority it attached to securing Chinese participation at the exercise.
Indonesia
Lockheed Martin Announces Indonesian Radar Industry Initiative Defense Studies 6th Aug 2014
Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) has launched an Indonesian radar industry initiative as part of its efforts to support the country's plans to modernize and extend its air surveillance coverage. This initiative includes technology transfers to aid in the development of a new Indonesian radar industry, as well as partnerships with local universities to cultivate the workforce necessary to support it. Enhancing Indonesia's ability to make critical radar components will reduce the nation's reliance on foreign suppliers, while providing employment opportunities for its citizens. "Lockheed Martin is committed to supporting Indonesia and its defense industry revitalization plans," said Robert Laing, National Executive, Lockheed Martin, Indonesia. "Our goal is to create a new technology sector and associated jobs to ensure a sustainable industry in Indonesia." Lockheed Martin has worked with the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) to produce an engineering curriculum focused on radar technologies. Similar programs, along with ongoing technical seminars and education opportunities, are training future leaders in the development of this technology. The Corporation also has established an Indonesia-based manufacturing capability with local companies, which have begun producing radar components.
Myanmar Navy and Indonesia's PT PAL in LPD talks Defense Studies 24th Jul 2014
he Myanmar Navy (MN) and Indonesian naval shipbuilder PT PAL are in talks over the MN's potential purchase of landing platform docks (LPDs) to bolster sealift and amphibious capabilities, IHS Jane's understands. The two parties have recently entered what have been described to IHS Jane's as "preliminary discussions" about the MN's acquisition of a small number of vessels based on PT PAL's Makassar-class LPD, which in turn is based on a design by South Korea's Dae Sun Shipbuilding and Engineering. PT PAL has delivered five Makassar-class LPDs to the Indonesian Navy and in June signed a contract to supply the Philippine Navy (PN) with two LPDs based on the same design.
Indonesia gets first three F-16s from US IHS 30th Jul 2014
The Indonesian Air Force (Tentara Nasional Indonesia - Angkatan Udara, TNI-AU) received the first three of 24 Lockheed Martin F-16C/D aircraft on 25 July. The F-16s, which are being upgraded from Block 25 to Block 52 standard by the US Air Force (USAF) at Hill Air Force Base's (AFB) Ogden Air Logistics Complex (ALC) in Utah, are former USAF and Air National Guard units that were transferred to Indonesia as excess defence articles under a contract signed in January 2012. The Indonesian government is paying about USD670 million to upgrade the aircraft with new avionics, engines, wings, landing gear and other components. According to official US Air Force media the USAF handed over one F-16C and two F-16Ds on 14 July. The remaining 21 aircraft are scheduled to be delivered to the Indonesian government by Ogden ALC by the end of 2015.
US, Indonesia Marines train together at KTA DVIDS 22nd Jul 2014
Beneath a canopy of thick, green vegetation, rays of light illuminate figures moving quietly through the brush. They execute orders with hand and arm signals, communicating danger areas and halting movement when it’s suspected there may be enemy combatants nearby. In the northern most part of the Island of Oahu, Indonesian marines with the Korps Marinir patrol through the jungle of the Kahuku Training Area during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise 2014, July 13. RIMPAC is the largest maritime exercise in the Pacific region, providing a unique training opportunity that fosters closer military-to-military bonds, facilitating clear lines of communication and interoperability among participating forces.
Malaysia
Navy ready to protect Sabah waters The Star 21st Jul 2014
The Royal Malaysian Navy, which has helped thwart pirates in international waters, is well placed off Sabah’s east coast to protect the country’s security against external threats. Taking the role as the “mother ship” is naval vessel Bunga Mas 5, which will serve as a forward sea base equipped with high-speed interceptor boats, radar surveillance and helicopters. The three interceptor combat boats (CB90) will be used together with the rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) that are currently being used by the navy’s elite sea commando unit (Paskal) and two new boats that were recently acquired by the navy – the Silver Brize and P38 craft. “The Bunga Mas 5 is the right choice to be placed in the area as it has a surveillance radar system and is equipped with helicopters to carry out night operations over long distances,” said navy chief Admiral Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Jaafar. He said it helped thwart the attacks by Somali pirates against ships crossing the Gulf of Aden.
Myanmar
Myanmar Opposition Pushes to Curb Military Power WSJ 6th Aug 2014
Opposition leaders said they collected nearly five million signatures in support of changing Myanmar's military-drafted constitution to remove the military's veto power over political affairs. The nationwide campaign—organized by the National League for Democracy, the country's main opposition party led by Aung San Suu Kyi, and the 88 Generation group—was launched to demonstrate support for amending the section of Myanmar's constitution that enshrines a place for the military in politics. Observers say, however, that the campaign will have little or no effect on whether the constitution is amended. Under parliamentary procedures, any change to the constitution would require consent of the military, which would have to effectively vote in agreement to give up its power. The petition gathering occurred May 27 to July 19 and encompassed remote ethnic minority areas in Chin state and Kachin state, collecting 4.94 million signatures from 308 townships out of Myanmar's 330. The section the opposition is targeting stipulates that any change to the Constitution requires more than 75% approval—and the military controls 25% of seats in parliament, effectively meaning that any constitutional change proposed would need the consent of at least one general. The section was put in the document by Myanmar's military leaders when they drafted the 2008 charter, when they still had absolute power the country. This, pro-democracy leaders say, must be removed before further constitutional change can be implemented, including lifting the clause in the document that bars Ms. Suu Kyi from assuming the presidency.
Philippines
AW-159 Likely to be PN's First ASW Helicopters Defense Studies 5th Aug 2014
There is a strong possibility that the AgustaWestland AW-159 "Wildcat" will be selected as the Philippine Navy's (PN's) first anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopter. This was revealed by a military source Tuesday. The former made this statement after noting that the AW-159 complies satisfactorily with all the requirements set by the Department of National Defense. The AW-159 (previously called the Future Lynx and Lynx Wildcat) is an improved version of the Westland Super Lynx military helicopter. The AW-159 will serve in the battlefield utility, search and rescue and anti-surface warfare roles. The helicopter has been ordered for the Royal Navy and British Army. It is to enter service with the British Army in 2014 and with the Royal Navy in 2015.
Philippines army gets new M4 rifles Global Post 4th Aug 2014
The Philippines has received the second tranche of 27,200 M4 rifles from U.S.-based firearms manufacturer Remington, a military official said Monday. Philippine Army spokesman Lt. Col. Noel Detoyato said the M4 rifles arrived in Manila on Thursday.
Philippines seeks pledges to suspend unilateral acts in S. China Sea Global Post 29th Jul 2014
Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario called Tuesday for all claimants to disputed islands and other land features in the South China Sea to agree to suspend unilateral actions that would further escalate tensions.
Islamist militants kill 18 civilians in Philippines Reuters 28th Jul 2014
Islamist militants in the Philippines killed 18 people on Monday in revenge for their clan's support of government efforts to bring stability to the resource-rich region and the military warned of more bloodshed. The Philippines is majority Catholic but islands in the far south are mostly Muslims and governments have for decades battled autonomy-seeking rebels. While the government has reached a tentative peace deal with the main Muslim rebel group, members of the hardline Abu Sayyaf are still fighting.
Philippines seeks transport aircraft UPI 25th Jul 2014
The U.S. Congress has received notification that the Philippines is seeking to acquire C-130T aircraft and engines for them under a U.S. Foreign Military Sales deal.
Gazmin, Canada Trade Chief Talk Defense, $105M Chopper Deal Defense Studies 24th Jul 2014
Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Canadian Trade Minister Edward Fast discussed the two countries' increasing defense cooperation as well as a helicopter project. Gazmin and Fast highlighted the recently signed contract for $105 million (P4.5 billion) for firm Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Ltd. to supply eight specialized helicopters for the Philippine armed forces. "This contract is an outcome of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Canadian Commercial Corporation and the Department of National Defence of the Philippines," a statement released by the Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada said. The agency said Fast expressed Canada's continuing interest in assisting the Philippines advance its defense and security agenda. The Philippines is gearing to attain a minimum credible defense posture especially in the maritime domain amid concerns on China's increasing militarization in Philippine-claimed areas in the South China Sea.
Manila Age Cap Hurts Military Reform Plans Wall Street Journal 24th Jul 2014
The newly appointed chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines must juggle counterinsurgency campaigns against communist and Islamist rebel groups, a sweeping modernization program and worsening territorial disputes with China. But there is one obstacle Lt. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang, who became armed forces commander last week, won't overcome: early retirement. Like all recent Philippine commanders, Gen Catapang, 55 years old, is constrained by a policy that forces military chiefs to retire at 56, often within months of taking the reins. The result of the age cap is constant turnover. He becomes the 17th armed-forces chief since 2000. Recent commanders have run the military for an average of just 10 months, and none has completed two full years in the top job.
US to give C-130 planes to Philippines PhilStar 23rd Jul 2014
The United States will give two Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" planes to the Philippines, newly appointed Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang revealed. In a state report, Catapang disclosed the impending donation in a visit to the 1st Air Division headquarters in Clark Field, Pampanga, citing American military officials. "I just talked to our US counterparts [and] they told us they are making available another two C-130s to address our humanitarian assistance disaster relief concerns," Catapang said. The United States military deployed a humanitarian mission to the Visayas after the onslaught of deadly typhoon Yolanda, which took thousands of lives and destroyed countless homes.
US to Give C-130 Planes to Philippines Defense Studies 23rd Jul 2014
The United States will give two Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" planes to the Philippines, newly appointed Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang revealed. In a state report, Catapang disclosed the impending donation in a visit to the 1st Air Division headquarters in Clark Field, Pampanga, citing American military officials. "I just talked to our US counterparts [and] they told us they are making available another two C-130s to address our humanitarian assistance disaster relief concerns," Catapang said. The United States military has deployed a humanitarian mission to the Visayas after the onslaught of deadly typhoon Yolanda, which took thousands of lives and destroyed countless homes. Catapang said that the Americans extended the offer after learning of President Aquino's plans to acquire new cargo aircrafts for the military.
Thailand, PH to push maritime code of conduct protocols Interaksyon 18th Jul 2014
Senior officials of China and members countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) are to hold a dialogue in October this year to discuss the full implementation of the Declaration on the Code of Conduct (DOC) and also to try for the conclusion of the Code of Conduct (COC), Acting Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said on Friday. Phuangketkeow is currently in Manila to meet with Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and discuss to with him the two countries' bilateral relations and the political situation in Bangkok. During a press conference, the Thai official confirmed that Thailand will continue to be a country coordinator for the Asean-China bilateral dialogue.
Singapore
US, Singapore Navies Conduct "Hide and Seek" Training Exercise navy.mil 6th Aug 2014
The U.S. Navy and the Republic of Singapore navy conducted a surface action group exercise (SAGEX) during the 2014 Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise, Aug. 4. Two multinational teams faced off as part of the exercise, with the goal of finding the other team first using various shipboard and aviation sensors, and then conducting simulated engagements with weapons systems. USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108), a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft and Singapore's RSS Formidable, RSS Victory, and an S-70B helicopter represented one team, while USS Halsey (DDG 97) and Singapore's RSS Stalwart, RSS Vigor and an F-50 Fokker maritime patrol aircraft made up the other team. "SAGEX is a combined US and Singapore effort with two teams facing off against each other," said Lt. Kurt Albaugh, USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) tactical action officer. "Each team works together to simulate an attack on the other team." The SAGEX is one of many complex surface, air and undersea warfare serials taking place during the five-day sea phase of CARAT Singapore, which commenced Aug. 3 and continues through Aug. 7. The Republic of Singapore Navy has participated in CARAT since the exercise series began in 1995, and this year's convening continues to strengthen professional relationships and enhance interoperability across the spectrum of naval operations.
Singapore Sheds Some Of Its Severe Secrecy Strategy Page 6th Aug 2014
Singapore recently revealed the existence of an air force squadron that has since 1980 been in charge of coordinating air defense. Thus the many past members of Squadron 200 could finally speak more freely of their military service. Singapore has long been known for its secrecy when it comes to military matters. While Singapore has long been considered to have the most effective, man-for-man, armed forces in Asia, it tried to enhance their military effectiveness by keeping most details secret. This meant many of those who have served in the Singapore armed forces could never tell family and friends what unit they were in or what they did. Singapore believed it needed all the military advantages it could muster because it is one of the smallest nations in the world, being a tiny (633 square kilometers) island city state. Defense spending is only about $12 billion a year for a population of 5.2 million. The armed forces consists of 71,000 active duty troops, of which 55 percent are conscripts. But on a per-capita basis, Singapore spends more on the military and has more people in uniform than the United States. The Singapore military is one of the best equipped, trained and led in the region. Singapore is not only quite wealthy but occupies a crucial strategic position as it is astride the most important shipping channel (the Malacca Strait) in the world. Singapore has the best educated and most affluent population in the region. With so much worth defending, Singapore is ready to take on any hostile neighbors (mainly Malaysia, which Singapore used to be part of) and an increasingly aggressive China. To enhance their defenses Singapore has always had close ties (diplomatic, economic and military) with the regional countries with powerful military forces in the area (United States, Australia, Japan, Taiwan and South Korea).
Singapore Seeks Survival Through Precision Strategy Page 5th Aug 2014
Singapore recently ordered another 963 JDAM kits. When added to an unguided bomb (228 kg/500 pound on up to 912 kg) the kit (GPS, flight computer, batteries and movable fins to guide the bomb) turns the “dumb” bomb into a smart bomb. Singapore uses JDAM on its newly acquired F-15E fighter-bombers. These were ordered in 2007 and had arrived by 2011. Back in 2008 Singapore placed its order for weapons to equip these F-15Es. The weapons list included 200 AIM-120C AMRAAM radar guided air-to-air missiles, 200 AIM-9X heat seeking air-to-air missiles, 150 JDAM kits, and 60 AIM-154 JSOW (JDAM with wings, and the ability to glide 50-130 kilometers). In addition, maintenance equipment and practice missiles are also on order. The Singapore F-15Es are actually improved versions called the F-15SG. These are similar to the South Korean version (the F-15K.) The South Koreans ordered 40 of the F-15K and were pleased with their performance. These aircraft can carry ten tons of munitions for several thousand kilometers, and employ smart bombs as well as the latest air-to-air weapons. Singapore's neighbors, Malaysia and Indonesia, are buying MiG-29s and Su-30s. Malaysia and Indonesia are much larger (in terms of population and territory), and both are envious of Singapore's wealth, and position astride the Straits of Malacca (through which a large portion of the world’s trade moves). Singapore thus puts a lot of effort and money into its military.
Vietnam, Singapore look to stronger defense ties Thanh Nien News 23rd Jul 2014
Vietnam and Singapore should deepen defense cooperation to match their strategic partnership, heard the Vietnam – Singapore defense policy dialogue in Hanoi on July 22. It will be made possible by sharing information and experience via visits, continuing the deputy ministerial-level dialogue mechanism, and assisting each other in building the United Nations peacekeeping forces and at multilateral forums. The views were shared by Deputy Minister of National Defense, Sen. Lieut. Gen Nguyen Chi Vinh and Permanent Secretary at the Singaporean Ministry of Defense Chan Yeng Kit who co-chaired the dialogue. Vinh thanked Singapore for helping Vietnam modernize its army, especially in foreign language training, peacekeeping mission, and search and rescue operation. He suggested the two defense ministries work out a three-year cooperation plan to better realize their commitments. Both sides were on the same page when it comes to the East Sea issue, saying that disputes should be addressed by peaceful means in line with international law. Parties concerned should stay united and uphold the central role of ASEAN in sustaining peace and stability in the region, they said.
Thailand
Thai woman arrested in Vietnam with 4kg of cocaine Thanh Nien News 31st Jul 2014
Tan Son Nhat airport's customs officers have arrested a Thai woman for smuggling nearly four kilograms of cocaine into Vietnam. The estimated market price of the illegal consignment is nearly VND25 billion (US$1.18 million). Earlier on June 6, a Thai man was also arrested at Tan Son Nhat airport with five kilograms of cocaine hidden in his fale-bottomed suitcase.
Army to continue peace talks with insurgents The Nation 6th Aug 2014
Post-coup efforts to cope with insurgency in the deep South are well advanced under a set of new policies. The policies are centred on continued dialogue with the separatist movement while delivering centralised tactical operations and security measures under the supervision of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Region 4. The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) will use the current framework designed by the pre-coup National Security Council (NSC) leaders for another year, security sources revealed. But key policies will be reassessed on a flexible basis after 2015 under the next framework.
Directorate chiefs get promotions Bangkok Post 25th Jul 2014
The Defence Council has approved a military restructuring plan in which the chiefs of all directorates will be promoted to lieutenant general and 26 more army districts will be set up. The extra army districts are to handle increased responsibilities which include ensuring peace and order at the next general election. Permanent secretary for defence Surasak Kanchanarat, in his capacity as defence minister, yesterday chaired a meeting of the Defence Council to discuss the restructuring.
Thailand's army declares war on 'vice' Al Jazeera 18th Jul 2014
Paphatya Poonpratin - a 25-year-old office worker in Bangkok - felt pleased about the evening news on television last week. One report showed military officers raiding an illegal gambling den as the culprits frantically tried to escape. In another segment, soldiers rounded up and handcuffed the organisers of a cock-fighting ring. "I also hope the new military government will strictly crack down on other illegal activities," said Paphatya, a supporter of Thailand's recent military coup.
Vietnam
Vietnam to Acquire Japanese Maritime Surveillance Ships The Diplomat 2nd Aug 2014
Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida, on a visit to Hanoi this week, announced that Japan will provide Vietnam with six naval ships for the purpose of patrolling the South China Sea. The deal will amount to 500 million yen (roughly $5 million) and is likely to anger China, which recently faced off against Vietnam over the positioning of a Chinese oil rig in disputed waters off the Paracel Islands. The deal marks a continuing trend in Japanese foreign and security policy of stepping up arms exports and defense deals following the lifting of Japan’s self-imposed 1967 ban on weapons imports. Japan is also exporting weapons to India, and will collaborate on defense development with the U.K. and France. Kishida announced the deal by noting that both Japan and Vietnam have agreed upon “maintaining peace and stability” in regional waters. Additionally, he added that both sides had agreed that maritime disputes ought to be resolved “in accordance with maritime law.” Vietnam recently threatened to take China to an international court over the oil rig dispute. Notably, Japan is selling Vietnam used surveillance vessels. According to Reuters, the ships will be accompanied by “training and equipment to help the coastguard and fisheries surveillance effort.” Additionally, according to anonymous Japanese government sources, Japan will further provide Vietnam with radar equipment. ”I hope that this support will contribute to the enhancement of Vietnam’s maritime law enforcement capability,” Kishida said. As the BBC notes in its coverage of the deal, Japan’s decision to sell maritime surveillance vessels to Vietnam, understood in combination with the United States’ recent base access deal with the Philippines, represents an effort by East Asia’s two major status quo powers to counter China’s revisionist efforts in the South China Sea. Since 2012, Beijing has become far more assertive in its attempts to administer disputed waters in the South China Sea.
Japan gives Vietnam six navy ships amid regional tension BBC 1st Aug 2014
Japan says it will give Vietnam six naval ships for patrols in the South China Sea, amid regional tension over competing maritime claims with China. The offer, worth 500 million yen (£2.9 million, $5 million), was announced during a visit by Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida to Hanoi.
Japan offers vessels to Vietnam to boost its sea strength Reuters 1st Aug 2014
Japan will give six navy boats to Vietnam to boost its patrols and surveillance in the South China Sea, Japan's foreign minister said on Friday, in the latest sign of a strengthening of alliances between states locked in maritime rows with China. The used vessels, worth 500 million yen ($4.86 million), would be accompanied by training and equipment to help the coastguard and fisheries surveillance effort, Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida said after talks with Vietnamese counterpart Pham Binh Minh.
Japan FM to visit Vietnam to boost tie-ups in maritime security Global Post 25th Jul 2014
Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida said Friday he will visit Vietnam from July 31 to Aug. 2 to boost cooperation in maritime security and other issues of mutual interest.
Details Emerge of Vietnam's C295 Purchase Defense Studies 24th Jul 2014
The three C295 transport aircraft that Vietnam has ordered from Airbus Defence and Space (DS) are scheduled to enter service with the Vietnamese air force from 2015, IHS Jane's understands. The purchase contract - thought to be secured in 2013 at a cost of about USD100 million - also includes the supply of spares, maintenance, and training to the air force, which is expected to take delivery of the aircraft at intervals of about six months. It is also understood that the aircraft are being sold to Vietnam in a basic transport configuration with no additional mission systems included. Airbus DS's production of Vietnam's first C295 aircraft, which is currently under way in Seville, Spain, was revealed by IHS Jane's in June, although contract details have not previously been disclosed.
After HYSY-981: A US-Vietnam Alliance? The Diplomat 22nd Jul 2014
Carl Thayer, Flashpoints‘ resident South China Sea expert, took a look at the reasons China might have preemptively withdrawn its oil rig from South China Sea waters disputed with Vietnam. Thayer paints a compelling picture of the multifaceted strategic environment that led Beijing to pull out its oil rig HYSY-981, which it installed in early May. The diplomatic crisis that followed drove a wedge between Vietnam and China. For Vietnam — particularly the China skeptics within the country — the episode vindicated years of mistrust of Beijing. For China, as Thayer argues, an early withdrawal of the oil rig at this point represents a face-saving resolution to the crisis — Beijing can now move to repair relations with Vietnam.
Typhoon kills 11 in Vietnam; China deaths up to 26 Bloomberg Businessweek 21st Jul 2014
A typhoon that barreled into northern Vietnam killed at least 11 people and left several missing. Typhoon Rammasun made landfall in Vietnam over the weekend, triggering heavy floods, destroying homes and crops, and blocking roads with landslides. The typhoon also wreaked havoc in the northern Philippines last week, leaving 94 people dead.
Battered and broke, Vietnam fishermen bear brunt of China row Reuters 27th Jul 2014
Vietnamese fisherman Dang Van Hoanh sits on the deck of a creaky ferry, nursing a broken leg wrapped in grubby bandages and splinted with wood. Staring out to sea, he recounts how an unidentified vessel rammed and sank his boat one night in May in South China Sea waters claimed by both Vietnam and China. One of his six crew was killed and another is still missing. "I planned to marry after that fishing trip but we lost everything," Hoanh, 27, told Reuters as the ferry headed to Ly Son island off central Vietnam where he and many other fishermen live. "Now, I'm broke and in debt." Hoanh believes he got caught in the crossfire of a dispute between Hanoi and Beijing over China's recent deployment of a $1 billion oil rig near the disputed Paracel islands off Vietnam
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