Type 076 amphibious assault ship, China

China’s introduction of a ‘monster ship’ raises concerns, according to a Philippines security official

The Philippines expressed concern over the presence of China‘s largest coast guard vessel within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), viewing it as a troubling act intended to intimidate local fishermen near a disputed shoal in the South China Sea. “We were taken aback by the escalating aggression displayed by the People’s Republic of China with the deployment of this massive ship,” stated Jonathan Malaya, spokesperson … Continue reading China’s introduction of a ‘monster ship’ raises concerns, according to a Philippines security official

Biden administration urges the Trump administration to keep a consistent approach in the Indo-Pacific

Jake Sullivan, the departing U.S. national security adviser, is encouraging the incoming Trump administration to maintain President Joe Biden‘s approach of strengthening relationships with allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region to address challenges posed by adversaries such as China and North Korea. Sullivan stated, in response to a question from VOA during a roundtable with journalists on Friday, “The argument we will present is … Continue reading Biden administration urges the Trump administration to keep a consistent approach in the Indo-Pacific

Indonesia's Foreign Minister Sugiono

Indonesia will boost defense collaborations and strengthen maritime security, says a top diplomat

Indonesia plans to enhance its current defense partnerships and intensify its approach to strategic matters affecting its sovereignty, particularly in areas such as maritime security and the protection of sea routes and fisheries, as stated by its foreign minister on Friday. Sugiono, who is known by a single name, emphasized that Indonesia will persist in advocating for the establishment of a code of conduct between … Continue reading Indonesia will boost defense collaborations and strengthen maritime security, says a top diplomat

Type 076 amphibious assault ship, China

Philippines has dispatched maritime and aerial resources to oversee the activities of China’s largest coast guard vessel

The Philippines has mobilized its military and coast guard assets within its exclusive economic zone to keep a close watch on China‘s largest coast guard vessel, characterizing its presence as an act of Chinese “intimidation, coercion, and aggression.” The Philippine coast guard reported that the 165-meter (541-foot) vessel, designated as 5901 and referred to by the Philippines as “the monster,” was located approximately 65 to … Continue reading Philippines has dispatched maritime and aerial resources to oversee the activities of China’s largest coast guard vessel

A player tests '2045', a new board game by Mizo Games set against the backdrop of armed conflicts around Taiwan, in Taipei, Taiwan.

Could a board game serve as a tool to prepare Taiwan for potential conflict with China?

Taiwanese company Mizo Games has introduced a new board game that immerses players in the roles of military leaders, covert agents, and civilian resistance members as they confront a fictional invasion of Taiwan by China. Titled “2045,” the game is set to launch in Taiwan this month, with an English version scheduled for release in Europe and the United States later in January. In August … Continue reading Could a board game serve as a tool to prepare Taiwan for potential conflict with China?

Donald Trump meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping

Biden spent four years strengthening US alliances in Asia. Will they last through Trump’s next term?

For America’s allies in Asia, the looming prospect of Donald Trump‘s return to the White House is particularly concerning at this juncture. China has been actively modernizing its military capabilities and nuclear stockpile, while also becoming more assertive in its territorial claims in the South China Sea and regarding Taiwan. Meanwhile, North Korea has intensified its aggressive rhetoric and its pursuit of nuclear program. Both … Continue reading Biden spent four years strengthening US alliances in Asia. Will they last through Trump’s next term?

China has stated it will strongly oppose any activities supporting Taiwan’s independence

China’s defense ministry addressed the recent surge of military activities near Taiwan on Friday, asserting that the decision to conduct drills rests solely with China. The ministry emphasized that the military would remain active in countering separatist forces. In response to a significant increase in Chinese military maneuvers around the island and in the East and South China Seas, Taiwan’s defense ministry heightened its alert … Continue reading China has stated it will strongly oppose any activities supporting Taiwan’s independence

Taiwan is monitoring Chinese aircraft carriers amid reports of possible military exercises this weekend

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense announced on Tuesday that it is closely monitoring the movements of a Chinese aircraft carrier and evaluating China‘s military activities, as security sources indicate that Beijing may initiate new military exercises as early as this weekend. China, which asserts its claim over the democratically governed Taiwan, has conducted two rounds of military drills around the island this year, with its … Continue reading Taiwan is monitoring Chinese aircraft carriers amid reports of possible military exercises this weekend

Indonesia has not reached a joint development agreement with Beijing in the South China Sea, a minister stated

Indonesia has not yet reached a decision regarding any joint development areas with China in the South China Sea, as stated by its foreign minister on Monday. This statement aims to alleviate concerns that a recent agreement with Beijing might undermine Indonesia’s sovereignty. Last month, Indonesia generated significant attention by issuing a joint statement with China, committing to develop projects “in the overlapping waters claimed … Continue reading Indonesia has not reached a joint development agreement with Beijing in the South China Sea, a minister stated

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the House of Representatives in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines.

Marcos of the Philippines expresses concern over a Russian submarine’s presence

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed concern on Monday regarding the presence of a Russian attack submarine within the Philippines‘ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea, describing it as “very worrisome.” “This is quite alarming. Any incursion into the West Philippine Sea, including our EEZ and baselines, raises significant concerns,” Marcos stated to reporters, referring to the area of the South China Sea … Continue reading Marcos of the Philippines expresses concern over a Russian submarine’s presence