When it was announced in 2023 that the African Union would become a full member of the G20, I darkly joked on a podcast that the AU’s entry into the body could very well mark the moment the G20 lost its status as one of the most important global coordination forums. Mark my words, I said, soon The Economist will be like “Uhhh, the G20 is OVER – it’s the ...
Tag: South China Sea
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Japan Mulling Export of Weapons System to Philippines
Japan is reportedly preparing to export a command and control system to the Philippines. Designed by Mitsubishi Electric, the system would collect and analyze data about ships and planes passing through the area, and issue instructions to deployed military units. The transfer is aimed at improving cooperation ...
China Expanding Surveillance Hardware in South China Sea: Report
China has reportedly expanded its surveillance capacity in the South China Sea. A new report by the U.S. think tank, the Center for Strategic and International Studies’ Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative, used satellite images to track additions to three main Chinese facilities in the Spratly Islands.
China Amasses 30 Ships in South China Sea Near the Philippines
China amassed 30 naval and coast guard ships around several Philippine-claimed features in the South China Sea, the Philippine Navy said Tuesday. Manila says it’s one of the heaviest Chinese shows of force in waters the Philippines considers its ...
Malaysia Steps Up South China Sea Patrols Amid China Tensions
Malaysia has stepped up patrols in the South China Sea and lodged diplomatic protests over China’s island-building activities, taking firmer steps to protect its maritime claims while trying not to spark unintended incidents, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said Wednesday.
The Trump Administration in Southeast Asia: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
By Derek Grossman U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Malaysia in October for the annual ASEAN summit, along with his Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s engagements throughout the region, offers fresh evidence of how the administration is faring on its Southeast ...
Manila to Push South China Sea Code in 2026 ASEAN Chair Role
China and Southeast Asian governments are preparing for another round of talks on a South China Sea Code of Conduct, and the Philippines says it hopes to complete the document when it chairs ASEAN next year. The South China ...
China Escalates Pressure on Japan and the Philippines With Coordinated Military Moves
China put on a major show of military force across its maritime periphery over the course of three days beginning on Friday in a bid to send a warning to its rivals in both Japan and the Philippines. Beijing deployed ...
China’s New Aircraft Carrier Enters Service in Key Move to Modernize Fleet
By Peter Catterall China's third aircraft carrier entered service this week, state media said on Friday, marking a key milestone in President Xi Jinping's drive to modernize the military. The Fujian joins China's fleet ...
Philippines and Canada Seal Troop Pact, Expanding Manila’s Web of Defense Ties Amid China Tensions
The Philippines and Canada signed a visiting forces agreement on Sunday, allowing Canadian troops to conduct joint exercises, deepening defense ties amid rising tensions with China in the South China Sea. The pact follows similar deals Manila signed with New Zealand, ...
China Denounces Philippines’ Joint Sea Exercises With U.S. and Allies, Calling Them a Threat to Stability
The People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command on Saturday accused the Philippines of undermining regional peace and stability for organizing joint naval exercises with Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. Spokesperson Tian Junli accused Manila of acting as a "troublemaker" for its part ...
U.S. Defense Chief Lauds China Ties, Then Sounds Alarm Over Beijing’s Aggression at ASEAN Meeting
U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth conveyed two seemingly contradictory messages on China during his discussions with his Southeast Asian counterparts during the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting (ADMM) in Kuala Lumpur on Friday. On the one hand, Hegseth was downright effusive ...
US Offers ASEAN Surveillance Help, Then Praises China Ties
The United States on Saturday told Southeast Asian defence ministers it is ready to share technology and information to help them watch Chinese activity in the disputed South China Sea and respond together to what it called Beijing’s “destabilising actions.” Hours later, US Defense Secretary Pete ...