Canada will become the newest member of the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), a loose group of Asia-Pacific countries ostensibly aimed at countering China. Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said the move is part of a new Canadian initiative to “deepen engagement with the U.S.” in the Asia-Pacific region. IPEF seeks to be a counterweight to China’s surging influence in the region but so far it’s failed to generate much excitement among key members. (SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST)
The Indian military will soon begin construction to upgrade an air force base located 50km from the contested border with China known as the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Defense officials say the Nyoma air base will be modernized to allow for the deployment of the country’s advanced fighter jets. India and China have been locked in a tense, sometimes violent stand-off along the LAC with multiple reports of regular air incursions. (TIMES OF INDIA)