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Indo Pacific Region

All articles tagged with #indo pacific region

politics1 year ago

US Pledges Nearly $1 Billion in Ukraine Aid Amid Trump-Zelenskyy Meeting

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced a new $1 billion military aid package for Ukraine, consisting of contracts for drones and air defense munitions, as part of his final major speech before leaving office. He defended the Biden administration's national security record and highlighted strengthened alliances in the Indo-Pacific. The future of U.S. aid to Ukraine remains uncertain as the incoming Trump administration begins discussions with Ukrainian officials.

international-relations1 year ago

"US Affirms Arunachal Pradesh as Integral Part of India Amid Indo-China Tensions"

The US State Department has declared its recognition of Arunachal Pradesh as part of India and strongly opposes any unilateral attempts to advance territorial claims in the region, which shares a border with China. This statement comes amid ongoing tensions between China and India, with both countries having fortified positions and deployed extra troops along their border since clashes in 2020. The US and India have been strengthening bilateral ties to counter China's influence in the Asian and Indo-Pacific regions, while the US and China have had their own tense relations over various issues.

international-relations1 year ago

"India's Transition: Civilian Replacement for Troops in Maldives Sparks Diplomatic Queries"

India plans to replace its troops in the Maldives with civilians by May, following strained ties with the Maldives' new president, Mohamed Muizzu, who aims to end the country's "India First" policy. The troop pullout, agreed upon at a high-level meeting, is set to be completed by May 10, with the first set leaving by March 10. The move comes as global powers vie for influence in the Indo-Pacific region, with India and China both seeking closer ties with the Maldives.

defense2 years ago

"Senate Approves $886 Billion Defense Bill with Troop Pay Raises and Ukraine Aid"

The Senate and House Armed Services committees have released a $886.3 billion defense bill that includes the largest raise for service members in over two decades, extends a controversial surveillance program, and strengthens the US posture in the Indo-Pacific region to deter Chinese actions. The bill does not include provisions related to abortion and transgender health care access but includes measures aimed at "ending wokeness in the military." It also provides support for service members and their families, authorizes the use of psychedelic substances and cannabis for clinical trials, and addresses issues related to warrantless surveillance, China aggression, and Covid-19 vaccine mandates.

defense-and-security2 years ago

"AUKUS Partners Unveil Advanced Defense Initiatives: From Maritime Exercises to Space Tracking"

The defense ministers of the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom met to discuss the AUKUS enhanced defense and security partnership. They emphasized the importance of modernizing and enhancing partnerships to address global security challenges and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The collaboration includes the acquisition of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines, as well as deepening cooperation on advanced capabilities. The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to upholding non-proliferation standards and announced various initiatives to strengthen trilateral collaboration, including joint experiments and exercises, advancements in artificial intelligence and quantum technologies, and enhanced cyber security measures.

military2 years ago

US Army Pacific's Strategic Readiness Against China's Threats

The US Army Pacific is conducting a large-scale training exercise involving over 5,000 troops from various countries, simulating a conflict with a peer adversary in the Pacific region, widely believed to be China. The exercise, known as JPMRC 24-01, focuses on inter-island conflict and aims to prepare soldiers for the complex terrain and operational challenges of the Indo-Pacific region. The training exercise, held in Hawaii, allows for joint tactical training and builds confidence and interoperability among partner nations. The US Army Pacific plays a crucial role in countering China's anti-access and area denial capabilities and emphasizes the need for joint and multinational solutions in the region.

politics2 years ago

Chinese Fighter Jets Engage in Coercive and Risky Behavior, Pentagon Declassifies Videos

The Pentagon has declassified videos and photos showing "coercive and risky" behavior by Chinese jets towards U.S. planes in the Indo-Pacific region. The footage reveals instances where Chinese jets performed dangerous maneuvers within 20 feet of U.S. jets, with over 180 incidents reported since fall 2021. The Chinese behavior includes deploying flares and approaching too close or rapidly to interfere with U.S. forces' safe operations. The Pentagon's annual Chinese Military Power Report, expected to be released soon, will detail the increase in China's harassing behavior, which is not limited to the air but also extends to U.S. ships.

diplomacy2 years ago

"Biden's Charm Offensive: US Recognizes Cook Islands and Niue, Hosts Pacific Island Leaders"

The United States has officially recognized the Cook Islands and Niue as independent states, as President Joe Biden aims to strengthen relationships in the Indo-Pacific region as a counter to China's growing influence. The recognition comes as the Biden administration seeks to deepen engagement with Pacific Island nations and hosted the Pacific Island Forum leaders at the White House. Biden announced new infrastructure funding for Pacific Island partner nations and unveiled plans to improve maritime domain awareness in the Pacific through the Quad partnership. The US also pledged investment in the region for climate change, sustainable development, and military partnerships.

international-relations2 years ago

"Biden Takes Center Stage at G20, Forging Alliances and Shifting Dynamics"

President Joe Biden attended the G20 summit in New Delhi, where the leaders of China and Russia were notably absent. Biden aims to counter Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific region and increase pressure on Russia to end its conflict with Ukraine. The absence of Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin allowed Biden to promote his foreign policy vision without competing for attention. Biden also unveiled an ambitious infrastructure initiative to rival China's Belt and Road Initiative, aiming to provide funding to smaller nations and reduce their dependence on Beijing. However, the joint statement on Russia's invasion of Ukraine was less forceful than last year's, and Biden faced criticism for shaking hands with Saudi Arabia's crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, despite the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

politics2 years ago

"Biden's Post-G-20 Summit Journey: Vietnam Bound"

President Joe Biden will travel to Vietnam on September 10 following the G-20 summit in India to meet with General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and other leaders. The visit aims to promote a technology-focused and innovation-driven Vietnamese economy, strengthen people-to-people ties, combat climate change, and increase peace and stability in the region. Biden's trip comes as his administration seeks to counter China's influence in the Indo-Pacific region and improve relationships with key allies.

politics2 years ago

Biden Makes History with First Presidential Visit to Papua New Guinea.

President Joe Biden will become the first sitting US president to visit Papua New Guinea during his trip to the Indo-Pacific region this month. The visit is part of the US's efforts to strengthen partnerships in the region as a counter to China's rising influence. Biden will meet with Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape and other Pacific Island Forum leaders to discuss cooperation on challenges critical to the region and the US, such as combating climate change and protecting maritime resources.

international-relations2 years ago

Experts emphasize importance of China-US saber-rattling for Taiwan commitment

Military experts argue that military drills and saber-rattling between the US and China play an important role in showing commitment to Taiwan and deterring Chinese aggression. The US views China's threat to Taiwan as a big deal and has executed its largest-ever joint military drills with the Philippines. The drills can play a positive role in deterring Chinese ambition, even if it appears that each country is inching closer to all-out conflict. The US has utilized economic and political components in addition to military might to maintain Taiwan's independence.

defense-reform2 years ago

Australia's Defense Reform Prioritizes Long-Range Missiles Amid China's Build-up.

Australia needs to increase its defense spending, produce its own munitions, and have the ability to strike targets at a greater distance to cope with regional security challenges, according to a government-commissioned review. The report points to China's military buildup as a growing security threat and recommends establishing domestic production and accelerated acquisition of long-range strike and guided weapons. The review also calls for closer military cooperation with the US, Japan, India, Pacific and Southeast Asian nations, and the development of cyber and space defense capabilities. The government should spend more on defense than the current expenditure of 2% of GDP, it says.