Infrastructure Development
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Global Commons
Palau-U.S. defense projects boost air domain awareness, operational flexibility
Tom Abke The island nation of Palau and the United States are partnering to increase air domain awareness and enhance operational flexibility and airpower projection in the Indo-Pacific, officials and analysts say. Collaborative defense infrastructure projects in Palau include construction of an uncrewed tactical multi-mission, over-the-horizon radar (TACMOR) facility on Babeldaob Island, and the restoration and recertification of a military…
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Global Commons
Armed forces initiatives improve quality of life in Indonesia’s Papua
Gusty Da Costa Indonesia’s military is enhancing infrastructure and engagement with residents in the Papua province, an isolated region at the nation’s far eastern end. The Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) is building a major road to connect the island’s interior cities, improving educational opportunities, supporting health care services and distributing essential supplies. The TNI also had a significant presence during…
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Global Commons
Philippine Armed Forces, partner agencies drive Marawi’s post-siege rehabilitation
Maria T. Reyes The Philippine Department of National Defense (DND) has reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing reconstruction and rehabilitation projects in Marawi. The initiative began after the 2017 Battle of Marawi, when government forces defeated Islamic State group-affiliated militants who held the southern city under siege for months. The DND, in coordination with government agencies and local leaders, is playing…
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Global Commons
Japan leveraging infrastructure, innovation for strategic engagement
Felix Kim Recognizing the transformative potential of economic growth and technological innovation, Japan is engaging with emerging market countries across the Indo-Pacific to develop infrastructure, enhance business environments and increase sustainability. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) plays a pivotal role in these efforts, supporting projects in sectors critical to sustainable development. Japan’s approach, including incorporating official development assistance (ODA),…
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Global Commons
India key to future of BRICS grouping
FORUM Staff The loosely affiliated group called BRICS, which emerged in the mid-2000s consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and later South Africa, faces mounting challenges as it continues to expand. In addition to an economic slowdown globally, the organization must confront increasing geopolitical tensions and internal pressures, including coordination issues, disagreements and differing priorities…
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Global Commons
Taiwan’s resilience, readiness lauded after major earthquake
FORUM Staff Decades of robust planning and preparedness enabled Taiwan to limit the devastation from a 7.4 magnitude earthquake in April 2024, the most powerful temblor to shake the island in a generation, experts and officials say. The quake, which was centered about 18 kilometers from Hualien on Taiwan’s east coast, was followed by a rippling of aftershocks, including one…
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Conflicts - Tensions
Proposed Chinese-funded canal in Cambodia raises regional concerns
FORUM Staff A proposed Chinese-financed, 180-kilometer canal connecting Phnom Penh with the Gulf of Thailand poses economic, environmental and humanitarian concerns, and has led to speculation that the $1.7 billion Funan Techo Canal could give Chinese military vessels access to interior Cambodia and the Cambodia-Vietnam border. Cambodians facing potential displacement wonder about compensation. Vietnamese ponder the economic effect of a…
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Global Commons
South Korean peacekeepers support infrastructure, agriculture initiatives in South Sudan
Felix Kim From civil engineering projects to dispensing medical supplies and introducing a new variety of rice, South Korean peacekeepers are helping enhance South Sudan’s infrastructure and supporting the young nation’s population. Known as the Hanbit Unit, Seoul’s peacekeepers first deployed to the Central African nation in 2013 to help improve living conditions, boost security and foster development within the…
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Global Commons
Indonesia bolsters military health care infrastructure with 26 new hospitals
Gusty Da Costa Indonesia’s health care landscape expanded dramatically in February 2024 with the inauguration of 26 military hospitals to serve armed forces personnel and their families as well as local communities. The facilities also will serve as centers of medical education, and research and development, according to the country’s Defense Ministry, known as Kemhan. Showcased by the 28-floor, 1,000-bed…
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Climate
Indonesia Defense University pioneers sustainable housing solutions in flood-prone areas
Tom Abke Sustainable housing is a priority for the Indonesian government, including its defense establishment. With millions of homes at risk from natural disasters in the world’s fourth most-populous country, the Indonesia Defense University, known as Unhan RI, launched an initiative to build floating and stilt houses in a fishing village in northern Jakarta. The project promises to be a…
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