Partnerships
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Partnerships
Philippines: ‘Stronger security cooperation’ with Japan essential for regional peace
Benar News The Philippines’ top diplomat said stronger security ties with Japan are essential for peace in the Indo-Pacific region, as he advocated for enhancing Philippine defenses because of “repeated infringements on our sovereignty.” Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo’s comments in mid-May 2023 underscored the security challenges that both nations face from the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Manila and Tokyo…
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Free and Open Indo-Pacific/FOIP
Indo-Pacific allies, partners preserve navigational rights, ensure secure, open global sea lines of communication
FORUM Staff The United States and its allies and partners continue engaging in maritime security activities to safeguard international waters and key global sea lines of communication (SLOCs). Thailand and the U.S., for example, conducted the 29th Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT)/Marine Exercise (MAREX) Thailand in May 2023, which included five days of drills in anti-submarine warfare; visit, board,…
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Oceania
Indo-Pacific military personnel learn skills, build relationships at Pacific Defender exchange
FORUM Staff Pacific Defender exchanges improve interoperability and build relationships among military and security personnel from Indo-Pacific nations and elsewhere. The tutorials and discussions during the five-day program in early May 2023 in Honolulu, Hawaii, served to enhance regional security. The gathering at the United States military’s Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam involved military personnel from Canada and New Zealand. The…
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Partnerships
LANPAC bolsters connections among Indo-Pacific armed forces
FORUM Staff The Land Forces Pacific (LANPAC) Symposium & Exhibition drew more than 1,700 military personnel, academics, and security and defense professionals to Honolulu, Hawaii, in mid-May 2023. The event, in its 10th year, highlights the role of land forces throughout the Indo-Pacific. Participants and attendees included delegations from more than 25 nations, and army chiefs from Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Japan,…
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Global Commons
Indo-Pacific nations lead U.N. peacekeeping efforts
FORUM Staff Indo-Pacific countries have become top contributors to United Nations peacekeeping missions worldwide, and their accomplishments and sacrifices will be honored along with those of other nations on International Day of U.N. Peacekeepers. On May 29, the U.N. recognizes military personnel, police officers and civilians who have helped nations torn by conflict, including the thousands who died doing so.…
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Partnerships
Singapore, U.S. demonstrate military ties with Exercise Tiger Balm, other joint defense engagements
Tom Abke Singaporean Soldiers joined United States counterparts in Hawaii for the 42nd iteration of Exercise Tiger Balm in May 2023. The longest-running exercise between the Singapore and U.S. armies, it enables the forces to collaborate and share tactics, techniques and procedures in activities such as command post and field training drills. (Pictured: Singapore Armed Forces personnel drill during Exercise…
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Northeast Asia
G7 urges PRC to press Russia to end war in Ukraine, respect Taiwan’s status
The Associated Press The Group of Seven leading industrial nations urged the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to pressure its strategic partner Russia to end its war on Ukraine, while also calling on Beijing to resolve territorial disputes peacefully. In a joint statement issued during their May 2023 summit in Hiroshima, Japan, G7 leaders emphasized that they were seeking “constructive and…
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Partnerships
Australian Bushmasters boost Indonesian Army’s peacekeeping, modernization efforts
Gusty Da Costa The addition of 15 Bushmaster armored vehicles from Australia will support Indonesia’s defense modernization while boosting interoperability between the nations’ armed forces and highlighting the strong defense ties between the comprehensive strategic partners, officials said. Provided under a $19.4 million grant from Canberra, the Bushmasters will include 13 troop carriers, one command unit and one ambulance unit,…
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Partnerships
Southeast Asian leaders urge end of Myanmar violence, inclusive talks
Reuters Southeast Asian leaders meeting in Indonesia called for an immediate end to violence in military-ruled Myanmar, in an effort to create a window for talks and the delivery of humanitarian aid as fighting intensifies. “We were deeply concerned with ongoing violence in Myanmar and urged the immediate cessation of all forms of violence and the use of force,” leaders…
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Across The Region
Indo-Pacific Countries Launch Major Trade Talks
Economic ministers from more than a dozen Indo-Pacific countries launched negotiations in September 2022 on the United States’ first major regional trade engagement effort in nearly a decade. U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai said the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework talks in Los Angeles, California, were aimed at addressing future challenges and achieving “sustainable and equitable growth” in the region. U.S. President…
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