Southeast Asia / SEA
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Features
Exposing Coercion
FORUM Staff China has shown clear intent through its actions in the South China Sea: to control nearly 90% of the economically vital waters, including maritime territory in the Bruneian, Indonesian, Malaysian, Philippine and Vietnamese exclusive economic zones (EEZ). Over decades, however, China has sought to secure its illegitimate claims with lawfare activity conducted in relative obscurity. Examples include Beijing’s…
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Across The Region
Philippines, Vietnam boost military ties amid South China Sea tensions
The Philippines and Vietnam will advance defense and military relations and deepen collaboration on maritime security, a significant step by two countries concerned over Beijing’s assertive actions in the South China Sea. Vietnamese Defense Minister Gen. Phan Van Giang held talks with Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro during his August 2024 visit to Manila, where he also met with Philippine…
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Features
Maritime Maneuvers
FORUM Staff Ukraine, in its fight against Russia’s illegal invasion, is showcasing a military asset that could benefit Taiwan. To maintain a Free and Open Indo-Pacific and to deter the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) military from invading the self-governed island, experts say Taiwan should track Ukraine’s use of uncrewed surface vessels (USV), called sea or maritime drones, and the damage…
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Across The Region
Allies Unveil System to Track North Korean Missiles
Japan, South Korea and the United States activated a system in December 2023 to detect and assess North Korea’s missile launches in real time. The announcement came after North Korea said it had tested an intercontinental ballistic missile to gauge the war readiness of its nuclear force. United Nations Security Council resolutions ban Pyongyang’s nuclear and ballistic weapons programs. The…
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Across The Region
Japan Assists Malaysia with Maritime Security
Japan and Malaysia have signed an assistance deal that includes a $2.8 million grant to boost Malaysia’s maritime security as Indo-Pacific nations seek to counter an increasingly assertive People’s Republic of China (PRC). Japan will provide equipment such as rescue boats and supplies under the agreement, signed by the countries’ foreign ministers in December 2023 on the sidelines of a…
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Features
Indo-Pacific Strategy Update
FORUM Staff The United States has made significant progress in implementing its dynamic strategy to modernize long-standing alliances, strengthen existing and emerging partnerships, and forge innovative networks to address pressing security challenges. The region’s evolving and increasingly complex threats range from growing aggression by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to nuclear proliferation to potential climate impacts, especially for Nations…
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Features
Common Ground
Forum Staff The United States and its Allies and Partners are doubling down on efforts to reinforce peace and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific. Collective measures for ensuring a Free and Open Indo-Pacific include investing in secure and resilient technology ecosystems that enhance shared values. The U.S. also continues supporting its Allies and Partners’ defense and security capabilities to bolster regional…
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Across The Region
Australia, Philippines Upgrade Strategic Ties
Australia and the Philippines agreed in September 2023 to hold annual defense ministers’ meetings as the nations upgraded bilateral ties to a strategic partnership amid rising security challenges in the region, including in the South China Sea. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signed a strategic partnership agreement with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his trip to Manila, the first…
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Climate
The Coming Storm
MAJ. AFUA O. BOAHEMA-LEE/U.S. ARMY | Photos by AFP/GETTY IMAGES Southeast Asia has recorded rising average temperatures since 1960. With climate change effects becoming more pronounced over the last decade, it is now considered one of humanity’s most crucial challenges. Based on data collected over the past two decades, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) included Thailand and Vietnam among countries…
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Features
Mounting a Biodefense
Dr. Deon Canyon and Dr. Benjamin Ryan Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies Emergent infectious diseases are a constant threat to global health security. Southeast Asian countries are particularly vulnerable to infectious diseases due to their location, population density, rapid urbanization, increased development in wildlife areas and overwhelmed resources. In recent years, the Indo-Pacific has experienced outbreaks of…
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