Southeast Asia / SEA
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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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Features
Former insurgents relinquish weapons
Benar News Former separatist insurgents in the southern Philippines relinquished thousands of firearms as part of a peace deal with the nation’s central government, their leader announced in late September 2022. Murad Ebrahim, also known as Ahod Balawag Ebrahim, made the announcement during the opening of parliamentary sessions in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Mindanao as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.…
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Global Commons
Singapore Navy adding multirole combat vessels with AI capabilities
Tom Abke The Republic of Singapore Navy is tapping into artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics and other technology to counter maritime threats, with plans for six multirole combat vessels (MRCVs) to replace Victory-class missile corvettes beginning in 2028. The new vessels will serve as “motherships” for planned uncrewed systems, and much of the advanced technology will be provided through a…
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Climate
Indonesia prioritizes sustainability, security
Gusty Da Costa Indonesia is confronting security challenges triggered by climate change and the urgent need for sustainability and resilience to protect its population and ensure the effectiveness of its military. This awareness translates into action with a plan to transition from fossil fuels, measures to build resilience into its Armed Forces and the establishment of a new “sustainable forest…
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Global Commons
In ‘battery of Southeast Asia,’ citizens struggle to keep lights on
FORUM Staff As Laotians grapple with supercharged inflation that has spiked electricity prices nearly 30%, many wonder why energy and other necessities are so costly in a nation dubbed the “battery of Southeast Asia” for its dozens of hydropower dams. “Electricity rates are too high for ordinary people to afford,” a resident of Luang Prabang province told Radio Free Asia…
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Conflicts - Tensions
Russian support for Myanmar junta ‘destabilizing’ Southeast Asia, U.S envoy says
Reuters Russia’s backing for Myanmar’s military rulers is unacceptable and destabilizing, with Moscow’s supply of weapons helping to fuel a conflict that has become a catastrophe for the Southeast Asian country, a top United States official said in March 2023. The U.S. is concerned about the wider impact of the escalating crisis in Myanmar since a coup in February 2021…
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Partnerships
Education, training central to enhanced Indonesia-Singapore defense cooperation
Tom Abke Indonesia and Singapore are advancing implementation of their recently ratified Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA), opening the door for increased defense engagement between the two countries through defense exercises, training and education of defense personnel, and intelligence sharing. Recent meetings between Indonesian Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto and Singapore Defense officials in Jakarta made this clear. Prabowo, pictured left,…
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Partnerships
Japan, Vietnam strengthen defense cooperation on 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations
Felix Kim Japan and Vietnam are marking their 50th year of diplomatic relations by strengthening defense cooperation on land, at sea and in space, as demonstrated by a Japan Coast Guard vessel’s visit to Vietnam for joint drills and exercise planning in February 2023. The efforts, which also include recent visits to Hanoi by Japanese defense officials, underscore Japanese Vice…
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Global Commons
CCP-linked hackers stole data from ASEAN servers, analysts say
Benar News Chinese Communist Party-linked hackers stole a trove of data in 2022 from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its member-states, which may have contained strategic information on South China Sea and talks with Washington, a cybersecurity firm and analysts said in early March 2023. Confirming the theft reported by Wired magazine, cybersecurity firm Digital Forensic Indonesia…
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