"The persistent influence of the military and entrenched oligarchies continues to subvert the will of the electorate, creating a hybrid political system where democratic processes are overshadowed by authoritarian interventions" | by Aniello Iannone
France escalates China push, appoints ambassador for Indo-Pacific Pushes for Indo-Pacific "axis, with France, India and Australia as its backbone" to develop foreign-policy. Trilateral dialogue would work separately from "the Quad.
India eyes massive naval build-up to challenge China India aiming for 175 warships by 2035 with sub cooperation from France and a vision of driving China out of the Indian Ocean.
"India’s geopolitical choices are either joining the US-led bloc of predominantly Anglosphere allies and close partners such as Japan and Australia against China, or, once again, building partnerships of non-aligned middle powers.." | by
@vtchakarova
China’s new aircraft carrier is in for repairs — and its project manager faces corruption charges Ambitions in
#SouthChinaSea
suffer setback after first home-built aircraft carrier appears to be in crisis
Japan making missiles to sink China’s hypersonic threat New anti-ship long-range missile part of new pre-emptive strike capability to counter China’s sea-launched YJ-21 hypersonic missile.
Japan PM to step up defence amid China, North Korea threats Prime Minister Fumio Kishida says security situation around Japan is changing fast and is more severe than ever.
Japanese forced out of own fishing water as Chinese boats swarm area Govt says 1000s of Chinese vessels refuse to leave area rich in flying squid and crabs. JP fishermen advised, leave to avoid clashes, some warn Beijing testing Tokyo's territorial resolve
UK to permanently deploy two warships in Asia Pacific Plans for the high-profile visit by the UK carrier strike group come as London deepens security ties with Tokyo amid tensions in the South China Sea.
Estonia warns of "silenced world dominated by Beijing" The small Baltic state has decades of experience in staring down Russia's authoritarian encroachment. China's actions in Estonia are now ringing similar alarm bells.
AUKUS moving from nuke subs to AI drone swarms Australia-UK-US alliance accelerating cooperation across high-tech fields toward aim of defeating China in a potential conflict.
US lends Taiwan $2 billion to buy American defense equipment Washington also suggested that Taipei be invited to take part in the RIMPAC military exercise.
Japan urges Europe to speak out against China’s military expansion In a new
@Guardian
series on China and tensions in the Indo-Pacific, Japan’s defence minister says the international community must bolster deterrence efforts against Beijing’s military.
Japan offers to jointly build warship with Indonesia If project materializes, it would strengthen Indonesia’s ability to deter Chinese intimidation in the South China Sea, and reinforce Japan’s cooperation with ASEAN.
US plans big expansion of navy fleet to challenge growing Chinese sea power Defence secretary promises future fleet including unmanned ships that will focus on Indo-Pacific region
China’s secret Cambodian military base It’s supposed to be an international airport. It’s supposed to be part of a large-scale holiday resort on a pristine piece of Cambodian coastline. But it’s not.
China provokes India again, Chinese aircraft flies close to LAC in Ladakh A Chinese aircraft came very close to the Indian positions right on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. India has taken up the matter with the Chinese army.
China changes virus narrative in bid to salvage soft power China's propaganda machine has now changed tack. Suggesting
#coronavirus
might have originated from outside the country
Standby for rebranding as Italian/Iranian/Japanese/Other virus
#COVID19
Pressure mounts on India to call out China for Covid as it readies to take lead role at WHO US and Australia want India to take ‘firm stand’ against China for
#COVID19
crisis when it assumes charge of
@WHO
’s executive board by May-end
"Lithuania’s decision to open an office in Taiwan sets a precedent for Latvia and Estonia, neighbours who face similar threats from China — and Russia — and must urgently address similar vulnerabilities at home" | by
@zsuzsettte
US spy drone seen over South China Sea headed for Taiwan, think tank says United States could be seeking to track Chinese navy’s underwater activities in the region, observer says