News Story: China conducts first military drills in Djibouti

China has staged military exercises in Djibouti after opening its first overseas military base there last month, official media said.

State television CCTV showed armoured vehicles moving on a desert track, groups of soldiers firing automatic weapons and cannon pointing towards the horizon.

Dozens of soldiers have been deployed in temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius (104 F) "to reinforce their hardiness in combat and their mastery of military techniques", the report said.

"This is the first time that officers and soldiers stationed in Djibouti have left their camp to conduct live-fire exercises," Liang Yang, the base commander, told the broadcaster.

It was unclear when the drills took place. China opened its base in Djibouti in early August.

Read the full story at SpaceDaily

News Story: Chinese naval fleet returns home after drill with Russia & China, Russia conclude joint naval drills

Chinese Navy Warships (File Photo)

Chinese naval fleet returns home after drill with Russia

SANYA, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese naval flotilla Monday returned to a military port in the city of Sanya in southern China's Hainan Province after a military exercise with the Russian navy in the Baltic Sea.

The formation, comprising missile destroyer "Hefei," missile frigate "Yuncheng" and supply vessel "Luomahu," was the first Chinese fleet to ever sail in the region for a military exercise.

The joint drill, held in July, was the first phase of "Joint Sea 2017," which had similar exercises in the Sea of Japan and Okhotsk this year.

Read the full story at Xinhua

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China, Russia conclude joint naval drills

MOSCOW, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- The last batch of scheduled exercises in the second phase of the 2017 China-Russia Joint Sea Drills was completed in the Okhotsk Sea near Russia's Far East Federal District on Monday.

Starting in the morning, Chinese and Russian commanders simulated joint rescues of ships hijacked by pirates and ships in distress, and later in the afternoon, fleets of the two sides held a farewell ceremony after the completion of both exercises.

During the entire week-long drills, major Chinese and Russian fleets conducted a string of highly challenging joint operations, including air defense, anti-submarine and anti-fleet actions as well as maritime search and rescue.

Read the full story at Xinhua

News Story: Philippine navy, air force conduct joint maritime drill to improve interoperability

MANILA, Sept. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Philippine Navy and Air Force have began a pilot maritime exercise to improve interoperability in monitoring internal security and territorial defense in western Mindanao, a military statement said on Thursday.

Rear Admiral Rene Medina, commander of the military's Naval Forces Western Mindanao, said the drill, dubbed Exercise Ayudahan 2017 which opened last Monday, is aimed at developing the soldiers' capability to conduct maritime patrols, surveillance and search and rescue operations in the Western Mindanao region.

"The interoperability exercise aims to develop interoperability and operational capabilities of the units in Western Mindanao area of operations and enhance the overall coordination and responsiveness in the conduct of joint maritime operations in support to internal security operations and territorial defense operations," Medina said.

Read the full story at Xinhua

News Story: Malaysia foils attempted hijacking of Thai oil tanker

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- A Thai oil tanker and 14 crew members onboard were rescued near the northeast coast of Malaysia on Thursday, hours after they were hijacked by a group of pirates, said the Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Thursday evening.

The ship, MT Tanker MGT1, carried around 2.2 million liters of diesel with an estimated value of 7 million ringgit (1.66 million U.S. dollars) when it disappeared from the Auto Identification System on Wednesday afternoon, said the MMEA in a statement.

With the help of an aircraft, a MMEA Special Task and Rescue Team managed to locate and successfully board the tanker and arrested 10 suspects onboard.

Read the full story at Xinhua

News Story: Indonesia backs establishment of joint special forces to battle IS

JAKARTA, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia is ready to discuss a plan for setting up joint special forces to fight the Islamic State (IS) militants and pirates in the region, a government official said on Tuesday.

The plan, which is aimed at combating the IS militants in the borders of Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia, was initiated by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.

"Indonesia is ready at any time to guard this region," Indonesian Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung said.

Read the full story at Xinhua

News Story: Phl, Malaysia, Indonesia eye joint border counter-terror patrols

By Alexis Romero 

MANILA, Philippines -  The Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia are eyeing a joint task force against security threats and may open their borders to each other to chase terrorists and other armed groups, President Duterte said. 

Duterte said he would meet with Indonesia President Joko Widodo and Malaysia President Najib Razak to thresh out the details of the border cooperation deal. 

“We have agreed that we will talk… the three of us… We are just waiting for the right timing,” the President told journalists in Davao City Saturday night. 

“In all probability, it will be like a joint task force. And I will open my borders to the Malaysian authorities and Indonesian authorities, and… they’ll be given access.

“If we are chasing someone and there is no more time, we can hit him. Even if he’s a Filipino, we can tell them ‘hit him’ or Indonesian here, we can hit him,” he added. 

Duterte said the meeting may be held near the Philippine shore, in Sabah or in Jakarta. 

Read the full story at PhilStar

News Report: India Seeks More Maritime Support From Neighbors to Oust China From Indian Ocean

India has been pushing for a collective security mechanism with its maritime neighbors to prevent China from making further inroads into the Indian Ocean region where India has its strategically most important economic zone.

New Delhi (Sputnik) – In view of the increasing Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean Region, India is lobbying hard for a consensus among other countries of the region to support India. India’s foreign minister, Sushma Swaraj is in the Sri Lankan capital Colombo, where she addressed the inaugural session of the second Indian Ocean conference. She called for the development of a security architecture for collective action.

“We will use our capabilities for the collective well being, and the mutual benefit of our maritime neighbors and island states in building their capabilities. As we envisage the Indian Ocean as an engine for growth and prosperity in our region and beyond, it is of utmost importance that these waters remain safe and secure. We consider it an imperative that those who live in this region bear the primary responsibility for the peace, stability and prosperity of the Indian Ocean,” Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj said. 

News Story: Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia plan meet on international terrorism

By Alexis Romero

MANILA, Philippines — The leaders of the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia may meet to discuss international terrorism, President Rodrigo Duterte said Wednesday, as Filipino troops plan their final assault against Islamic State-styled militants in Marawi City.

Duterte said he and Indonesian President Joko Widodo are still awaiting word from Malaysia President Najib Razak on the meeting.

“Widodo and I have yet to hear from Najib. He wants us, the three of us to meet somewhere to talk about this new phenomenon of international terrorism,” the president said during the oath-taking of newly-promoted police officials in Malacañang.

“It seems that we are back into the stages of the old world. Like pirates, of which they are really are… They kill and they just want to destroy,” he added.

Read the full story at PhilStar

USA: SEACAT enhances cooperative maritime security in South, Southeast Asia

From Task Force 73 Public Affairs

Liaison officers coordinate exercise activities during SEACAT, Aug. 28 at Changi Naval Base in Singapore. (U.S. Navy/MC2 Joshua Fulton) >>

SINGAPORE - The 16th annual Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SEACAT) exercise commenced Aug. 21 in Singapore, Brunei, and the Philippines, focusing on shared maritime security challenges of the region.

The goal of the exercise, which continues through Sept. 1, is to increase multilateral cooperation and information sharing among navies and coast guards across South and Southeast Asia. The exercise will continue through Sept 1.

"SEACAT brings nations together for meaningful dialogue, knowledge sharing, and practical training to address common challenges of piracy, sea smuggling, and other illegal activities at sea," said Rear Adm. Don Gabrielson, commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific (COMLOGWESTPAC). "We appreciate that regional nations see the value in working together, evidenced by a growing number of participants.

News Story: Japan, UN group to work to combat pirates in Philippines

VIENNA -- Japan is set to join hands with a U.N. organization in combatting pirates belonging to an Islamic extremist group in the Philippines, it has been learned.

The Islamic extremist group Abu Sayyaf, which is apparently loyal to the Islamic State (IS) militant group, has attacked numerous commercial vessels off the Philippines. As part of its efforts to step up countermeasures against terror in Asia, Tokyo will support maritime police forces in the Philippines and other countries to prevent extremist groups from expanding.

The latest move is part of an action plan on anti-pirate measures that Japan and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) signed in Vienna on Aug. 28.

Read the full story at The Mainichi

News Story: Vietnam, Philippines need mechanism for antipiracy cooperation

Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam and the Philippines should develop a mechanism for anti-piracy cooperation in the future to ensure maritime security and safety, said Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army Senior Lieutenant General Pham Ngoc Minh.

Minh made the statement at a reception on August 16 for Commander of the Philippine Navy Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph S.Mercado who was on a visit to Vietnam to strengthen bilateral ties between Vietnam and the Philippines in defence and navy and discuss collaboration between the two navies.

Read the full story at VietnamPlus

News Report: As Beijing Builds Presence in Indian Ocean, New Delhi Shops for New Submarines

India is seeking to have six non-nuclear submarines built as part of a $12 billion defense program, and has sent a request for information to six foreign shipyards asking if they could fill that order.

France, Germany, Russia Japan and other nations were asked whether they had the capacity to build vessels equipped with air-independent-propulsion systems, which could replace diesel-electric systems by allowing the submarines to operate without access to atmospheric oxygen. 

Retired Indian navy commodore and defense analyst Anil Jai Singh told Defense News that India is looking for "a proven, effective, state-of-the-art, electric heavyweight torpedo; a land attack missile, and perhaps even an underwater-to-air missile against enemy helicopters and mines."

News Story: Vietnam, Singapore share concern over terrorism

Singapore (VNA) – Vietnam and Singapore have shared concern over terrorism in the region and the world and affirmed willingness to fight terrorism and extreme violence. 

It was one of the important agenda during Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh’s visit to Singapore from July 13-15 at the invitation of Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean. 

Both sides agreed to continue facilitating all-level visits and exchanges on the Party, State and government channels and people-to-people exchange, effectively tap strategic consultation mechanisms and enhance ties between the two countries’ defence forces, particularly in naval and aviation fields, anti-piracy cooperation and search and rescue. 

The Singaporean side pledged to boost security collaboration with Vietnam, especially in cyber security, sharing of anti-terrorism intelligence information, immigration management, information security and personnel training. 

Read the full story at VietnamPlus

News Story: Chinese naval fleet returns from escort mission

Chinese Navy Warships underway (File Photo)

ZHANJIANG, Guangdong, July 13 (Xinhua) -- After a 208-day sail, covering nearly 120,000 nautical miles, a Chinese fleet wrapped up its escort mission Wednesday morning.

Anchoring at a military port in Zhanjiang, southern China's Guangdong Province, the 25th convey fleet was sent by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, the PLA Daily reported Thursday.

The fleet is composed of two missile frigates, a supply ship, two ship-borne helicopters, dozens of special combat soldiers and more than 700 seamen and officers.

Read the full story at Xinhua

News Story: China ships troops to its first overseas base in Africa

China has deployed troops to its first overseas naval base in Djibouti, a major step forward for the country's expansion of its military presence abroad.

Chinese sailors sailed out of a naval base in Zhanjiang in the southern province of Guangdong on Tuesday and towards the Horn of Africa nation, according to a statement posted on the defence ministry's website.

The logistics base is the first of its kind for China, which will use it to support "naval escorts in Africa and southwest Asia, (UN) peacekeeping and for humanitarian support," the statement said.

It will also allow China to evacuate its nationals in a crisis, support anti-piracy activities off Somalia and work with other nations to "jointly defend the security of strategic passages."

The Chinese navy has long assisted in anti-piracy missions in the Gulf of Aden, as well as UN peacekeeping efforts throughout Africa, but the base will be the country's first naval base abroad.

Read the full story at SpaceDaily

News Story: China sets up base in Djibouti

ZHANJIANG, Guangdong, July 11 (Xinhua) -- Ships carrying Chinese military personnel departed Zhanjiang in southern China's Guangdong Province on Tuesday to set up a support base in Djibouti.

Shen Jinlong, commander of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, read an order on constructing the base in Djibouti, and conferred military flag on the fleets.

The establishment of the PLA Djibouti base was a decision made by the two countries after friendly negotiations, and accords with the common interest of the people from both sides, according to the PLA navy.

Read the full story at Xinhua

News Report: Philippine, US Navies Patrol Together Despite Duterte’s Hostility to Washington

As violent extremist militias in the southern areas of the Philippines step up attacks, joint patrols by US and Philippine navies have been initiated, in spite of anti-America posturing by the country’s President Rodrigo Duterte.

According to a US Navy spokesperson, the USS Coronado and a Philippine Navy frigate, BRP Ramon Alcaraz, on Saturday completed a four-day joint patrol in the southwestern Filipino waters of the Sulu Sea, following a request by Manila.

Recently there has been an uptick in acts of maritime violence in the region by Abu Sayyaf extremists, particularly as Malaysian, Indonesian and Vietnamese tugboat and cargo ship crew members are kidnapped and held for ransom.

The US Navy spokesperson described the coordinated patrols as "safe and routine," according to Stripes.com.

It is not known where in the Manila government the request for US maritime assistance originated, as Duterte has recently placed a large order for Chinese weapons and publicly castigated Washington, including calling former US President Barack Obama a "son of a whore."

News Story: Philippines, Indonesia to conduct annual joint patrol to thwart pirates - official

MANILA, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Naval forces of the Philippines and Indonesia will conduct an annual joint patrol in the Celebes Sea next week to thwart piracy and sea robbery in the backwaters bordering the two Southeast Asian countries, a military spokesman said on Sunday.

"The coordinated patrol is intended to strengthen the security of the Davao Gulf and the common boundary of the two countries in the southern part of the Philippine archipelago along the Celebes Sea," Ezra Balagtey of the Eastern Mindanao Command said in a statement.

Balagtey said the joint patrol will kick off on July 6 at the Sasa Wharf in Davao City, the home city of President Rodrigo Duterte in the southern Philippines.

Balagtey said Indonesian military participants are scheduled to arrive in Davao City on Monday in time for the July 4 "military ceremony" at the Philippine Naval Station Felix Apolinario in Panacan, Davao City.

Read the full story at Xinhua

USA: U.S. and Philippine navies complete coordinated patrol in Southern Sulu Sea

From CTF 73 Public Affairs

Sailors assigned to USS Coronado (LCS 4) drive an 11-meter rigid-hull inflatable boat to Philippine Navy ship Ramon Alcaraz (FF 16) for personnel transfer, June 27. (U.S. Navy/MC3 Deven Leigh Ellis) >>

Sulu Sea - The U.S. and Philippine navies completed a coordinated patrol in the Sulu Sea at the invitation of the Government of the Philippines on July 1.

During the operation, crews from the Littoral Combat Ship USS Coronado (LCS 4) and the Del Pilar Class Frigate BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF 16) worked closely together to detect and deter threats to maritime security.

“These patrols enhance regional peace and stability,” said Rear Adm Don Gabrielson, Commander, Task Force 73. “Our at-sea operations with the Philippine Navy demonstrate our commitment to the alliance and deter piracy and illegal activities.”

As part of the operation, a group of Philippine Navy sailors embarked on USS Coronado to coordinate communications and movements between the two ships. The Philippine sailors also exchanged best practices with their U.S. counterparts in visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) techniques and information sharing.

News Story: Regional security challenges discussed at conference in Philippines

Manila (VNA) – Defence officials from member countries of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) discussed outstanding regional security issues at the first debate of the ASEAN Security Policy Conference (ASPC) that opened in Manila, the Philippines, on June 29. 

The Vietnamese delegation to the event is led by Sen. Lieut. Gen. Pham Ngoc Minh, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army. 

Presenting Vietnam’s views, Minh said the overall regional situation remains peaceful and stable, but there have been rapid, complex developments along with potential threats. He cited as example the situation in Northeast Asia, natural disaster, piracy, terrorism and disputes in the East (South China) Sea. 

The Vietnamese head delegate said the East Sea issue is a complicated matter that caused grave concern for ASEAN and the international community. 

He reiterated Vietnam’s stance that the East Sea disputes should be addressed by peaceful measures on the basis of international law and respect for diplomatic and legal processes, along with the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and efforts to soon reach a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC). 

Read the full story at VietnamPlus