News Story: Chinese ships sail near disputed islands with Japan

Chinese coast guard vessels sailed near disputed islands claimed by Japan and China in the East China Sea on Monday, marking the second such incident in less than a week.

The four ships entered the waters surrounding the island chain, controlled by Japan and known as Senkaku in Japanese and Diaoyu in China, at around 10:00 am (0100 GMT) and were moving in a southwest direction, according to the Japanese coast guard.

An online statement from China's State Oceanic Administration only said the four Chinese coast guard vessels were "patrolling in Chinese waters off the Diaoyu Islands."

Japan's coast guard said it was the second time since Thursday that four Chinese ships had entered its waters.

Read the full story at SpaceDaily

News Story: Philippines, Australia conduct maritime patrol in Sulu Sea

ANZAC class Frigate like HMAS Parramatta

By Roel Pareño

ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Philippine Navy and Royal Australian Navy (RAN) conducted joint maritime patrol exercises in the Sulu Sea, the site of frequent cross-border kidnapping and hijacking attacks by militants linked to the Abu Sayyaf group.

Rear Admiral Rene Medina of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) said the three-day exercise started Friday between Del Pilar Class Frigate BRP Ramon Alcaraz (FF16), under Cmdr. Glen Dizon, and its counterpart Her Majesty Australian Ship (HMAS) Parramatta of the RAN.

He said Australian Embassy in the Philippines' defense attaché Capt. Bradley Ian White headed the delegation of HMAS Parramatta.

BRP Alcaraz is currently under the operational control of Naval Task Group-Tawi-Tawi of the NFWM that is guarding the border under orders from President Rodrigo Duterte.

Medina said the exercises were designed to strengthen the defense relationship of both navies through an established communication while conducting joint maritime patrols in the region.

Read the full story at PhilStar

News Report: Australia Positioning to Help US Check China’s Maritime Expansion

Royal Australian Navy Ships leave Sydney for Exercises

Ralph Jennings

TAIPEI, TAIWAN — Australia, concerned about its vast regional trade network, is joining Japan, India and the United States in countering Chinese expansion in Asia’s biggest maritime dispute.

Six Australian warships were moving toward the South China Sea this week, with no publicized destination, for military exercises. Australian media has called the mission their country’s largest in 30 years.

“There is certainly a view in some quarters in Australia that one of Australia’s contributions to diplomacy and international affairs in Asia is as a security player,” said Jeffrey Wilson, a fellow with the Asia Research Centre at Murdoch University in Perth. “We have a very small defense force, but very high tech, high capacity.”

Australia’s leaders want their electorate, as well as its Asian neighbors, to see Canberra as a defender of rule of law in the South China Sea, consistent with its role since the Cold War, analysts say.

The Australian Department of Defense says that by 2021 it will raise the military budget to 2 percent of GDP, one of the fastest-growing in the Asia Pacific. The budget is $27.4 billion for 2017-2018.

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 Report: India, Japan Expected to Increase Maritime Activity Aimed at China

Ralph Jennings

TAIPEI, TAIWAN — India and Japan, anxious to keep Asia’s dominant power Beijing in check, may send patrols into the contested South China Sea or sell arms to rival states following a pair of high-level meetings this month, experts say.

Both Asian countries could sell or donate more weapons to China’s rival maritime claimants, such as Vietnam, so they can build a defense against Beijing. Japan may also use coast guard or naval ships to patrol the sea to show it’s open despite China’s claim to some 90 percent of it.

India will probably continue joint exploration with Vietnam for oil and gas under the 3.5 million-square-kilometer sea, analysts say.

“Delhi and Tokyo have both been stepping up their capacity-building efforts in the region, with Japan focused mainly on providing patrol vessels and training for Southeast Asian states and India selling arms to and training the Vietnamese navy,” said Gregory Poling, director of the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative of the American think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies.

News Report: India to Investigate Pakistan’s Alleged Role in DPRK Nuclear Program

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has announced that they will be conducting an investigation into potential links between India’s rival Pakistan and the North Korean nuclear programs, promising to “hold accountable” those who have assisted North Korea’s nuclear ambitions.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj "deplored North Korea's recent actions and stated that its proliferation linkages must be explored and those involved must be held accountable," according to Foreign Ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar on Monday.

While Kumar did not directly name Pakistan in his comment, he did say that he was "giving you enough material to try to figure out what we are talking about."

Pakistan, a nuclear power, has been accused on many occasions of assisting North Korea in its nuclear ambitions. In 2004, Abdul Qadeer Khan, the founder and chief scientist of Pakistan's nuclear program, claimed that he had sold nuclear secrets to North Korea, Libya, and Iran. 

USA: USS Rushmore visits Vanuatu during OMSI mission

By MC3 Kryzentia Weiermann, USS Rushmore Public Affairs

USS Rushmore (LSD 47) file photo. (U.S. Navy/MC2 Amanda R. Gray) >>

VANUATU - Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47), with embarked U.S. Coast Guard maritime law enforcement personnel, anchored off the coast of Vanuatu for a scheduled port visit, Sept. 15.

During the visit, the crew provided tours of the ship, allowing visitors the opportunity to see and experience life aboard a U.S. Navy warship.

"We value our partnership with the countries in the South Pacific and are committed to assisting them in enhancing maritime security and keeping the sea lanes open for the benefit of all,” said Rushmore’s commanding officer, Cmdr. John Ryan. “This event is a unique opportunity for the crew to demonstrate the pride and professionalism of the Navy and reciprocate the hospitality we receive when we make foreign port calls.”

USA: US, Malaysian navies begin bilateral maritime exercise

By Lt. Clyde Shavers, Destroyer Squadron 7 Public Affairs

In this file photo, USS Coronado (LCS 4) arrives in Langkawi, Malaysia, earlier this year for the International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition. (U.S. Navy/MC2 Amy M. Ressler) >>

LUMUT, Malaysia - The U.S. and Royal Malaysian Navy kicked off Maritime Training Activity (MTA) Malaysia at Lumut Naval Base, Sept. 18.

Nearly 300 U.S. and Malaysian Sailors aboard the littoral combat ship USS Coronado (LCS 4), Kasturi-class corvette KD Lekir (F26) and Lekiu-class frigate KD Lekiu (F30) are participating in the exercise.

“The U.S. and Royal Malaysian Navy maintains a close and unique partnership that continues to grow and evolve with each bilateral and multilateral exercise,” said Capt. Matthew Jerbi, deputy commodore of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7. “MTA Malaysia is just one of many opportunities for both navies to work closely together towards cooperatively ensuring regional maritime security and stability.”

News Story: Philippine Coast Guard to beef up patrol fleet beginning 2018

Japanese made patrol boat for Philippines Coast Guard

MANILA, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will beef up its patrol fleet with more brand new and modern patrol boats, a helicopter and weapons beginning next year as it plans to further strengthen its maritime patrol capability, a lawmaker said on Sunday.

Rep. Johnny Pimentel, a member of the House appropriation committee, said the government has set aside 6.7 billion pesos (130.1 million U.S. dollars) of its 3.767 trillion pesos (73.15 billion U.S. dollars) budget for 2018 to build up the PCG with a fleet of new boats, helicopters and weapons.

"The fresh funding will help pay for the acquisition of 10 newly built 44-meter patrol boats from Japan, of which five have already been delivered to the PCG," said Pimentel in a statement.

He said the PCG is also acquiring four 24-meter fast boats for delivery in 12 months, an 82-meter boat for delivery in 2019, and two 94-meter, high-endurance boats for delivery in 2020 and 2021.

Read the full story at Xinhua

USA: U.S. 7th Fleet, Republic of Korea Navy reaffirm close partnership

From U.S. Naval Forces Korea Public Affairs

Vice Adm. Phil Sawyer speaks with Vice Adm. Jung, Jin-Sup during an office call, Sept. 14. (U.S. Navy/MCSN William Carlisle) >>

SEOUL, Republic of Korea - Vice Adm. Phil Sawyer, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, and Rear Adm. Brad Cooper, commander, U.S Naval Forces Korea, met with senior U.S. and Republic of Korea (ROK) military leaders to discuss the maritime security environment and reaffirm the strength of the relationship between U.S. 7th Fleet and the ROK Navy, Sept. 14.

His visit, the first to the Korean peninsula since taking command on Aug. 23, included a meeting with Vice Adm. Jung, Jin-Sup, commander, ROK Fleet, and Cooper to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between U.S. 7th Fleet and the ROK Navy.

“The partnership between our two navies is strong, and this MOU helps formalize the processes we use to coordinate our forces,” said Sawyer. “Enhancing our ability to integrate our fleets makes the alliance stronger in training and contingency operations.”

News Story: Malaysia, US vow to enhance cooperation in fighting IS

Kuala Lumpur (VNA) - Malaysia and the US plan to enhance cooperation in a range of fields, including the fight against the growing threat of the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS) in Southeast Asia.

In a joint statement issued following the talks between Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and US President Donald Trump at the White House on September 13, the two leaders noted Malaysia's pledge of 1 million USD for humanitarian assistance in areas liberated from IS.

While pledging to strengthen bilateral defense ties, the two leaders underscored the importance of expanding cooperation in priority areas, including maritime security, counter-terrorism and information sharing between their defence and security forces.

Read the full story at VietnamPlus

News Story: Vietnam, Japan want effective COC in East (South China) Sea

Tokyo (VNA) – Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Defence Nguyen Chi Vinh and his Japanese counterpart Ro Manabe agreed at a meeting on September 12 that the China-ASEAN Code of Conduct (COC) on the East (South China) Sea should be effective and legally binding. 

At their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 9th ASEAN-Japan Defence Vice-Ministerial Forum in Fukuoka, Japan, the Japanese Deputy Defence Minister lauded the growing defence cooperation between Japan ASEAN nations, including Vietnam.

He proposed an informal meeting between the Japanese Defence Minister and ASEAN counterparts be organised in the framework of the upcoming ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM-plus) in October, saying that such a meeting will help intensify the ties between Japan and ASEAN nations, and create an opportunity for the new Japanese Defence Minister to get acquainted with ASEAN partners.

Ro Manabe noted that Japan is very interested in the negotiations to finalise the China-ASEAN Code of Conduct (COC), adding that Japan wants to cooperate with Vietnam in maintaining peace and security and ensuring maritime security in the East Sea.

Read the full story at VietnamPlus

USA: Rushmore visits American Samoa during OMSI mission

By MC3 Kryzentia Weiermann, USS Rushmore Public Affairs

USS Rushmore (LSD 47) file photo. (U.S. Navy/MC2 Amanda R. Gray) >>

PACIFIC OCEAN - Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47), with embarked U.S. Coast Guard maritime law enforcement personnel, departed American Samoa after a scheduled two-day port visit, Sept. 5.

Under the operational control of U.S. 3rd Fleet, Rushmore and embarked U.S. Coast Guard District 14 maritime law enforcement personnel departed San Diego Aug. 14 for a deployment supporting the Oceania Maritime Support Initiative (OMSI).

OMSI is a Secretary of Defense program aimed to diminish transnational illegal activity on the high seas in the Pacific Island Nations of Oceania’s exclusive economic zones (EEZ) and enhance regional security and inoperability with partner nations.

"The Rushmore crew is excited and proud to be here," Cmdr. Rob Tryon, Rushmore's executive officer said during the visit. "We look forward to continuing to build our relationships with our partners in the South Pacific and assist them in enhancing maritime security throughout the area."

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

USA: US, Indonesian navies meet for annual CARAT exercise

From Task Force 73 Public Affairs

SURABAYA, Indonesia - The U.S. and Indonesian navies will come together for the 23rd Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) bilateral exercise and skills exchange, Sept. 7-13.

The exercise will take place on the ground in Surabaya and in the waters and airspace of the Java and Bali Seas. The training is aimed at deepening maritime security cooperation between the U.S. and Indonesia.

"As maritime nations with shared values and common strategic interests, the United States and Indonesia enjoy a comprehensive and growing naval partnership based on mutual respect," said Rear Adm. Don Gabrielson, commander, Task Force 73. "The United States respects Indonesia's role as a regional leader in maritime security and we want to help Indonesia enhance its ability to preserve stability and protect its resources. CARAT deepens our maritime partnership and has served as a critical building block of trust, familiarity and friendship with our Indonesian partners for more than 23 years. We see mutual benefits whenever our navies work together."

More than 300 U.S. Sailors and Marines will participate in CARAT Indonesia alongside their counterparts from the Indonesian Navy, known as Tentera Nasional Indonesia - Angkatan Laut (TNI-AL). The exercise will feature complex at-sea training in surface warfare, visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) anti-piracy drills, a gunnery exercise, and maritime patrol operations.

USA: Swift joins naval leaders in Seoul for International Seapower Symposium

From U.S. Naval Forces Korea Public Affairs

Adm. Scott Swift delivers the keynote address during the International Seapower Symposium in Seoul, Sept. 5. (U.S. Navy/MCSN William Carlisle) >>

SEOUL, Republic of Korea - Adm. Scott Swift, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet joined other naval leaders and subject matter experts from around the Asia-Pacific region to discuss the maritime security environment throughout East Asia during the 13th International Seapower Symposium (ISS) in Seoul, Sept. 5.

This year’s theme, “Rapid Changes in East Asia Maritime Security: Outlook and Challenges,” seeks to advance maritime cooperation at regional levels by bringing together the area’s foremost naval and maritime services to openly exchange ideas that will strengthen the safety, security, and prosperity of East Asia.

The symposium, hosted by Adm. Um, Hyun-Sung, the Republic of Korea (ROK) chief of naval operations, featured a key-note address from Swift highlighting the importance of not just the peninsula but he entire Indo-pacific region.

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. 

AUS: Minister Payne to visit Papua New Guinea

Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, will travel to Papua New Guinea from 31 August to 1 September 2017, to discuss Australia’s strong bilateral defence relationship and mutual interest in regional stability with the new Papua New Guinea Government.

Minister Payne will meet Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister the Hon Peter O’Neill CMG MP, and newly appointed Minister for Defence, the Hon Solan Mirisim MP, in Port Moresby.

Minister Payne will also meet with the Commander of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, Brigadier General Gilbert Toropo CBE, and the Acting Secretary of the Papua New Guinea Department of Defence, Mr Trevor Meauri.

“Australia enjoys a strong and mutually beneficial defence partnership with Papua New Guinea, reflecting the historical depth of our friendship and bilateral relationship,” Minister Payne said.

“This visit is an important opportunity to discuss a range of shared interests including maritime security and Australia’s commitment to support Papua New Guinea to host a safe and secure APEC in 2018.”

During the visit, Minister Payne will lay a wreath at Bomana War Cemetery in recognition of the 75th  Anniversary of the WWII Pacific Campaign to honour those Australians and Papua New Guineans who lost their lives.

AUS DoD

USA: USS Wasp departs to join 7th Fleet forces in Japan

From USS Wasp Public Affairs

USS Wasp (LHD 1) file photo. (U.S. Marine Corps/Cpl. Ryan G. Coleman) >>

NORFOLK, Va. - Amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) departed for Sasebo, Japan, Aug. 30, where it will assume duties as the forward-deployed flagship of the amphibious force of the U.S. 7th Fleet.

The shift will introduce an F-35B Joint Strike Fighter-capable amphibious assault ship to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, pairing it with the F-35Bs of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121.

"This move ensures that our most technologically-advanced air warfare platforms are forward deployed," said Wasp Commanding Officer Capt. Andrew Smith. "Our capabilities, paired with the F-35B Joint Strike Fighter, increases our Navy's precision strike capabilities within the 7th Fleet region. Wasp will help America's commitment to the maritime security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific."