Less so than the last one.
Potential China military base in Solomons
- Thread starter Admiral Beez
- Start date
Thumpalumpacus
Colonel
NEW YORK, Sept 22 (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden and his Philippine counterpart, Ferdinand Marcos, underscored their support for freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea on Thursday, in response to China's efforts to exert its influence there.
[...]
"The leaders discussed the situation in the South China Sea and underscored their support for freedom of navigation and overflight and the peaceful resolution of disputes," the White House said in a statement after the talks.
Biden said as the two men began their talks that he wanted to talk about the South China Sea, COVID-19 and renewable energy. He thanked Marcos for opposing Russia's war in Ukraine.
[...]
The Philippines is a key ally in of the United States and vital strategically in case of any U.S. need to defend Taiwan militarily from Chinese attack, given its geographical position.
The United States is keen to arrange greater access to bases in the Philippines given the need to prepare for that contingency.
"The leaders reflected on the importance of the U.S.-Philippines alliance. President Biden reaffirmed the United States' ironclad commitment to the defense of the Philippines," the White House said.
Manila's ambassador to the United States, a relative of Marcos, told Japan's Nikkei newspaper this month the Philippines would let U.S. forces use the Southeast Asian nation's military bases in the event of a Taiwan conflict only "if it is important for us, for our own security."
www.reuters.com
The question remains, then, whether the Philippines are committed to the regional defense of the South China Sea, which is indeed a vital interest concerning Taiwanese security.
[...]
"The leaders discussed the situation in the South China Sea and underscored their support for freedom of navigation and overflight and the peaceful resolution of disputes," the White House said in a statement after the talks.
Biden said as the two men began their talks that he wanted to talk about the South China Sea, COVID-19 and renewable energy. He thanked Marcos for opposing Russia's war in Ukraine.
[...]
The Philippines is a key ally in of the United States and vital strategically in case of any U.S. need to defend Taiwan militarily from Chinese attack, given its geographical position.
The United States is keen to arrange greater access to bases in the Philippines given the need to prepare for that contingency.
"The leaders reflected on the importance of the U.S.-Philippines alliance. President Biden reaffirmed the United States' ironclad commitment to the defense of the Philippines," the White House said.
Manila's ambassador to the United States, a relative of Marcos, told Japan's Nikkei newspaper this month the Philippines would let U.S. forces use the Southeast Asian nation's military bases in the event of a Taiwan conflict only "if it is important for us, for our own security."
Biden, Philippines' Marcos discuss tensions in South China Sea
U.S. President Joe Biden and his Philippine counterpart, Ferdinand Marcos, underscored their support for freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea on Thursday, in response to China's efforts to exert its influence there.
The question remains, then, whether the Philippines are committed to the regional defense of the South China Sea, which is indeed a vital interest concerning Taiwanese security.
Solomon Islands refusing to sign 11-point declaration at historic Pacific-US meeting
Solomon Islands signals it won't sign on to an 11-point declaration negotiated by the United States and Pacific Island nations this week, dealing a blow to the White House ahead of a high-profile presidential summit with Pacific leaders in Washington.
www.abc.net.au
N4521U
Plastic Pirate
Disssss-pickable!
How the Chinese Communist Party is spreading lies in Solomon Islands | The Strategist
The Chinese Communist Party is attempting to influence public discourse in Solomon Islands through coordinated information operations that spread false narratives and suppress information contradictory to the party’s message. Since November 2021 when anti-Beijing riots ...
Not quite the Solomons but close enough and related:
www.abc.net.au
Australia's defence relationships in the Pacific to 'evolve' following Papua New Guinea agreement
Richard Marles says he wants to significantly expand defence cooperation across the Pacific, starting with an "ambitious" bid to expand military ties and sign a security treaty with Papua New Guinea.
www.abc.net.au
- Thread starter
- #147
Admiral Beez
Major
Britain should have kept the Solomons.
Solomon Islands refusing to sign 11-point declaration at historic Pacific-US meeting
Solomon Islands signals it won't sign on to an 11-point declaration negotiated by the United States and Pacific Island nations this week, dealing a blow to the White House ahead of a high-profile presidential summit with Pacific leaders in Washington.
The Pacific Region and Australasia within the British Empire
The Pacific Region and Australasia within the British Empire
Last edited:
- Thread starter
- #148
Admiral Beez
Major
Chinese captain arrested for illegal fishing.
Regarding the arrest of the captain of a Chinese fishing boat for poaching corals, Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs commented in an interview with ANN "We hope his safety and interests will be guaranteed."
On the 22nd, the Japan Coast Guard arrested the captain of a Chinese coral fishing boat in Japan's exclusive economic zone off the Tokara Islands in Kagoshima Prefecture red-handed on suspicion of unauthorized fishing.
Regarding this incident, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs commented "We are currently confirming the details of the incident. We hope that the Japanese side will appropriately guarantee the safety and legitimate rights and interests of our Chinese people."
Source: 中国外務省 サンゴ密漁で船長逮捕でコメント 「中国国民の安全と権益の保障を」（テレビ朝日系（ANN）） - Yahoo!ニュース
Recalling Chinese government strongly condemned Japanese government in 2010 when another captain was arrested, I think that they may be tired of international confrontations now.
Regarding the arrest of the captain of a Chinese fishing boat for poaching corals, Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs commented in an interview with ANN "We hope his safety and interests will be guaranteed."
On the 22nd, the Japan Coast Guard arrested the captain of a Chinese coral fishing boat in Japan's exclusive economic zone off the Tokara Islands in Kagoshima Prefecture red-handed on suspicion of unauthorized fishing.
Regarding this incident, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs commented "We are currently confirming the details of the incident. We hope that the Japanese side will appropriately guarantee the safety and legitimate rights and interests of our Chinese people."
Source: 中国外務省 サンゴ密漁で船長逮捕でコメント 「中国国民の安全と権益の保障を」（テレビ朝日系（ANN）） - Yahoo!ニュース
Recalling Chinese government strongly condemned Japanese government in 2010 when another captain was arrested, I think that they may be tired of international confrontations now.
SaparotRob
Unter Gemeine Geschwader Murmeltier XIII
I hope they do tire of it.
Thumpalumpacus
Colonel
SYDNEY, May 10 (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden will sign defence and surveillance agreements with Papua New Guinea, the island nation's foreign minister said, on a visit that renews the strategic importance of the nation where Biden's uncle died in World War Two.
PNG, the South Pacific's most populous nation, will also see a doubling of U.S. development assistance to $32 million, including $25 million to tackle its security priority of climate change, State Department documents submitted to the U.S. Congress show.
Washington is seeking to deter Pacific island nations, which span 40 million kilometres of ocean, from security ties with China, a rising concern amid tensions over Taiwan.
Biden will visit PNG capital Port Moresby on May 22 on his way to a summit of the Quad countries - the United States, Japan, India and Australia - in Sydney, the White House has confirmed. There he will meet 18 Pacific island leaders.
Foreign Minister Justin Tkachenko told Reuters a Defence Cooperation Agreement between the U.S. and PNG was finalised last week, "which now allows us to officially sign it when Biden comes here".
A separate agreement to allow the U.S. Coast Guard to patrol PNG's vast exclusive economic zone, with PNG officials on board as "ship riders", also will be signed and cover satellite surveillance, he said in an interview.
"We will be able to utilise the U.S. satellite security systems. Once we sign that it will help monitor our waters, which we can't at the moment," he said.
"It will be a fantastic agreement protecting our natural resources from being illegally poached and stolen, especially our fishing," he added.
China has a decade-long history of infrastructure projects in the region, and last year struck a security pact with Solomon Islands, which has since placed a moratorium on U.S. Coast Guard vessels entering its waters.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has visited the region three times, including a 2018 visit to PNG, but Beijing last year failed to sign 10 nations to a security and trade deal.
Exclusive: Biden to sign defence pact in Papua New Guinea, with eyes on China
U.S. President Joe Biden will sign defence and surveillance agreements with Papua New Guinea, the island nation's foreign minister said, on a visit that renews the strategic importance of the nation where Biden's uncle died in World War Two.
www.reuters.com
PM Modi receives warm welcome in Papua New Guinea as counterpart touches his feet
New wave?
www.indiatoday.in
New wave?
PM Modi receives warm welcome in Papua New Guinea as counterpart touches his feet | Watch
James Marape touched PM Modi's feet followed by a hug between the two counterparts. Later, PM Modi was introduced to other officials.
www.indiatoday.in
'Lacks respect': Solomon Islands accuses Australia of pulling financial support, reveals China has 'stepped up'
The prime minister of Solomon Islands says China has agreed to provide funding to prop up the country's troubled budget, and also accused Australia and development partners of suddenly withdrawing financial support worth millions of dollars.
www.abc.net.au
Defence minister happy for Australia to support Solomon Islands defence force
Richard Marles says the government is "very keen" to help Solomon Islands establish a defence force, with experts saying Canberra wants to stop any military cooperation between Beijing and Honiara.
www.abc.net.au
It continues:
www.abc.net.au
Solomon Islands PM snubs meeting with Biden, praises China's 'global security initiative'
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has declined a White House invitation to meet with US President Joe Biden at next week's Pacific leaders' summit.
www.abc.net.au
Also not a good look...though Australia could have avoided this IMHO:
www.abc.net.au
'Strengthen international cooperation': China and Timor Leste make deal to form strategic partnership
The agreement was made ahead of the opening ceremony of the Asian Games in Hangzhou.
www.abc.net.au
A little bit old news I found recently.
Trudeau had lost chance to control Xi (news dated November 17, 2022).
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAuIDD-80hk
Trudeau had lost chance to control Xi (news dated November 17, 2022).
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAuIDD-80hk
Thumpalumpacus
Colonel
Recently, concerns have arisen regarding Chinese ambitions to establish overseas military bases. These concerns hold particular validity in certain regions, such as Cambodia and Pakistan, where Chinese influence is significant, and the prospect of military facilities is a genuine cause for worry. In other cases, while we cannot rule out the possibility of Chinese base establishment entirely, it remains uncertain, as in Vanuatu and West Africa. However, upon delving into the geography and history of the Solomon Islands and the technical specifications of Chinese equipment, fears of Chinese base construction, in this case, appear baseless. This paper will first review the background of the relations between the Solomon Islands and China, the history of its civil war, and then analyze why China is highly unlikely to construct a base in the archipelagic nation.
Read more:
nationalinterest.org
Read more:
Will the Solomon Islands Host China’s Next Airbase?
While China intends to expand the reach of its air and naval forces, the Solomon Islands are not likely to host Beijing’s next base.
nationalinterest.org
Thumpalumpacus
Colonel
Slightly off-topic but related:
A Philippine supply boat collided on Sunday with a China Coast Guard vessel attempting to block it during an operation to resupply the grounded LST BRP Sierra Madre (LS57) at Second Thomas Shoal in the disputed Spratly Islands.
A Philippine Coast Guard patrol vessel was also bumped by a Chinese Maritime Militia during the mission, according to a Sunday statement from the Philippines' National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea.
The incident occurred at 6:04 a.m., according to the statement, which blamed China Coast Guard Vessel 5203's blocking maneuvers for a collision with the Armed Forces of the Philippines-contracted resupply boat Unaiza May 2 at approximately 13.5 nautical miles east-northeast of the Sierra Madre.
"The provocative, irresponsible, and illegal action of CCGV 5203 imperiled the safety of the crew of Unaiza May 2," read the statement.
During the resupply mission, Philippine Coast Guard patrol vessel BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409)'s port side was bumped by Chinese Maritime Militia vessel 00003 at 8:14 a.m. while it was lying approximately 6.4 nm northeast of Second Thomas Shoal, according to the statement. The resupply mission was still ongoing, the statement added, with Unaiza May 1 successfully resupplying the Sierra Madre and personnel stationed there.
"The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) condemns in the strongest degree the latest dangerous, irresponsible, and illegal actions of the CCG and the Chinese Maritime Militia done this morning, in violation of Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction and in utter blatant disregard of the United Nations Charter, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) and relevant international maritime conventions, and the 2016 Arbitral Award" concluded the statement.
news.usni.org
A Philippine supply boat collided on Sunday with a China Coast Guard vessel attempting to block it during an operation to resupply the grounded LST BRP Sierra Madre (LS57) at Second Thomas Shoal in the disputed Spratly Islands.
A Philippine Coast Guard patrol vessel was also bumped by a Chinese Maritime Militia during the mission, according to a Sunday statement from the Philippines' National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea.
The incident occurred at 6:04 a.m., according to the statement, which blamed China Coast Guard Vessel 5203's blocking maneuvers for a collision with the Armed Forces of the Philippines-contracted resupply boat Unaiza May 2 at approximately 13.5 nautical miles east-northeast of the Sierra Madre.
"The provocative, irresponsible, and illegal action of CCGV 5203 imperiled the safety of the crew of Unaiza May 2," read the statement.
During the resupply mission, Philippine Coast Guard patrol vessel BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409)'s port side was bumped by Chinese Maritime Militia vessel 00003 at 8:14 a.m. while it was lying approximately 6.4 nm northeast of Second Thomas Shoal, according to the statement. The resupply mission was still ongoing, the statement added, with Unaiza May 1 successfully resupplying the Sierra Madre and personnel stationed there.
"The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) condemns in the strongest degree the latest dangerous, irresponsible, and illegal actions of the CCG and the Chinese Maritime Militia done this morning, in violation of Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction and in utter blatant disregard of the United Nations Charter, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) and relevant international maritime conventions, and the 2016 Arbitral Award" concluded the statement.
China Coast Guard Vessel Collides with Filipino Supply Ship in South China Sea - USNI News
A Philippine supply boat collided on Sunday with a China Coast Guard vessel attempting to block it during an operation to resupply the grounded LST BRP Sierra Madre (LS57) at Second Thomas Shoal in the disputed Spratly Islands. A Philippine Coast Guard patrol vessel was also bumped by a Chinese...
news.usni.org
