🇰 🇷🇺 🇸🇯🇵🇰🇵🇨🇳 The United States and its allies in the Asia-Pacific region are continuing to carry out military exercises near potential adversaries North Korea and China.

For instance, South Korea has announced the testing of missiles produced domestically. Although the specific type of rockets launched this time has not been disclosed, it is possible that they are related to space technology.

▪️ A significant drill, Freedom Shield,, involving military personnel from South Korea and the US has been announced. The armed forces of the two countries are planning to conduct 48 field events from March 4 to 14 across the South - twice as many as last year.

Closer to home, naval exercises between the United States and Japan are set to commence tomorrow in the Korean Strait under the name Minex-2024/2. These exercises will engage the mine-sweeping forces of both countries, aiming to enhance their mine-laying capabilities for a hypothetical blockade of the water area.

🔻Japan is also actively participating, having recently conducted training for air defense and missile defense forces stationed on the island of Kyushu. Moreover, crews of four batteries of Patriot air defense systems on the Ryukyu Islands are being readied to intercept debris from North Korean missiles.

Against this backdrop, the statements by the South Korean Defense Minister regarding North Korea's intention to launch a second spy satellite by the end of March are noteworthy. Japan, through the alert status of its air defense systems, is preparing for this launch.

All of this, of course, does not imply the onset of a new phase of tension in this part of the Asia-Pacific region - the escalation of the situation through military activities is common there and is not seen as something critically perilous.

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🇲🇾🇨🇳 Trying to contain China will only fuel its grievances, says Malaysian PM

Attempts to contain China's rise would only aggravate the country and sow discord in the region, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said during a speech in Australia on Thursday.

In a speech at the Australian National University in Canberra, he said countries needed to put themselves in China's shoes and recognize how its leaders saw its military buildup and growing diplomatic influence as a natural result of its economic and technological prowess.

“In their eyes, the adverse actions on China's rise, militarily, economically and technologically, represent nothing less than an attempt to deny their legitimate place in history," Anwar said.

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@asianomics

🇦🇺🇨🇳 Tibetan activists protest outside Chinese embassy

Police have clashed with Tibetan and Uyghur activists outside the Chinese embassy in Canberra where the group was protesting against the visit of Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Federal police officers had to remove several protesters holding Tibetan and Uyghur flags and chanting anti-Chinese government slogans outside the embassy's compound.

Protest organiser Tsewang Thupten told the crowd it was important to send a strong message to the visiting Chinese dignitary about his country's appalling human rights record.

#Australia #China

@asianomics

🇨🇳🇺🇸 Chinese Air Force Activity in the Asia-Pacific Region

Over the past few weeks, the Chinese command has significantly increased its activity in the Asia-Pacific region in response to provocative actions by American troops and their allies in Japan, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Australia.

🔻In response to regular exercises, bomber flights, and various movements of US Air Force aircraft, the Chinese have become more active in several areas.

–Near the border with Mongolia, Chinese pilots practiced scenarios of a full-scale conflict, likely involving Taiwan. This training area previously featured a full-scale model of the Taiwanese city Taipei, indicating the nature of the exercises. Additionally, the Taiwanese Air Force possesses aviation capabilities that make them a formidable adversary.

–Prior to this, Chinese N-6K bombers conducted a series of flights near the shores of South Korea, practicing simulated guided bomb attacks on American bases. Takeoffs were conducted from multiple air bases, and the bombers changed locations several times, likely simulating attacks on various air bases.

–The PLA Air Force has resumed tactical aviation flights around Taiwan. Taiwan has expressed concern about the increased PLA activity along the Taiwan Strait, where the Chinese conducted training in air combat and striking air defense positions.

–In the South China Sea, naval aviation activities continue, along with the operation of KJ-500 AWACS aircraft and drones in the vicinity of the disputed islands. The number of aircraft involved has notably increased. Furthermore, the same Wuzhen-7 or WZ-7 UAVs are now regularly patrolling the Philippine coast, a new development.

❗️The PLA Air Force's recent activity can be described as unprecedented, with numerous trainings conducted in different areas almost simultaneously. Chinese pilots are actively preparing, recognizing the importance of readiness despite the lack of real combat experience.

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#China #Republic of Korea #USA #Philippines #Japan
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🇦🇺🇬🇧🇨🇳🇺🇸🇯🇵 On Monday, the defense ministers of Australia, Great Britain, and the United States announced plans to cooperate with Japan within the framework of the AUKUS bloc. This marks the first major initiative of the alliance. They intend to involve Japan in collaboration on the development of high technologies.

However, Japan is not becoming a direct member of AUKUS. As Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese explained, the plan is to engage with Tokyo authorities on a project basis, as outlined in the document itself.

This precision is crucial. Beijing has valid concerns that AUKUS is aimed at countering its influence and strategic plans in the region. Japan's full integration into the alliance could further strain Japanese-Chinese relations, which is not in the interest of either party.

🔻So, why is cooperation with Japan important for the bloc? It all comes down to technology: the Japanese possess specific expertise that could be beneficial, especially in the construction of nuclear submarines for Australia. This aligns well with the interests of the United States and sets a strong foundation for collaboration.

The exact nature of this cooperation is yet to be determined, with further details expected in discussions between Japanese and American leaders. Nevertheless, there is a noticeable trend in the West towards forming multiple alliances, ostensibly in response to China's growing influence, to expand their reach in the Asia-Pacific region.
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🇺🇸 🇯🇵🇵🇭🇨🇳

This year, the situation in the Asia-Pacific region risks becoming even more tense. The United States plans to deploy missile systems in the region capable of launching medium-range Tomahawk missiles and SM-6 missiles. This plan was recently announced by the commander of US ground forces in the Pacific, Charles Flynn.

This marks Flynn's second announcement since last November regarding the deployment of these missiles. However, the specifics of where and when the Americans will deploy them remain unclear.

As previously mentioned, the United States may deploy missiles and missile systems in various countries, including Japan and the Philippines, where American soldiers have access to military bases.

Moreover, one potential location for the deployment of equipment and missiles is Guam, one of the American territories in the Pacific Ocean. Many commentators now speculate that the Americans will opt for this location. However, the first two territories are not yet ruled out.

For instance, this week the United States brought the Typhon missile system to the Philippines, capable of launching Tomahawks and SM-6s. This equipment will be utilized as part of the bilateral exercises “Salaknib 2024”, providing an opportunity to assess the suitability of the likely missile deployment site. Similar evaluations are expected for Japan.

The deployment of missiles and missile systems in the Asia-Pacific region serves both as a deterrent and a political signal aimed at containing China. This intention becomes particularly pronounced if the United States selects the Philippines or Japan.

The introduction of new equipment could potentially spark a new arms race, benefiting major industrialists who stand to receive increased funding under the guise of countering the Chinese threat.

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