AUSTRALIA DEFENSE STRATEGIC REVIEW
Rajnath Singh, Australian Deputy PM Richard Marles discuss closer cooperation in Indo-Pacific
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held talks with Australia's Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, focusing on enhancing defence cooperation and closer collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region. They highlighted the significant progress under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, citing India's role as a top-tier security partner in Australia's National Defence Strategy. Marles congratulated Singh on his reappointment and India's T20 cricket victory. The dialogue reflects deepening ties between the two nations across various sectors, fostering new avenues for bilateral and global cooperation.
As North Korean and Chinese threats rise, US looks to lock in defense partnerships with Asian allies
The United States concluded its inaugural multidomain exercise with Japan and South Korea in the East China Sea, marking a milestone in strengthening regional security alliances. Dubbed Freedom Edge, the exercise focused on enhancing joint capabilities in missile defense, anti-submarine warfare, and surveillance amid escalating threats from North Korea and China. Despite geopolitical tensions, the drills aimed to foster interoperability among allied forces, crucial for coordinated responses to regional challenges. The exercises underscore efforts by the Biden administration to solidify partnerships amidst growing military dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region.
Enemy within? China is buying land around American military bases
China's proximity to military bases within the US, including a nuclear missile base in Wyoming, raises national security concerns. The US government blocked a Chinese-backed cryptocurrency mining firm from owning land near Francis E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming, citing it as a 'national security risk'. The order required the divestment of property operated as a crypto mining facility near the base.
Third term for Modi likely to see closer defense ties with US as India's rivalry with China grows
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasizes on boosting India's military preparedness and clout, focusing on expanding defense production and exports to counter China's influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan expected in India in June for iCET review
US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan plans to visit India this month to discuss shared priorities with the new government. Sullivan will focus on the iCET review and the upcoming Quad Summit during his trip. Sullivan had twice postponed India trip this year due to West Asia crisis
New star wars plan: US rushes to counter Chinese and Russian threats in orbit
US Defense Department is looking to acquire a new generation of ground- and space-based tools that will allow it to defend its satellite network from attack and, if necessary, to disrupt or disable enemy spacecraft in orbit, Pentagon officials have said in a series of interviews, speeches and recent statements.
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US says Rafah offensive would jeopardize cease-fire talks as Biden threatens to halt more Israel aid
The United States has warned Israel against launching a full-scale assault on Gaza's Rafah, Hamas' stronghold, citing concerns over civilian casualties. President Biden threatened to pause offensive military aid to Israel if it proceeds with the operation. The U.S. views such an attack as strengthening Hamas' position and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Despite this, Israel remains defiant, with Prime Minister Netanyahu expressing willingness to stand alone if necessary. The U.S. is urging Israel to pursue more surgical operations against Hamas and is committed to Israel's defense, including providing defensive arms.
India, Australia review progress on trade and investment negotiations, discuss way forward for its completion
In the first Joint Committee Meeting (JCM) under India-Australia Economic Co-operation and Trade Agreement (Ind-Aus ECTA), both sides acknowledged the smooth implementation of the ECTA and briefly elaborated on ECTA implementation issues including MRAs on organic products, market access issues related to products like okra, pomegranate, grapes, cottage cheese, macadamia nuts, lentils and avocado.
Missiles, drones and warships the priority as Australia plans $32 billion defence boost
Australia has announced a significant boost in defense spending, totaling A$50.3 billion over the next decade. The focus will be on missiles, drones, and warships, reflecting concerns about potential conflicts in the Pacific, particularly between China and the United States. This increase, part of a A$330 billion budget over ten years, will raise defense spending to 2.4% of GDP by 2034. The funding will prioritize the navy, including the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine program, as well as missile-related programs and upgrades to military bases in northern Australia.
Australia, Britain sign defence cooperation agreement
Australia and Britain have signed a new defence and security agreement that facilitates easier cooperation between their defence forces in each other's countries. The agreement was signed during talks in Adelaide between British Foreign Secretary David Cameron, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, and their Australian counterparts. The treaty requires the nations to consult each other in the event of a threat. Under the AUKUS agreement, Australia has chosen BAE Systems to assist in building new nuclear submarines, marking a significant development in Australia's defence capabilities.
Ships from US, Australia and Japan conduct joint drills in South China Sea in defiance of Beijing
Warships from the US, Australia, and Japan conduct joint drills in the South China Sea, challenging Beijing's sovereignty claims. The exercises, involving guided-missile destroyers and combat ships, aim to promote transparency and freedom of navigation. China, which claims the area, objects to foreign military activities there. The region, crucial for international trade and rich in resources, sees ongoing tensions. The Quad alliance, including India, counters China's assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific, while China maintains its military presence for defensive purposes. Tensions also persist in the East China Sea and around Taiwan.
India-Australia relations: Preparing for CECA
There has been a dramatic transformation in India-Australia relations, in less than a decade, from persistent suspicions and distrust, occasional animosity, and polite disinterest to one driven by strategic necessity, mutual benefit, and proactive bipartisan political will.
US has deepened partnership with India; elevated cooperation through Quad: Blinken
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted strengthened ties with India and the Quad alliance involving Japan and Australia. He outlined enhanced partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, mentioning initiatives with Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Blinken emphasized collaboration with allies on challenges posed by China, emphasizing human rights concerns. Regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict, he stressed ending violence while prioritizing civilian safety and the return of hostages, aiming for lasting peace in the region through tough but necessary actions.
North Korea threatens US with retaliation. All about Pyongyang's spy satellite launch and US sanctions
North Korea appears to be upset after the US and its allies, including Japan, South Korea, and Australia, imposed fresh sanctions over its military spy launching on Friday. It has warned if its spy satellite is targeted, it will be considered a "declaration of war". Know in detail how the US-North Korea ties have further worsened.
Philippines, Australia start sea, air patrols in South China Sea
China claims almost the entire South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual ship-borne commerce, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. The Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016 said China's claims had no legal basis.
Warner reveals Australia's secret plan behind Cummin's decision to field against India in finals
"We were discussing it the night before for a good hour-and-a-half or two hours about what to do. All the stats coming through were saying, bat first and put runs on the board. But for once, when we asked that question, I think a majority of us said let's just chase," Warner shared.
Australian Ministers meet NSA Doval; Jaishankar raises Canada ties with Penny Wong
Australian Deputy PM Richard Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong met with NSA AK Doval to discuss partnership across ASEAN and Pacific Island states in development-related sectors. Both sides emphasized the need to assist countries in the Indo-Pacific, ASEAN, Africa, Global South, and Pacific Islands in taking forward their development trajectories in line with their priorities and in a sustainable manner. T
India, US hold 'substantive' 2+2 dialogue; focus on expanding strategic ties, West Asia situation
India and the US held a '2+2' foreign and defence ministerial dialogue to expand their global strategic partnership. The talks focused on enhancing engagement in defense production, critical minerals, and high-technology. The dialogue was led by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on the Indian side.
MacLachlans: Australia’s oldest farming families split massive portfolio after 135 years
The massive 5.2 million hectare estate of Jumbuck, comprising 12 stations with a valuation in the hundreds of millions, will undergo a distribution.
G7 Chair Japan refuses support to Canada
Certain attempts are being made at the behest of Canada to discuss the issue of killing of Nijjar - who India designated a terrorist in 2020 - at the Quad meeting. However, India is not in favour and Japan also feels that Quad is not the platform to discuss the issue, a person aware of the development told ET. Japan is expected to back India in the backdrop of expanding strategic partnership between the two countries.
'Strategic partnership with India has never been more dynamic': US State Secy Antony Blinken
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken praised the dynamic partnership between India and the United States, emphasizing collaboration on advanced semiconductors and defense cooperation. He also highlighted the importance of the Quad alliance and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden at the G20 Summit.
In U.S.-China AI contest, the race is on to deploy killer robots
The Australian Navy is investing in two different submarine technologies to counter the rising power of China. One approach involves building expensive nuclear-powered submarines, while the other focuses on developing cheap and fast unmanned submarines powered by artificial intelligence (AI), known as Ghost Sharks. The Ghost Sharks, costing less than 1% of the nuclear submarines, will be delivered by mid-2025. The use of AI and automation is revolutionizing military power and could potentially reshape the rivalry between China and the US.
Australia must continue to expand practical cooperation with India: Australian defence review
The review also highlighted the emergence of "major power" competition in the Indo-Pacific and said it has the potential to threaten Australian interests in the region. "No longer is our alliance partner, the United States, the unipolar leader of the Indo-Pacific. Intense China-US competition is the defining feature of our region and our time," it said.
Australia to ramp up ties with India, Japan in Indo-Pacific amid China's aggressive actions
Australia plans to deepen its diplomatic and defence partnerships with India and Japan to counter China’s growing assertion of sovereignty over the South China Sea and its threat to global rules-based order, according to its Defence Strategic Review. Though the report did not label Beijing a direct military threat to Australia, it noted that China’s assertion of sovereignty over the South China Sea “threatens the global rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific in a way that adversely impacts Australia's national interests”.
India's aircraft carriers key to Indo-Pacific strategy
As Beijing increases its naval presence around Taiwan and pushes its claims in the South China Sea, the U.S., Britain and other allies have responded with regular naval exercises in the region and passages through the Taiwan Strait as they pursue a policy of a "free and open Indo-Pacific."
View: How Japan's new National Security Strategy impacts cooperation with India
The defence ministries of both countries have already started a joint arms development project for unmanned vehicles. This is very important because recently, India and Japan have had many differences.
Vietnam National Assembly Chairman’s Australia visit boosts economic & strategic interests
Vietnam’s economic prospects are promising and it is only ideal that Vietnam and its partner in the Pacific coordinate their positions at various multilateral forums. Safeguarding Vietnam’s sovereignty and legitimate interests in the South China Sea region. A stable South China Sea region is key to Vietnam’s economic growth and prosperity.
Dollar edges higher as China COVID worries spur defensive buying
Investors will be keenly interested in the minutes from the Fed's November meeting due to be released on Wednesday that could shed light on how high officials ultimately expect to raise interest rates.
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