Author: Robert Delaney,Khushboo Razdan
The leaders of the US, Australia, India, and Japan are set to announce an expansion of their joint maritime security operations in the Indian Ocean as part of closer coastguard integration in the Indo-Pacific region. This move comes amidst escalating tensions in the South and East China seas, particularly involving Chinese and Philippine vessels. The summit’s deliverables are eagerly anticipated to gauge the four countries’ stance against China’s increasing military assertiveness. The newly expanded Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) will enhance cooperation in sharing satellite and other data among members and regional partners, including Southeast Asian and Pacific…
Recent reports suggest that North Korea is providing artillery shells to support Russia’s war against Ukraine in exchange for assistance with its nuclear missile development plans. This comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Pyongyang, expanding the conflict’s scope. The US, led by officials like Kurt Campbell and Antony Blinken, has accused China of aiding Russia with electronics for weapon systems. Campbell highlighted growing pressure on China from Nato allies and Indo-Pacific countries over concerns about the global impact of a Russian victory in Ukraine. Moreover, discussions around invoking the US-Philippines defense treaty have intensified amid rising tensions. Nato Secretary…