Friday, December 8, 2023
Press
Experts from the U.S. Institute of Peace provide the latest analysis and perspective on the world’s critical hot spots, U.S. and global security and issues involved in violent conflict, based on the Institute’s work on the ground and with key individuals, governments and organizations. They give interviews and background briefings to journalists and write for news outlets around the world.
Biden vows 'ironclad' defense of Philippines and Japan as China tensions rise - Japan Times
In his first-ever trilateral summit with the leaders of Japan and the Philippines, U.S. President Joe Biden on Thursday reiterated Washington’s commitment to defending the Philippines...
Defense Minister Subianto’s victory in Indonesia’s presidential vote comes with complications - the Washington Times
Defense Minister and former commando Prabowo Subianto has claimed victory in Indonesia’s presidential election after opening a big lead in preliminary results late Wednesday.
With eye on China, Japan and ASEAN to unveil ‘new vision’ for ties - The Japan Times
Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) plan to unveil a “new vision” for cooperation when their leaders meet in Tokyo this weekend for a commemorative gathering as Japan seeks to align the 10-member bloc with its strategy for a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific,” amid concerns over China's growing assertiveness. The three-day special leaders’ summit, meant to mark 50 years of...
Philippines opens South China Sea outpost as it digs in against China - Washington Examiner
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s administration opened a new coast guard outpost station in the South China Sea in a bid to fortify Manila's position in a high-stakes territorial dispute with China. “Its ability to collect real-time data, along with its coastal radars that can track the presence of vessels near the island, will certainly have an impact on the behavior of...
With eye on China, Japan and Vietnam take ties to ‘new heights’ - The Japan Times
Japan is continuing to strengthen ties with Southeast Asian countries, upgrading relations with Vietnam on Monday in a move that will pave the way for greater cooperation in areas such as trade and security as Tokyo seeks to counterbalance China’s growing footprint in the region. At a summit in Tokyo marking 50 years of diplomatic ties, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong agreed to elevate the relationship to a...
Philippines plans 'to take control once again' of disputed shoal held by Chinese coast guard - Washington Examiner
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s team plans “to take control once again” of a valuable lagoon occupied by China's forces, an intention that could escalate the simmering dispute over sovereignty in...
U.S. must step up too - Daily Tribune Philippines
American analysts have been exploring the possible ways the West Philippine Sea conflict will play out primarily with the so-called “gray zone” maneuvers by China in the disputed waters in which non-military activities are employed for coercion. The United States Institute of Peace, or USIP, a federal body...
Papua New Guinea Pushing for More From the US- VOA News
Papua New Guinea’s leadership is promising “cascading” benefits from growing military and security cooperation with the United States following the first visit by a sitting U.S. defense secretary, while downplaying any risk to the country’s close economic ties to China. Prime Minister James...
U.S. Woos Pacific Nation Where China Has Stamped Its Mark - The Wall Street Journal
The U.S. is seeking to bolster its outreach to the Pacific as Beijing gains sway in the region. Across Tonga’s main island, China’s footprint is clear, with many storefronts bearing Chinese language signs. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Tonga comes after the country was devastated by a volcanic eruption and...
South Sea scramble: Blinken, Austin lead challenge to China’s Pacific Islands clout - Washington Times
The Biden administration’s push to counter China will reach new heights over the coming days as Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken visit island nations in the South Pacific to pursue new military and diplomatic outposts in the hotly contested region. Simultaneous trips...