Big power disputes in spotlight at Southeast Asia security meet
Top diplomats from the US, China, and Russia attended a security meeting with Southeast Asian foreign ministers.
Russia
China seeks to expand cooperation with Russian navy
China’s defense minister hopes to expand naval cooperation with Russia, aiming for joint exercises and strengthened communication.
Taiwan detects two Russian warships off its coast
Two Russian frigates spotted near Taiwan’s coast, prompting surveillance and military deployment by Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence.
Putin accuses West of wanting Russians ‘to kill each other’ in mutiny
Russian President Putin accuses Ukraine and the West of wanting Russians to “kill each other” during the Wagner group revolt.
Russian PM arrives in China for talks with Xi, business forum
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin arrived in China for a visit, where he will meet President Xi Jinping and sign agreements on infrastructure and trade. China has become Russia’s top energy customer, strengthening their economic cooperation.
While China remains neutral in the Ukraine conflict, its influence over Russia is growing as Moscow faces international isolation.
Three dead after MiG jet crashes in India
A Russian-made MiG-21 military aircraft crashed into a house in India, resulting in three deaths.
The Indian Air Force has experienced several crashes in recent years, often involving ageing planes supplied by the former Soviet Union. India is investing in modernizing its military and diversifying its defence industry.
In countering Russia, the EU should not forget South East Asia
The European Union’s (EU) new strategic action plan to counter the consequences of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine focuses on building stronger relationships with Brazil, Chile, Nigeria, and Kazakhstan.
However, Simone Galimberti highlights the surprising exclusion of South East Asia, a crucial region for Europe’s geopolitical ambitions.
Galimberti argues that the EU should prioritize engaging with key countries like Malaysia and Indonesia, considering their strategic relationships with China and the regional tensions in the South China Sea.
A dedicated high-level figure and visits from EU leaders would demonstrate the EU’s commitment to South East Asia’s importance.
Sanctions-hit Russian bank VTB reports huge loss
VTB, Russia’s second-largest bank, reported a $7.7 billion loss in 2022 due to Western sanctions imposed after Moscow’s offensive in Ukraine, resulting in its exclusion from the SWIFT global payments system and the individual sanctions against its chief, Andrei Kostin, by the UK and US.
China diplomatic offensive lays down new challenge for US
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s diplomatic efforts in Ukraine are not expected to result in breakthroughs, but fears are growing in Washington that China’s actions may increase its credibility on the world stage.
Experts believe that Xi is more interested in being seen as a peacemaker and changing the narrative, rather than actually attaining peace in Ukraine.
However, China’s diplomatic efforts could still have a marginal impact, especially in developing nations where there is less enthusiasm for preserving an “international rules-based order.”
Moscow, Beijing blast Western ‘blackmail and threats’ at G20: statement
MOSCOW, RUSSIA — Russia and China on Thursday criticised the West for employing “blackmail and threats” against other countries, Moscow said following a meeting of the two countries’ foreign ministers at the G20. “A unanimous rejection was expressed of attempts to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, to impose unilateral approaches through blackmail … Read more