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Regional powers back military boost
Philippines Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.
A spokesman for Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto said on Wednesday: “Indonesia is also concerned about the post-pandemic world”, adding that Australia’s defence escalation was “in line with Indonesia’s defence focus, which is to maintain security and stability in Indonesia and in the region”.
“We also stand to benefit from this because it will contribute to stability in the region,” Defence Ministry spokesman Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak said.
“Our military spending is focused to ensure we can protect our territory and assets. Indonesia does not have aggressive policies towards our neighbouring countries; our priority is to protect Indonesia. We understand Australia’s interest in protecting their country and regional stability, and we respect their role for that.”
Philippines Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said his government, which has a defence co-operation program with Canberra, also viewed the plans positively.
“We see these upgrades as Australia’s contribution to the maintenance of the rules-based regime in the region. It is when like-minded democratic nations co-operate and join hands that we are able to maintain peace and stability,” he told The Australian.
The support reflects rising regional concern over Beijing’s heightened territorial aggression at a time when the US — Southeast Asia’s traditional security safety net — is largely distracted by the COVID-19 pandemic and imminent presidential elections.
In recent months, Chinese coastguards have sunk two Vietnamese fishing boats, monstered a Malaysian survey boat, a Chinese navy vessel has fixed its radar guns on a Philippines navy boat, and it amassed troops along the disputed India-China border leading to deadly clashes between the two Asian nuclear powers.
Indian defence analysts say New Delhi will also view Australia’s defence plans positively, particularly in light of the two countries’ recent maritime strategic agreement.
Darshana Baruah, a maritime security researcher with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said India no longer harboured concerns over how Canberra’s trade relationship with Beijing might affect its commitment to a strategic partnership.
“India now looks to Australia as a key and important partner,” she said. “In the maritime domain, this is definitely a significant initiative as we are likely to see more disruptions and competition in the Indo-Pacific,” she said.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Wednesday that the Indo-Pacific was now the “epicentre” of rising strategic competition between China and the US.
However Malaysia’s chief of armed forces, Affendi Buang, gave a more cautious response, reflecting his country’s long-held concerns over a potential regional arms build.
General Affendi said Malaysia “will continue to foster a good relationship with everybody, especially with neighbouring countries” and was committed to the ASEAN principles of non-interference in the affairs of member countries and opposition to the use of force.
“As a neutral and peace-loving nation that seeks to befriend all nations, Malaysia is committed to enhancing credible partnerships through inclusive international diplomatic initiatives. Any power that wishes to build up their forces is entirely based on their interest.”
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/na...t/news-story/6761545d1bfb52bbeb7d5de57dcbf20a
it's nice seeing our two countries push aside their difference and past enmities. for the greater good.
Philippines Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.
- AMANDA HODGE
SOUTHEAST ASIA CORRESPONDENT
@hodgeamanda
- 11:42PM JULY 1, 2020
- 7 COMMENTS
A spokesman for Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto said on Wednesday: “Indonesia is also concerned about the post-pandemic world”, adding that Australia’s defence escalation was “in line with Indonesia’s defence focus, which is to maintain security and stability in Indonesia and in the region”.
“We also stand to benefit from this because it will contribute to stability in the region,” Defence Ministry spokesman Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak said.
“Our military spending is focused to ensure we can protect our territory and assets. Indonesia does not have aggressive policies towards our neighbouring countries; our priority is to protect Indonesia. We understand Australia’s interest in protecting their country and regional stability, and we respect their role for that.”
Philippines Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said his government, which has a defence co-operation program with Canberra, also viewed the plans positively.
“We see these upgrades as Australia’s contribution to the maintenance of the rules-based regime in the region. It is when like-minded democratic nations co-operate and join hands that we are able to maintain peace and stability,” he told The Australian.
The support reflects rising regional concern over Beijing’s heightened territorial aggression at a time when the US — Southeast Asia’s traditional security safety net — is largely distracted by the COVID-19 pandemic and imminent presidential elections.
In recent months, Chinese coastguards have sunk two Vietnamese fishing boats, monstered a Malaysian survey boat, a Chinese navy vessel has fixed its radar guns on a Philippines navy boat, and it amassed troops along the disputed India-China border leading to deadly clashes between the two Asian nuclear powers.
Indian defence analysts say New Delhi will also view Australia’s defence plans positively, particularly in light of the two countries’ recent maritime strategic agreement.
Darshana Baruah, a maritime security researcher with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said India no longer harboured concerns over how Canberra’s trade relationship with Beijing might affect its commitment to a strategic partnership.
“India now looks to Australia as a key and important partner,” she said. “In the maritime domain, this is definitely a significant initiative as we are likely to see more disruptions and competition in the Indo-Pacific,” she said.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Wednesday that the Indo-Pacific was now the “epicentre” of rising strategic competition between China and the US.
However Malaysia’s chief of armed forces, Affendi Buang, gave a more cautious response, reflecting his country’s long-held concerns over a potential regional arms build.
General Affendi said Malaysia “will continue to foster a good relationship with everybody, especially with neighbouring countries” and was committed to the ASEAN principles of non-interference in the affairs of member countries and opposition to the use of force.
“As a neutral and peace-loving nation that seeks to befriend all nations, Malaysia is committed to enhancing credible partnerships through inclusive international diplomatic initiatives. Any power that wishes to build up their forces is entirely based on their interest.”
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/na...t/news-story/6761545d1bfb52bbeb7d5de57dcbf20a
it's nice seeing our two countries push aside their difference and past enmities. for the greater good.
