26 June 2021 (Saturday) Today’s News

A. NAVY NEWS/COVID NEWS/PHOTOS

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B. NATIONAL HEADLINES

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1 Private schools get nod start classes J Mateo P Star 1 2 Exit from ICC won’t stop probe-ex-judge M Ramos PDI A1

C. NATIONAL SECURITY

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D. INDO-PACIFIC

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E. AFP RELATED

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3 14 dead in PAF helicopter crashes since January

M Punongbayan P Star 9

4 AFP confers full military honors for Aquino R Cabrera P Star 4

5 More business groups give tribute to late president

S Canivel PDI A2

6 Military honors, applause for ‘illustrious’ Atenean

N Valenzuela PDI A2

7 President guards eye new restrictions S Salaveria PDI A6

8 PSG mulls allowing only fully vaccinated guests in president Duterte’s last SONA

A Geducos M Bulletin 1

9 Duterte SONA: fully-vaxed guest only M Blancaflor D Tribune 1 10 Confusion mars DU30 ‘vaccination’ M Blancaflor D Tribune 1

11 MVP group provides health care essentials to medical frontliners

P Tonight 10

12 DND, AFP at PNP binigyan ng huling pugay si PNOY

D Franche PM 2

F. CPP-NPA-NDF-LCM

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13 Ex-rebel nilikida sa harap ng kinakasama V Martin Ngayon 9

14 Pastor held for keeping guns C Cardova Tempo 3

G. MNLF/MILF/BIFF/ASG

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NIL NIL NIL NIL H. EDITORIAL-OPINION-COMMENTARY-SPECIAL

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15 ‘We made our peace’ N Ramos Tempo 2

I. ONLINE NEWS

Title Link

NATIONAL NEWS

17 Aquino to be buried today beside parents

https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/06/26/news/national/aquino-to-be-buried-today-beside-parents/1804681

18 PHL secures $400-million loan from World Bank to boost financial sector

https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/06/25/phl-secures-400-million-loan-from-world-bank-to-boost-financial-sector/

19 Gatchalian sounds alarm on new ‘phishing’ scam

https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/06/25/gatchalian-sounds-alarm-on-new-phishing-scam/

20 Solar-powered cold storage system from India could be a game-changer for Pinoy farmers

https://mb.com.ph/2021/06/25/solar-powered-cold-storage-system-from-india-could-be-a-game-changer-for-pinoy-farmers/

21 Grid deal power abuse https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2021/06/26/gri

d-deal-power-abuse/

22

'Habagat' to bring scattered rain showers over Metro Manila, other parts of Luzon — PAGASA

https://mb.com.ph/2021/06/25/habagat-to-

bring-scattered-rain-showers-over-metro-manila-other-parts-of-luzon-pagasa

23

'Habagat' to bring scattered rain showers over Metro Manila, other parts of Luzon — PAGASA

https://mb.com.ph/2021/06/25/habagat-to-bring-scattered-rain-showers-over-metro-manila-other-parts-of-luzon-pagasa

NAVY NEWS

24

Aquino's legal challenge vs China his 'most important legacy': maritime law expert

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/06/25/21/noynoy-aquino-legacy-china-south-china-sea-arbitral-victory-obit

25

Jardeleza: West Philippine Sea arbitration one of Noynoy Aquino’s important legacies

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/792920/jardeleza-west-philippine-sea-arbitration-one-of-noynoy-aquino-s-important-legacies/story/

26 Kalayaan, a town defended by PNoy in WPS, is in mourning

https://mb.com.ph/2021/06/25/kalayaan-a-town-defended-by-pnoy-in-wps-is-in-mourning/

27 PNoy’s move vs. China on W. Philippine Sea won't be forgotten: Kalayaan town mayor

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/06/25/21/noynoy-aquino-china-kalayaan-west-philippine-sea

28 Corruption issues force PRRD to halt reclamation projects

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1145043

AFP NEWS

29 PNoy feted for role in military's transformation

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1144988

30 Full military honors for ex-president Aquino: AFP

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1144918

31 AFP honors PNoy with eight-gun salute; find out what it means

https://mb.com.ph/2021/06/25/afp-honors-pnoy-with-eight-gun-salute-find-out-what-it-means/

32 Give up, avail of gov’t support, PRRD tells NPA rebels

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1145035

33 14 dead in PAF helicopter crashes since January

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2021/06/26/2108131/14-dead-paf-helicopter-crashes-january

34 Duterte calls on ‘qualified civilians’ to ‘arm selves’

https://manilastandard.net/news/top-stories/358112/duterte-calls-on-qualified-civilians-to-arm-selves-.html

35 PSG mulls allowing only fully vaccinated guests in Duterte's last SONA

https://mb.com.ph/2021/06/25/psg-mulls-allowing-only-fully-vaccinated-guests-in-dutertes-last-sona/

36 PSG ensures ‘smooth, safe’ conduct of Duterte’s last SONA

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1144975

37 Duterte fully vaccinated vs COVID — PSG chief

https://mb.com.ph/2021/06/25/duterte-fully-vaccinated-vs-covid-psg-chief/

38 FVR among 174 living Pinoy veterans of Korean War

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1145023

39 1 dead, 1 hurt in NPA attack on Surigao Sur town

https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2021/06/25/1-dead-1-hurt-in-npa-attack-on-surigao-sur-town/

Pastor linked to NPA nabbed in Bohol https://mb.com.ph/2021/06/25/pastor-linked-to-

npa-nabbed-in-bohol/

40 Rebel tunnel, explosives found in Mt. Province

https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2021/06/25/rebel-tunnel-explosives-found-in-mt-province/

41 Suspected rebel lair discovered https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2021/06/26/su

spected-rebel-lair-discovered/

42

Cyberattacks sa alternative media, pag-atake din sa demokrasya: Journ prof

https://news.abs-cbn.com/video/news/06/25/21/cyberattacks-sa-alternative-media-pag-atake-din-sa-demokrasya-journ-prof

42 Over 600 former rebels serving now as forest rangers —DENR

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/792930/over-600-former-rebels-serving-now-as-forest-rangers-denr/story/

INDO PACIFIC NEWS

Late president Benigno Aquino hailed by Filipinos and world leaders

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/pnoy-benigno-aquino-philippines-obituary-singapore-us-15090574

43 South Korea expresses condolences to family of former President Aquino

https://mb.com.ph/2021/06/25/south-korea-expresses-condolences-to-family-of-former-president-aquino/

44 ‘A great loss to PH’: Singapore PM hails Aquino for his public service

https://mb.com.ph/2021/06/26/a-great-loss-to-ph-singapore-pm-hails-aquino-for-his-public-service/

45 Biden cites PNoy's 'legacy'; push for rules-based int'l order

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1144929

46 Cooling centers open in U.S. Pacific Northwest ahead of 'life-threatening heat'

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/cooling-centers-open-us-pacific-northwest-ahead-life-threatening-heat-2021-06-25/

47 One city 'ready to explode' as US murder rates surge in pandemic

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/one-city-ready-explode-us-murder-rates-surge-pandemic-2021-06-25/

48

Biden crackdown on Beijing dims hopes for Chinese companies in US

https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/US-China-tensions/Biden-crackdown-on-Beijing-dims-hopes-for-Chinese-companies-in-US

49 Top US diplomat has no plan to meet with China’s foreign minister next week

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3138844/top-us-diplomat-does-not-plan-

meet-chinas-foreign-minister-g20

50 France and U.S. Agree on the Perils of a Rising China, Blinken Says

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/25/world/europe/blinken-france-china-macron.html

5 Beijing will not engage in intense ideological war with the US: expert

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3138795/china-us-tension-beijing-will-not-engage-intense-ideological

1 Huge China tech merger marks latest push for scale in US rivalry

https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Business-deals/Huge-China-tech-merger-marks-latest-push-for-scale-in-US-rivalry

52 China touts role in UN peacekeeping, Middle East peace

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/china-un-peacekeeping-middle-east-xinjiang-hong-kong-15090256

53 China calls for joint efforts to safeguard multilateralism 50 years after returning to the UN

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202106/1227095.shtml

54

China vows to defend intl order amid 50th anniv of UN seat resumption

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2021-06-25/Wang-Yi-speaks-at-forum-marking-China-s-resumption-of-UN-membership-11ni7nMtnfa/index.html

55 China Poised to Help Southeast Asia Recover from Pandemic, Experts Say

https://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/crews-06252021134140.html

56 Removal Crews at Home of Late Chinese Premier Ahead of CCP Centenary

https://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/crews-06252021134140.html

57 Removal Crews at Home of Late Chinese Premier Ahead of CCP Centenary

https://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/crews-06252021134140.html

58 Removal Crews at Home of Late Chinese Premier Ahead of CCP Centenary

https://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/crews-06252021134140.html

59 China's Political Party System: Cooperation and Consultation

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202106/1227081.shtml

60 Hong Kong Appoints Former Cops to Top Government Roles 'to Protect National Security'

https://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/roles-06252021105943.html

61

The Death of Free Speech in Hong Kong

https://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/death-of-hong-kong-free-speech-apple-daily-closed-by-ian-buruma-2021-06

62 Hong Kong online media may be next target of suppression

https://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0007524403

63 Missing Tibetan Monk Was Sentenced, Sent to Prison, Family Says

https://www.rfa.org/english/news/tibet/monk-06242021165237.html

64 UN human rights chief signals she may move on Xinjiang without China nod

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/un-michelle-bachelet-human-rights-xinjiang-china-uyghurs-15090528

65 China’s Transnational Repression Leaves Uyghurs No Space to Run

https://thediplomat.com/2021/06/chinas-transnational-repression-leaves-uyghurs-no-space-to-run/

66

Chinese envoy voices grave concern over Japan's unilateral decision to discharge nuclear-contaminated water into ocean

http://en.people.cn/n3/2021/0625/c90000-9865186.html

67 Taiwanese Groups Join Growing Calls to Boycott Beijing's 2022 Winter Olympics

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/sport/japan-pm-insists-emperor-not--worried--about-olympics-15089324

68 Japan PM insists emperor not 'worried' about Olympics

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/sport/japan-pm-insists-emperor-not--worried--about-olympics-15089324

69 S. Korea expresses 'deep regret' over IOC's response to Dokdo issue

https://www.rfa.org/english/news/korea/625-06252021155957.html

70 North Koreans Reject Korean War Propaganda Claiming South Struck First

https://www.rfa.org/english/news/korea/625-06252021155957.html

71

Bhutan king treks across mountains to hold down COVID-19 fatality count

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/bhutan-king-treks-mountains-covid-19-measures-15090548

72

Malaysian parliament speaker, senate president propose hybrid sitting in late August or early September

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/malaysia-parliament-senate-hybrid-sitting-covid-19-speaker-15090760

73

Cambodian gov't spokesman says Sino-Cambodian ties to be closer, stronger

http://en.people.cn/n3/2021/0625/c90000-9865188.html

74

Cambodian Rights Groups Say They’ll Watch For Results From New UN Envoy on Human Rights

https://www.rfa.org/english/news/cambodia/envoy-06242021193628.html

75 Vietnam demands relevant parties not complicate South China Sea situation

https://www.nationthailand.com/international/40002447

76

Sri Lanka's marine disaster worsens as environmental toll rises

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/sri-lanka-mv-x-press-pearl-chemicals-leak-environment-damage-15091670

77

Afghan leader to meet Biden as US exit looms

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/afghan-leader-to-meet-biden-as-us-exit-looms-15093986

78

How to Keep India All-In on the Quad https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/06/25/india-quadrilateral-security-dialogue-us-australia-japan-china-russia/

79

The influence of domestic politics on Australia’s China policy

https://www.9dashline.com/article/the-influence-of-domestic-politics-on-australias-china-policy

80

How China Sees It https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/17501/how-china-sees-it

81

Accommodating China Is Unavoidable https://www.chinausfocus.com/foreign-policy/accommodating-china-is-unavoidable

82

Moscow Is Using Memory Diplomacy to Export Its Narrative to the World

https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/06/25/russia-puting-ww2-soviet-ussr-memory-diplomacy-history-narrative/

83 Decoding the Yang-Blinken Phone Call https://www.chinausfocus.com/foreign-

policy/decoding-the-yang-blinken-phone-call

84

How Great Powers Should Compete https://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/china-us-g7-zero-sum-competition-not-constructive-by-michael-spence-2021-06

85 U.S., Russia and China Race to Address Growing Threats in Heart of Asia

https://www.newsweek.com/us-russia-race-address-growing-threat-heart-asia-1604312

DEFENSE NEWS

86

Philippines gets approval for F-16, missile buy worth over $2 billion

https://www.defensenews.com/global/the-americas/2021/06/25/philippines-gets-approved-for-f-16-missile-buy-worth-over-2-billion/

87 Philippines' human rights record an issue in pending $2.6B military sale

https://www.upi.com/Defense-News/2021/06/25/philippines-arms-humanrights-wild/2991624639198/

88 Philippines' human rights record an issue in pending $2.6B military sale

https://www.upi.com/Defense-News/2021/06/25/philippines-arms-humanrights-wild/2991624639198/

89

Nuclear Posture Review, National Defense Strategy Will Be Thoroughly Integrated

http://www.defense.gov/Explore/News/Article/Article/2671471/nuclear-posture-review-national-defense-strategy-will-be-thoroughly-integrated/

90 U.S. Must Remain Committed to Hypersonics

https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2021/6/25/us-must-remain-committed-to-hypersonics

91 Judge keeps India terror attack suspect in US custody

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/india-2008-mumbai-attack-suspect-custody-tahawwur-rana-15087974

92 Why US police have been quitting in droves

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/why-us-police-have-been-quitting-in-droves-in-the-last-year/ANNW3RUTN6CGHSHD4JDHNBNUUA/

93 Government report can't explain UFOs, but offers no evidence of aliens

https://www.politico.com/news/2021/06/25/government-report-ufos-are-real-496319

94 The truth is out there: Govt. releases UFO report; unexplained phenomena could pose security threat

https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2021/jun/25/dod-ufo-report-unexplained-could-security-threat/

95 Critical race theory rhetoric seeps into defense policy debate

https://www.politico.com/news/2021/06/25/critical-race-theory-military-496322

96 Afghans who worked as interpreters for US troops hold rally

https://www.stripes.com/theaters/middle_east/2021-06-25/afghanistan-interpreters-us-nato-military-troops-kabul-1835027.html

97 DOD Wants Partners to Up Their Cybersecurity Game, Official Says

http://www.defense.gov/Explore/News/Article/Article/2672689/dod-wants-partners-to-up-their-cybersecurity-game-official-says/

98 NSA Releases D3FEND To Improve Cyber Defenses, Info Sharing

https://breakingdefense.com/2021/06/nsa-releases-d3fend-improve-to-cyber-defenses-

info-sharing/

99 Joint ‘Strategic Directives’ Set Requirements For All Domain Ops

https://breakingdefense.com/2021/06/joint-strategic-directives-set-requirements-for-all-domain-ops/

100

Leaders Discuss Future Warfighting on an Unpredictable Battlespace

https://www.defensedaily.com/jaics-joint-information-warfare-team-helps-field-malware-detection-looks-to-ai-for-space-applications/advanced-transformational-technology/

101

JAIC's Joint Information Warfare Team Helps Field Malware Detection, Looks to AI for Space Applications

https://www.defensedaily.com/jaics-joint-information-warfare-team-helps-field-malware-detection-looks-to-ai-for-space-applications/advanced-transformational-technology/

102 CISA Publishes Cyber ‘Bad Practices’ https://breakingdefense.com/2021/06/cisa-

publishes-cyber-bad-practices/

103

Guam's New Aegis Ashore Missile Defense System Could Go Underground And Mobile

https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/41258/aegis-ashore-on-guam-could-feature-underground-missile-launchers-and-mobile-command-centers

104 ‘Awful message’: Biden’s slimmed-down Navy budget scorned as China threat looms

https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2021/jun/22/bidens-slimmed-down-navy-budget-scorned-china-thre/

105 The U.S. Navy’s Greatest Fear https://www.19fortyfive.com/2021/06/the-u-s-

navys-greatest-fear-no-not-a-war-with-russia-or-china/

106 American Strategic Sealift In Peer-To-Peer Conflicts: A Historical Retrospective, Pt. 1

https://cimsec.org/american-strategic-sealift-in-peer-to-peer-conflicts-a-historical-retrospective-pt-1/

107 CNO: US Navy to roll out new aviation depot maintenance plan

https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2021/06/25/cno-navy-to-roll-out-new-aviation-depot-maintenance-plan/

108

US Navy sees better LCS maintenance from sailors in ongoing Tulsa, Charleston deployments

https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2021/06/25/us-navy-seeing-better-lcs-maintenance-from-sailors-in-ongoing-tulsa-charleston-deployments/

109 USS Ronald Reagan arrives in Middle East to assist US drawdown from Afghanistan

https://www.stripes.com/theaters/middle_east/2021-06-25/aircraft-carrier-ronald-reagan-drawdown-afghanistan-1834995.html

110

With Reagan's Arrival, 2 US Carriers Are Now Supporting Afghanistan Troop Withdrawal

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2021/06/25/reagans-arrival-2-us-carriers-are-now-supporting-afghanistan-troop-withdrawal.html

111 Report to Congress on Columbia-class Ballistic Missile Submarine Program

https://news.usni.org/2021/06/25/report-to-congress-on-columbia-class-ballistic-missile-submarine-program-2

112

Navy Columbia (SSBN-826) Class Ballistic Missile Submarine Program: Background and Issues for Congress

https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/20972617/navy-columbia-ssbn-826-class-ballistic-missile-submarine-program-background-and-issues-for-congress-june-24-2021.pdf

113 Women in Submarines: 10 years later http://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/News-

Stories/Article/2671640/women-in-submarines-10-years-later/

114

US Marine Corps Intensifies Infantry Training

https://www.stripes.com/branches/marine_corps/2021-06-24/Infantry-training-more-intense-as-Marines-Corps-makes-major-changes-commandant-tells-senators-1793441.html

115 U.S. Marines in Australia ready to rapidly assist regions hit by natural disaster

https://ipdefenseforum.com/2021/06/u-s-marines-in-australia-ready-to-rapidly-assist-regions-hit-by-natural-disaster/

116

US Marine Osprey Flies With New Radar-Scrambling System For The First Time

https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/41282/marine-osprey-flies-with-new-radar-scrambling-intrepid-tiger-system-for-the-first-time

117 The Air Force says it needs to cut flight hours for pilots because aircraft sustainment costs keep rising

https://www.businessinsider.com/air-force-cutting-flight-hours-because-of-aircraft-sustainment-costs-2021-6

118 U.S., Australia, Japan complete Exercise Southern Jackaroo

https://www.upi.com/Defense-News/2021/06/25/jackaroo-marines-australia-japan/7441624646479/

119 China's Rapid Military Evolution 'Shocking,' Says Senior NATO Officer

https://www.newsweek.com/china-rapid-military-evolution-shocking-nato-1604080

120 ‘This means war’: China warns US over military ties with Taipei

https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/this-means-war-china-warns-us-over-military-ties-with-taipei-101624636053348.html

121 China, like-minded countries voice concern over military interventions against sovereign states

http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2021-06/25/c_1310027120.htm

122 China military watch https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/china-

military-watch-9/

123 The Signal and the Noise: Understanding China’s Military Threats

https://thediplomat.com/2021/06/the-signal-and-the-noise-understanding-chinas-military-threats/

124 The New Mystery Submarine Seen In China: What We Know

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/06/new-mystery-submarine-seen-in-china-what-we-know/

125 China copied world’s most modern submarine of Sweden

https://defenceview.in/china-copied-worlds-most-modern-submarine-of-sweden/

126 China Building Formidable Amphibious Fleet

https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2021/6/25/china-building-formidable-amphibious-fleet

127 The Middle East: An Emerging Market for Chinese Arms Exports

https://thediplomat.com/2021/06/the-middle-east-an-emerging-market-for-chinese-arms-exports/

128

More ammunition used for real-time training this year than previous years: Chinese military

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/more-ammunition-used-for-real-time-training-this-year-than-previous-years-chinese-military/articleshow/83839164.cms

129 Round–the-clock live-fire test launched in depopulated area

http://en.people.cn/n3/2021/0625/c90000-9865163.html

130 Images emerge of PLA's newest https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-

infantry weapons detail/images-emerge-of-plas-newest-infantry-weapons

131 Chinese military steps up training along disputed Indian border

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3138824/chinese-military-steps-training-along-disputed-indian-border

132 Chinese, Russian militaries enhance cooperation in all fields: spokesperson

http://en.people.cn/n3/2021/0625/c90000-9865071.html

134 China deploys stealth fighter jets to units monitoring Taiwan Strait

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3138783/china-deploys-j-20-stealth-fighter-jets-units-monitoring-taiwan

135 Taiwan Coast Guard takes early delivery of patrol vessel to protect east coast

https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4232439

136 Taiwan security directly connected to Japan: Japan defence minister

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/taiwan-security-directly-connected-to-japan-japan-defence-15088076

137

Pictures of the new Japanese aircraft carrier JS Izumo after modifications

https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2021/june/10373-pictures-of-the-new-japanese-aircraft-carrier-js-izumo-after-modifications.html

138 Japan completes development of UH-2 multirole helicopter for JGSDF

https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/japan-completes-development-of-uh-2-multirole-helicopter-for-jgsdf

139 Japan and Australia air forces agree to mutually refuel aircraft

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/06/26/national/japan-australia-air-forces-agree-mutually-refuel-aircraft/

140 How can the Republic of Korea promote a trilateral ROK-ASEAN-U.S. alignment?

http://www.maritimeissues.com/politics/how-can-the-republic-of-korea-promote-a-trilateral-rokaseanus-alignment.html

141 Korean most advanced submarines have been attacked by hackers

https://defenceview.in/korean-most-advanced-submarines-have-been-attacked-by-hackers/

142 North Korean hackers suspected of attacks using fake S. Korean gov't addresses

https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2021/06/103_311144.html

143 Top diplomats of S. Korea, Indonesia agree on close cooperation for joint fighter project

http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20210625000765

144 Top diplomats of S. Korea, Indonesia agree on close cooperation for joint fighter project

http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20210625000765

145 Papua rebels take hostages after killing civilians: Indonesian officials

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/papua-rebels-take-hostages-after-killing-civilians--indonesian-officials-15091008

146 Indonesia, US set up $3.5m maritime training center

https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2021/06/25/indonesia-us-set-up-3-5m-maritime-training-center.html

147 Tech companies to help religious organisations in Singapore fight online radicalization

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/tech-companies-to-help-religious-organisations-in-singapore-fight-online-radicalisation

148 Royal Thai Navy launches two Tor 997- https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/na

class patrol boats val-news/naval-news-archive/2021/june/10372-royal-thai-navy-launches-two-tor-997-class-patrol-boats.html

149 As China-India Border Construction Heats up, So Do Confrontations

https://thediplomat.com/2021/06/as-china-india-border-construction-heats-up-so-do-confrontations/

150

Code of conduct for South China Sea shouldn't prejudice legitimate interests of third parties: India

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/code-of-conduct-for-south-china-sea-shouldnt-prejudice-legitimate-interests-of-third-parties-india/articleshow/83838756.cms

151 Indian Navy To Participate In An Exercise With US Navy Carrier Strike Group

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/06/indian-navy-to-participate-in-an-exercice-with-us-navy-carrier-strike-group/

152 Indian Indigenous Aircraft Carrier ‘Vikrant’ to be Commissioned in 2022

https://www.defenseworld.net/news/29891/Indian_Indigenous_Aircraft_Carrier____Vikrant____to_be_Commissioned_in_2022

153 India Navy aiming to be top 3 naval powers in next 10 year

https://defenceview.in/india-navy-aiming-to-be-top-3-naval-powers-in-next-10-year/

154 India Drops a Bombshell https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/06/24/1048010/

155 India Lost a War to China In Less Than a Month

https://nationalinterest.org/blog/reboot/india-lost-war-china-less-month-188492

156

India and China agree to maintain dialogue to resolve LAC standoff in eastern Ladakh

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/india-and-china-agree-to-maintain-dialogue-to-resolve-lac-standoff-in-eastern-ladakh/articleshow/83845060.cms

157

Chinese actions last year responsible for eastern Ladakh standoff: India

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/chinese-actions-last-year-responsible-for-eastern-ladakh-standoff-india/articleshow/83811865.cms

158

India-Russia NSAs discuss cooperation in Afghanistan, Indo-Pacific

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/india-russia-nsas-discuss-cooperation-in-afghanistan-indo-pacific/articleshow/83820471.cms

159 Rebranding the Australia–US alliance for the next generation

https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/rebranding-the-australia-us-alliance-for-the-next-generation/

160 Deterrence and Long-Range Strike: The Australian Case

https://defense.info/featured-story/2021/06/deterrence-and-long-range-strike-the-australian-case/

161

Maintenance and safety issues leading to extended grounding of Australia's MRH-90 helo fleet

https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/maintenance-and-safety-issues-leading-to-extended-grounding-of-australias-mrh-90-helo-fleet

162 Russia steps up efforts to sow confusion and fear of conflict ahead of naval exercise, analysts say

https://www.stripes.com/branches/navy/2021-06-25/russia-us-navy-ukraine-sea-breeze-sixth-fleet-1802136.html

163 Russia Says U.S. Acted in Cahoots With U.K. Over Black Sea Warship

https://www.newsweek.com/russia-black-sea-hms-defender-maria-zakharova-crimea-1604178

164 What Really Happened in the Black Sea? A Victory for Russian

https://www.defenseone.com/ideas/2021/06/what-really-happened-black-sea-victory-russian-

Disinformation disinformation/174939/

165

Russian Video Proves Patrol Boat Was Far From British Destroyer When It Fired Warning Shots

https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/41269/russian-video-proves-patrol-boat-was-far-from-british-destroyer-when-it-fired-warning-shots

166 Russia Bungles Pre-Planned Intercept of UK Navy Vessel off Coast of Crimea

https://jamestown.org/program/russia-bungles-pre-planned-intercept-of-uk-navy-vessel-off-coast-of-crimea/

167 Russia Unveils its Latest Shipborne Air Defense System

https://www.defenseworld.net/news/29890/Russia_Unveils_its_Latest_Shipborne_Air_Defense_System

168 Russia Unveils its Latest Shipborne Air Defense System

https://www.defenseworld.net/news/29890/Russia_Unveils_its_Latest_Shipborne_Air_Defense_System

169 Russian Aircraft Carrier To Rejoin The Fleet In Late 2023

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/06/russian-aircraft-carrier-to-rejoin-the-fleet-in-late-2023/

170 France’s Indo-Pacific strategy and avenues for deepening the Franco-Australian strategic partnership

https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/frances-indo-pacific-strategy-and-avenues-for-deepening-the-franco-australian-strategic-partnership/

171 Waving a Small Stick at China https://wavellroom.com/2021/06/25/waving-a-

small-stick-at-china/

172 WATCH: A Historical View of Regime Security and State Capacity in China

https://www.csis.org/events/historical-view-regime-security-and-state-capacity-china

173 Hypersonic Missiles: A New Arms Race https://thediplomat.com/2021/06/hypersonic-

missiles-a-new-arms-race/

174 Reimagining Human Intelligence – The Case for a Sunlight Strategy

https://www.justsecurity.org/77111/reimagining-human-intelligence-the-case-for-a-sunlight-strategy/

175 On Tweetership: The Pitfalls Awaiting Military Leaders On Social Media And How To Avoid Them

https://mwi.usma.edu/on-tweetership-the-pitfalls-awaiting-military-leaders-on-social-media-and-how-to-avoid-them/

176 The Méndez Principles: Beware Crossing the Line to Psychological Torture

https://www.justsecurity.org/77115/the-mendez-principles-beware-crossing-the-line-to-psychological-torture/

177

Digital Authoritarianism is a National Security Threat, Pentagon Cyber Leader Says

https://www.defenseone.com/threats/2021/06/pentagon-cyber-official-digital-authoritarianism-national-security-threat/174963/

178 The Challenge of Educating the Military on Cyber Strategy

https://warontherocks.com/2021/06/the-challenge-of-educating-the-military-on-cyber-strategy/

179 How America Must Restructure Its Conventional Force Policy

https://www.thedefensepost.com/2021/06/25/us-conventional-force-policy/

180 For A Greener, More Lethal Force, Look To Strategic Sealift Recapitalization

https://cimsec.org/for-a-greener-more-lethal-force-look-to-strategic-sealift-recapitalization/

COVID NEWS

181 Vaccine experts: Covid vaccines can help protect public against emerging variants

https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/06/25/vaccine-experts-covid-vaccines-can-help-protect-public-against-emerging-variants/

182 First COVID-19 case could have emerged in China in Oct 2019: Study

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/covid-19-first-case-china-october-2019-study-15088174

183 New Research Shows Extent of China’s Cover-Up of COVID-19’s Origins (

https://www.fdd.org/analysis/2021/06/24/new-research-china-covid-19-origins/

184

US FDA to add warning about rare heart condition to mRNA vaccines

https://www.politico.com/newsletters/prescription-pulse/2021/06/25/fda-to-add-warning-about-rare-heart-condition-to-mrna-vaccines-796138

185 Korean health officials split over impact of delta variant

http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20210625000667

186 More hospitals prepared, oxygen supply sufficient: Indonesian health minister as COVID-19 cases surge

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/indonesia-prepares-more-hospitals-jakarta-oxygen-supply-covid-19-15090170

187 Third Coronavirus Wave in Myanmar Accelerates Infection Rate as Cities Reissue Stay-At-Home Orders

https://www.rfa.org/english/news/myanmar/covid-06242021195324.html

188 WHO warns ‘Delta’ more infectious https://manilastandard.net/news/top-

stories/358114/who-warns-delta-more-infectious.html

189 As Delta sweeps the West, doubts creep in over Asia’s zero-Covid approach

https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/health-environment/article/3138641/delta-variant-sweeps-west-asia-faces-choice-stick-zero

190 Mapping the Coronavirus Outbreak Across the World

https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2020-coronavirus-cases-world-map/?srnd=coronavirus

191 Covid map: Where are cases the highest?

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-51235105

192 Covid-19 Vaccine Tracker https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/covid-

vaccine-tracker-global-distribution/?srnd=premium-asia

J. OPINION/EDITORIAL/COMMENTARY

Title Link

193 Benigno Aquino’s lost liberal ‘yellow’ legacy in the Philippines

https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/opinion/article/3138681/benigno-aquinos-lost-liberal-yellow-legacy-philippines

194 He served our country well https://opinion.inquirer.net/141508/he-served-our-country-well

195 Duterte, Aquino, and the ICC https://manilastandard.net/opinion/columns/eagle-eyes-by-tony-la-vina/358072/duterte-aquino-and-the-icc.html

196 Duterte, Aquino, and the ICC https://manilastandard.net/opinion/columns/eagle-eyes-by-tony-la-vina/358072/duterte-aquino-and-the-icc.html

197 Governance opportunities under Dutertismo

https://opinion.inquirer.net/141506/governance-opportunities-under-dutertismo

198 ‘Arrogant, ignorant’ https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2021/06/26/arrogant-ignorant/

199 Is DoST involved in cyber hacking? https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/06/26/opinion/columns/is-dost-involved-in-cyber-hacking/1804640

200 Is DoST involved in cyber hacking? https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/06/26/opinion/columns/is-dost-involved-in-cyber-hacking/1804640

201 As the Communist Party turns 100, Xi has a problem: who will take over?

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3138653/communist-party-turns-100-xi-jinping-has-problem-who-will-take

202 China is contributing to the ‘Cold War mentality,’ too

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/06/25/china-fueling-cold-war-mentality/

203 Was the Biden-Putin Summit a Success?

https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/06/25/was-the-biden-putin-summit-a-success/

204 Fighting the Great Derangement of Our Times

https://www.nationalreview.com/2021/06/national-review-institute-fundraiser-fighting-the-great-derangement-of-our-times/

205 Japan’s murky management of Fukushima nuclear wastewater

https://www.eastasiaforum.org/2021/06/25/japans-murky-management-of-fukushima-nuclear-wastewater/

PHL secures $400-million loan from World Bank to boost financial sector

BYCAI ORDINARIO JUNE 25, 2021 2 MINUTE READ

World Bank The Philippines has secured a new loan from the World Bank to provide long-term credit and prevent closures of firms, ensuring jobs amid the pandemic.

The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors approved the US$400 million First Financial Sector Reform Development Policy Financing loan which aims to promote a more inclusive recovery of the economy.

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This financing is a development policy loan (DPL) which provides quick-disbursing assistance to countries undertaking reforms. DPLs typically support policy and institutional changes needed to create an environment conducive to sustained and equitable growth as defined by borrower-countries’ own development agenda. “Expanding financial inclusion through digital transformation will help individuals and firms increase access to essential financial services in economic recovery, ” said Ndiame Diop, World Bank Country Director for Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand.

“The use of financial technology to improve access to finance by small and medium enterprises will help address urgent liquidity problems, thus limiting closures and bankruptcies and preventing widespread layoffs,” he added in a statement.

The World Bank said among the policy reforms supported by this DPL to enhance the stability, integrity and resilience of the financial sector are measures addressing legal, regulatory, and supervisory issues to improve prudential supervision of banks by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

The DPL also aims to bring insurance legislation in the Philippines in line with global standards and ensure the long-term availability of credit to small and medium enterprises.

PHL secures $400-million loan from World Bank to boost financial sector | Cai Ordinario

(businessmirror.com.ph)

Gatchalian sounds alarm on new ‘phishing’ scam

BYBUTCH FERNANDEZ JUNE 25, 2021 2 SHARES 2 2 MINUTE READ

Senator Gatchalian Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian called on all concerned agencies to be more vigilanton the emergence of new mobile and online “phishing” scams and intensify the campaign against deceptive and sham transactions through text messages.

Gatchalian on Friday prodded the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and the National Privacy Commission (NPC) to promptly act on reports of “a new form of SMSishing or short message service [SMS].”

Gatchalian sounds alarm on new ‘phishing’ scam | Butch Fernandez (businessmirror.com.ph)

Solar-powered cold storage system from India could be a game-changer for Pinoy farmers

Published June 25, 2021, 8:06 PM by Betheena Unite

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A modular on-site and solar-powered cold storage system from India could be the solution to the lingering post-harvest woes of farmers in the Philippines.

(Photo by Naveed Ahmed / Unsplash)

Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William Dar on Friday, June 25, bared that the agency has teamed up with the Next Agri Corporation Philippines Inc., and Ecofrost Technologies India for the installation of India’s most innovative, digitally-enabled, modular solar-powered cold storage system at local food production spots.

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“We welcome this innovative and inclusive technology that can be adopted anywhere in the Philippine countryside, simply with the aid of renewable solar energy,” Dar said.

The secretary explained that the solar-powered unit, the first-ever in the Philippines, will be a huge help to the farmers as it will allow them to store and preserve their produce even if they’re at remote areas that have no access to electricity. There is also zero cost on power, since the units use solar emery.

“Like in other developing countries, the Philippine agriculture sector has been suffering from the high post-harvest losses. In the high-value crops alone, the losses can easily reach 20 to 40 percent,” Dar said.

In recent years, farmers in rural and remote islands have been unable to preserve their produce due to the lack of cold storage facilities. This has forced them to sell their produce to middlemen and “loan sharks” at incredulously low prices that are often 50 percent lower compared to their actual produce value.

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Having access to solar-powered cold storage would also address the woes of farmers suffering from the unreliable supply of electricity in off-grid rural and remote locations.

Dar further reckoned that on-site cold storage facilities would help build resilient Filipino farming communities as well as reduce food and income losses when natural disasters like typhoons, floods, and droughts occur.

Once the Indian technology becomes available in the country, Dar said that the challenge is to make the facilities affordable and sustainable–along with an after-sales service that should be a requisite for all agri-fishery equipment manufacturers, distributors, and service providers.

Solar-powered cold storage system from India could be a game-changer for Pinoy farmers – Manila

Bulletin (mb.com.ph)

Grid deal power abuse?

Economic power equates to political clout. That was how an energy sector stakeholder described the influence the electricity network concessionaire National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) wields.

Despite several alleged violations of its agreement with the government, NGCP remains practically untouchable as it evaded demands for an earnest audit from the government, particularly from electricity backbone owner National Transmission Corp. (TransCo).

The vital power network of the country passed into private hands in 2009. It is 60 percent-owned by the local consortium of Monte Oro Grid Resources Corporation and Calaca High Power Corporation. The other 40 percent is owned by the State Grid Corporation of China.

From then on, various allegations of neglect resulted in the country having a very thin supply of electricity that falls short whenever demand shoots up.

The following is a recounting of how NGCP had failed in maintaining reliable electricity supply in the country:

• 8 June 2001 — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed into law the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) introducing market competition in the energy sector and mandated the creation of the TransCo.

TransCo started operation as a unit of the state firm National Power Corp. (Napocor). It is wholly owned by the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM);

• 1 March 2003 — TransCo started operations by taking over the electric transmission functions of the Napocor. Pursuant to EPIRA, TransCo was mandated to be privatized through outright sale or a concession agreement;• 12 December 2007 — State holding firm Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management (PSALM) held successful bidding for TransCo concession which the NGCP won;• November 2008 — Congress approved a bicameral resolution granting a franchise to NGCP to manage and operate TransCo’s transmission assets nationwide;

• December 2008 — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed Republic Act 9511 into law granting a franchise to NGCP;

• 15 January 2009 — TransCo turned over power transmission function to NGCP for a concession period of 25 years and renewable for another 25 years.

On the same date, TransCo assumed its new role, which is to protect the government ’s interest by ensuring NGCP’s compliance with the terms and conditions of the concession agreement and the policies of the Department of Energy (DoE).

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It was also tasked to divest the remaining sub-transmission assets and administer the Feed-in-Tariff Allowance Fund for renewable energy generators;

• 20 April 2009 — The Department of Budget and Management approved the new structure of TransCo consequent to the privatization of its transmission business;

• 16 July 2009 — TransCo implemented its new table of organization;

• 23 August 2010 — DoE issued Department Order DO2010-08-0015 creating a Technical Working Group to audit NGCP system operations but NGCP questioned the purpose of the audit; • 22 April 2016 — DoE issued the 2009 Transmission Development Plan that would provide a guide for NGCP in improving the reliability of the electricity backbone;

• February 2018 — NGCP filed an arbitration suit against state-run TransCo and PSALM to resolve disputes over the concession agreement;

• 5 April 2018 — Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) issued Resolution 4 ordering the NGCP to procure a Third-Party auditor for the System Operations audit but it was never implemented.

Shortly after, the Philippine Electricity Market Corp. through its audit committee drafted a terms-of-reference for an independent auditor but NGCP replied that only ERC has regulatory powers over it;

• July 2018 — Local officials asked NGCP to explain millions of pesos of pass-on costs to customers as a result of the damage brought by typhoons. The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP or Provincial Board) of Ilocos Norte, for instance, passed a resolution asking the NGCP management to make full disclosure of its request to the ERC for provisional approval of the collection of the force majeure pass-through costs from its clients;

• 11 April 2019 — Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said his agency committed to implement institutional solutions in ensuring sufficient electricity to meet consumers’ needs, in view of thinning power supply that has at times dipped to critical levels. Cusi said “short-term answers are not enough”;

Grid deal power abuse? | Daily Tribune

'Habagat' to bring scattered rain showers over Metro

Manila, other parts of Luzon — PAGASA

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the southwest monsoon or “habagat” may continue to bring cloudy skies and scattered rain showers over some parts of northern, Central, and Southern Luzon, including Metro Manila in the next 24 hours.

In the weather bulletin on Friday afternoon, June 25, PAGASA said monsoon rains may affect Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon, Aurora, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bataan, Zambales, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Batanes, and Babuyan Islands.

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PAGASA warned against possible flash floods or landslides as rains may become moderate to at times heavy.

Meanwhile, the rest of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers due to habagat and localized thunderstorms.

PAGASA also advised the public to stay vigilant against flash floods or landslides that may occur during severe thunderstorms.

Meanwhile, the tropical cyclone with international name “Champi,” which remains outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) has intensified into a typhoon.

As of 3 p.m., Champi was estimated at 1,770 kilometers east of extreme northern Luzon with maximum sustained winds of 120 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 150 kph. It was moving north-northwestward at 20 kph.

PAGASA said the typhoon has a slim chance of entering the PAR and may not have a direct effect over the country in the next few days.

'Habagat' to bring scattered rain showers over Metro Manila, other parts of Luzon — PAGASA –

Manila Bulletin (mb.com.ph)

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Watchdog adds PH to ‘grey list’

Haiti, Malta, Philippines, and South Sudan were placed Friday on a “grey list” of

countries under increased monitoring to counter money laundering and terrorist

financing.

The Financial Action Task Force, an international organization that coordinates global

efforts to crack down on money laundering and terrorism financing, said nations on the

list are working with it to correct deficiencies in their financial systems.

The additions bring to 22 the number of countries currently under increased monitoring

by the intergovernmental watchdog, which was created in 1989.

Malta becomes the only EU nation on the list dominated by African and Central

American and Caribbean countries.

Malta’s Prime Minister Robert Abela earlier this week criticised the FATF’s decision, but

he pledged to improve oversight on financial crimes.

“While I consider this decision as one which is unjust, our country will continue to build

on the many reforms we have already done,” Abela said.

“Instead of complaining, we will see this challenge as an opportunity,” he told

journalists, pledging to respect the watchdog’s decision.

The move comes one month after the Council of Europe’s anti-money laundering body,

Moneyval, cited Malta’s improvement in combating money laundering, according the

country higher international compliance ratings in certain areas.

Inclusion on the list can have negative consequences, making it more difficult to attract

foreign investment.

For Malta, it could hit its gaming and banking sectors which are key to the economy.

Malta has long been dogged by charges of laxity on corruption, the focus of journalist

Daphne Caruana Galizia’s investigations before her 2017 murder.

Two senior politicians were forced to step down following the 2016 international

Panama Papers scandal that revealed widespread corruption and financial crime.

On Friday, the FATF removed Ghana from its grey list.

The FATF did not add or remove any countries from its “blacklist” of countries whose

efforts to combat money laundering and terrorist financing are seen as seriously lacking.

Only Iran and North Korea are on the FATF’s blacklist.

Nations are urged to take steps to apply measures to protect the international financial

system from risks from blacklist countries.

Watchdog adds PH to ‘grey list’ - Manila Standard

Aquino's legal challenge vs China his 'most important

Former President Benigno Aquino III during an interview with

journalist Maritess Vitug regarding the West Philippine Sea on Tuesday. Also in photo were

former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Atty. Abigail Valte, former Deputy

Presidential Spokesperson. Contributed Photo

MANILA — The late President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III took a "leap of faith" when he challenged before an international arbitral tribunal the powerhouse that is China over its expansive claims in the South China Sea, according to a maritime expert Friday, adding this was his administration's "most important legacy."

PNoy’s move vs. China on W. Philippine Sea won't be forgotten: Kalayaan town mayor

According to lawyer Jay Batongbacal, director of the UP Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea, Aquino's administration shook the status quo in the resource-rich South China Sea and "changed the legal landscape" with its arbitral case before a United Nations-backed tribunal in The Hague, Netherlands.

"I think that is one of the most important legacies of the Aquino administration... They actually took a leap of faith in a way in favor of international law and actually decided to spark a change in the legal landscape in South China Sea," Batongbacal told ANC.

Aquino's legal challenge vs China his 'most important legacy': maritime law expert | ABS-CBN News

Watchdog adds PH to ‘grey list’ Haiti, Malta, Philippines, and South Sudan were placed Friday on a “grey list” of

countries under increased monitoring to counter money laundering and terrorist

financing.

The Financial Action Task Force, an international organization that coordinates global

efforts to crack down on money laundering and terrorism financing, said nations on the

list are working with it to correct deficiencies in their financial systems.

The additions bring to 22 the number of countries currently under increased monitoring

by the intergovernmental watchdog, which was created in 1989.

Malta becomes the only EU nation on the list dominated by African and Central

American and Caribbean countries.

Malta’s Prime Minister Robert Abela earlier this week criticised the FATF’s decision, but

he pledged to improve oversight on financial crimes.

“While I consider this decision as one which is unjust, our country will continue to build

on the many reforms we have already done,” Abela said.

“Instead of complaining, we will see this challenge as an opportunity,” he told

journalists, pledging to respect the watchdog’s decision.

The move comes one month after the Council of Europe’s anti-money laundering body,

Moneyval, cited Malta’s improvement in combating money laundering, according the

country higher international compliance ratings in certain areas.

Inclusion on the list can have negative consequences, making it more difficult to attract

foreign investment.

For Malta, it could hit its gaming and banking sectors which are key to the economy.

Malta has long been dogged by charges of laxity on corruption, the focus of journalist

Daphne Caruana Galizia’s investigations before her 2017 murder.

Two senior politicians were forced to step down following the 2016 international

Panama Papers scandal that revealed widespread corruption and financial crime.

On Friday, the FATF removed Ghana from its grey list.

The FATF did not add or remove any countries from its “blacklist” of countries whose

efforts to combat money laundering and terrorist financing are seen as seriously lacking.

Only Iran and North Korea are on the FATF’s blacklist.

Nations are urged to take steps to apply measures to protect the international financial

system from risks from blacklist countries. Watchdog adds PH to ‘grey list’ - Manila Standard

Jardeleza: West Philippine Sea arbitration one of

Noynoy Aquino’s important legacies Published June 25, 2021 2:12pm

“We should remember the former president for his contributions to the country. And I believe

the West Philippine Sea is one of the most important,” retired Supreme Court Justice Francis

Jardeleza said in an interview with Super Radyo dzBB.

Asserting the country’s sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea through arbitration was one of the key legacies of the late former President Benigno Aquino III, retired Supreme Court Justice Francis Jardeleza said Friday. “We should remember the former president for his contributions to the country. And I believe the West Philippine Sea is one of the most important,” Jardeleza said in an interview with Super Radyo dzBB.

Jardeleza said he was supposed to meet with Aquino to get his thoughts about the arbitration case since he is currently writing a book on the West Philippine Sea, but he learned from people close to the former Philippine leader that Aquino already had health issues.

In 2013, Aquino took China to the Permanent Court of Arbitration over its massive claim over the South China Sea, a portion of which falls under the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. Jardeleza was part of the Philippines’ legal team in his capacity as Aquino’s solicitor general.

The Court ruled in favor of the Philippines shortly after Aquino left the presidency in 2016.

Beijing does not recognize the ruling, which invalidated its claims to nearly the entire South China Sea, despite calls from the Philippines for the Asian powerhouse to comply.

A day before Aquino’s death on Thursday, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said the arbitral award is final and that the Philippines “rejects attempts to undermine it; nay, even erase it from law, history and our collective memories.”

The Philippines’ ties with China have warmed under Aquino’s successor, Rodrigo Duterte, who reached out to Chinese officials after taking office in June 2016 to push for increased trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.

Jardeleza: West Philippine Sea arbitration one of Noynoy Aquino’s important legacies | GMA News

Online (gmanetwork.com)

Kalayaan, a town defended by PNoy in WPS, is in

mourning

The local government unit (LGU) of Kalayaan in Palawan mourned on Friday, June 25, the passing of former President Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino III, a staunch defender of the country’s territory in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

The flag of Kalayaan, Palawan is flown at half-staff to mourn the passing of former

President Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino III. (Photo courtesy of Kalayaan LGU Facebook page)

In a Facebook post, the Philippine flag at Kalayaan town is seen flown at half-staff in honor of the late Aquino, the 15th President of the Republic of the Philippines who fiercely defended the country’s claims in the WPS by taking China to international court in 2013.

“We join the entire nation in mourning the passing of former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III. We will never forget how he confronted China in the international tribunal over the West Philippine Sea issue,” Kalayaan Mayor Roberto Del Mundo was quoted as saying in the post.

Aquino passed away around 6:30 a.m. Thursday, June 24, due to renal disease that arose from his diabetes. He was 61.

Kalayaan town, which literally translates to “freedom,” includes Pag-asa (Thitu) Island and is part of the Kalayaan Group of Islands (Spratly Islands) in the WPS. It is located 280 nautical miles northwest of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

One of Aquino’s legacies was him leading the country’s historic victory over China in the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in Hague, The Netherlands in July 2016. The international court ruled in favor of the Philippines’ claims in the South China Sea, nullifying China’s nine-dash line claim in the process. The WPS is located in the South China Sea.

The long and hard-earned battle started when the Philippine Navy (PN) spotted eight Chinese fishing vessels that were anchored and allegedly conducting illegal fishing at

Scarborough Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc, which is about 220 kilometers from Zambales, on April 8, 2012.

It resulted to a standoff between the Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) BRP Gregorio del Pilar, which was sent to arrest the fishermen, and Chinese maritime surveillance ships, which blocked them.

In 2013, the national government filed a case against China at the PCA to protest Beijing’s intrusion in the Philippines’ waters–a gutsy move considering that the East Asian giant’s power and influence.

The PCA ruling came on July 12, 2016, just a few weeks after Aquino finished his term and stepped down as president. The arbitral ruling produced a powerful document for the Philippines, which it can use as a basis to assert the country’s rights in the WPS.

Beijing, however, has never recognized the ruling. President Duterte, Aquino’s successors, has since led a friendlier stance toward China.

“Salamat (Thank you), PNoy!” Del Mundo further wrote in Kalayaan’s tribute post.

Kalayaan, a town defended by PNoy in WPS, is in mourning – Manila Bulletin (mb.com.ph)

PNoy’s move vs. China on W. Philippine Sea won't be

forgotten: Kalayaan town mayor Ronron Calunsod, ABS-CBN News

Posted at Jun 25 2021 02:02 PM

MANILA - The decision of former Philippine President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III to challenge China's vast claims over almost the entire South China Sea will always be remembered, said the mayor of Kalayaan town in Palawan, where Beijing's incursions continue.

"We will never forget how he confronted China in the international tribunal over the West Philippine Sea issue. Salamat, PNoy!" Mayor Roberto Del Mundo said Friday in a post on the municipality's official Facebook account.

"We join the entire nation in mourning" Aquino's passing, he added.

Aquino, who was President from 2010 until 2016, died in his sleep on Thursday morning due to renal disease secondary to diabetes, according to his sisters. He was 61.

READ: 'Kayo ang boss ko': Noynoy Aquino gone at 61

The Aquino administration filed an arbitration case against China in January 2013 at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague after bilateral discussions to peacefully settle the disputes failed.

It came after Chinese intrusions in the Scarborough Shoal (Panatag Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc) in 2012.

The court ruled in July 2016, shortly after Aquino relinquished the presidency to Rodrigo Duterte, that China's nine-dash line claim on the South China Sea, as based on history, has no legal basis.

China did not participate in the arbitration and is not recognizing the decision. Duterte has, meanwhile, shelved the ruling in pursuit of friendlier ties with China. He has called the arbitral decision a mere piece of paper.

The landmark award identified certain features in the Kalayaan Island Group, including some occupied and controlled by China, to be within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, as provided under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

READ: S. China Sea ruling a victory for all: ex-President Aquino

In September 2012, Aquino also issued Administrative Order No. 29, naming the maritime areas on the western side of the Philippine archipelago as the West Philippine Sea.

The move to seek arbitration is Aquino's "lasting legacy to the Filipino people," retired Supreme Justice and former Solicitor General Francis Jardeleza said on Thursday.

"His legacy is the Arbitration decision is permanent."

"We will do him honor, by helping our present President, President Duterte, and future Presidents, chart a durable enforcement mechanism, by joining the present and future debate on enforcement," said Jardeleza.

PNoy’s move vs. China on W. Philippine Sea won't be forgotten: Kalayaan town mayor | ABS-CBN News

Corruption issues force PRRD to halt reclamation projects

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos June 25, 2021, 9:18 pm

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BEAUTY. The Manila Bay after a rainy afternoon on June 2, 2021, with workers continuing the beautification project, was caught on camera by Aerielle Maerie B. Del Rosario. The photograph titled "After the Rain" is Del Rosario’s entry to the Manila Bay Urban Rivers photography contest. (Photo courtesy of DENR-NCR)

MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte revealed Friday that he thumbed down the proposals of private companies to conduct massive land reclamation activities in Manila Bay because of corruption issues.

In a speech delivered at Camp Crame in Quezon City, Duterte said the processing of thousands of applications for reclamation projects in Manila Bay was stopped due to corruption.

“You know, itong sa Manila Bay na reclamation (the planned reclamation in Manila Bay), thousands have applied. But because of the corruption that I’ve heard early last year, there’s no more processing of papers. Hininto ko (I stopped it),” he said.

Duterte did not specify the companies embroiled in corrupt activities, but hinted they earned “lots of money” in the reclamation proposals.

He said he would not allow firms to bribe government officials in exchange for preferential treatment.

“It has caused the big companies lots of money just for delayed projects,” he said. “I told you, do not give money to the people in government. If I know that you have given even a single centavo, I will throw your application to the wastebasket. And I have done that and I am doing it everyday para talagang magtino ito (so this government will be free of corruption).”

In February 2020, Duterte said he may only consider government-related reclamation projects at Manila Bay. He added the private sector can wait for his successor to pitch their proposed reclamation activities.

Nearly 10,000 hectares of Manila Bay from Navotas City to Cavite were supposed to be included in 25 reclamation projects.

In December 2019, Philippine Reclamation Authority General Manager Joselito Gonzales said at least four reclamation projects have been approved — Navotas City Coastal Bay Reclamation Project, Pasay 360-Hectare Reclamation Project, Pasay 265-Hectare Reclamation Project, and the Horizon Manila 418-Hectare Reclamation Project.

The projects must still undergo value engineer approval before they begin. (PNA)

Corruption issues force PRRD to halt reclamation projects | Philippine News Agency (pna.gov.ph)

PNoy feted for role in military's transformation

FINAL RESPECTS. The Philippine flag at the AFP headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City is flown in half-mast on Friday (June 25, 2021) to mourn the passing of former president Benigno Simeon 'Noynoy' Aquino III. Military troops rendered traditional gun salute in various camps to honor their former commander-in-chief. (Photo courtesy of AFP Public Affairs Office)

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday recognized the role of the late former president Benigno Simeon 'Noynoy' Aquino III in its ongoing transformation journey.

"We honor and recognize the support and encouragement he had given us as we began our journey towards genuine transformation in our organization. This transformation paved the way for the professionalization of our troops and the inculcation of critical ethos such as accountability, transparency, and respect for human rights that we hold and value dearly today,” said AFP chief Gen. Cirilito Sobejana as the military rendered traditional gun salute in various military camps to honor their former commander-in-chief.

The eight-gun salute rites were simultaneously fired in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City; Fort Andres Bonifacio in Taguig City; Jesus Villamor Air Base in Pasay City; Fort Abad in Manila; Fort Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City; and all AFP Unified Command Headquarters in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

The military honors are performed throughout the day starting with the eight-gun fire during the reveille time at 5 a.m. followed by gunfire every half-hour beginning 6 a.m. until the retreat time at 5 p.m. After which, another eight-gun salute is fired.

At around 10 a.m. all troops in all military camps, stations, and bases assembled for the official reading of the notice of death of the former president.

Meanwhile, the national flag is flown at half-mast in all AFP camps.

“We give our Former President and Commander-in-Chief our snappiest salute and our pledge to continue to perform our mandate. The banner of his legacy will continue to fly on the hallowed grounds of our camps anywhere in the country,” Sobejana said.

Sobejana, speaking on behalf of the whole AFP, acknowledged and hoped to immortalize the late president’s legacy as the 15th President of the Philippines.

“With wisdom and prudence, President Aquino steadfastly steered our country towards economic stability and through the many disasters and challenges that we faced during his term as our leader,” he said.

During his term, Aquino advocated the strengthening of the country’s defense and security capabilities. Republic Act No. 10349 was enacted under his presidency to revitalize the slow-paced AFP modernization program.

With the advent of the Internal Peace and Security Plan- Bayanihan, the former president also encouraged the AFP to adopt an inclusive approach towards security, where every Filipino is a stakeholder in the goal to achieve just and lasting peace.

Meanwhile, the Department of the Interior and Local Government also joined the nation in grieving over the former president's demise.

"His passing came as a shock to the Filipino people especially in this time of pandemic where many have left us suddenly and without warning," Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said in a statement.

Año said the DILG expresses its deepest condolences to the Aquino family, loved ones, and friends at this time of bereavement.

He added that they are also requesting the public to offer prayers for the former president's eternal repose.

"We pay tribute to the former President for his legacy of service to the country and his numerous contributions to the nation. Indeed, his leadership has paved the way for the development of the DILG, LGUs, uniformed services, and the whole government bureaucracy. His legacy lives in our hearts and minds," Año said.

On Friday, the remains of the former president were taken to Ateneo's Church of the Gesu and will be available for public viewing from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Aquino's inurnment will be held on Saturday beside the tombs of their parents, former senator Benigno Aquino Jr. and former President Corazon Aquino at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City.

Aquino, 61, who served as president from 2010 to 2016, succumbed to renal disease secondary to diabetes at the Capitol Medical Center on Thursday morning. (PNA)

PNoy feted for role in military's transformation | Philippine News Agency (pna.gov.ph)

Full military honors for ex-president Aquino: AFP

Former President Benigno Simeon 'Noynoy' Aquino III (File photo)

MANILA – Full military honors highlighted by gun salutes will be accorded to the late former President and commander-in-chief, Benigno Simeon 'Noynoy' Aquino III until his inurnment on Saturday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Thursday night.

AFP spokesperson Marine Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said eight rounds of cannon will be fired in succession for reveille starting 5 a.m. Friday.

"So the next after 6 o'clock reveille, the first, after the eighth round of cannon fire there will be one round of cannon to be fired at 7 o'clock and then every one hour thereafter until the hour of 5 (p.m.) after where there will be another salvo and another round of eight salvos in succession that actually, the eight rounds actually represent the eight provinces that participated in the revolution at that time," he said in an interview with CNN Philippines.

At 10 a.m. Friday, he said all available personnel at AFP General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, and other military units, as well as the cadets of the Philippine Military Academy, Philippine Merchant Marine Academy, and the Philippine Air Force Flying School will assemble and the official notice of the death of former president will be read in their presence.

President Rodrigo Duterte has declared June 24 to July 3 as a Period of National Mourning over the passing of his predecessor.

On Saturday, there will be a 21-gun salute with the guns fired at one-minute intervals, starting when the former president's remains will be moved from the area where the necrological services were held or until the time that he reaches the place of inurnment.

A similar firing of cannons will be observed in other military camps immediately after the inurnment has been completed, he added.

"We are going to make the necessary arrangements to render these protocols and honors and ceremonies befitting a former president. And on the date of interment, available personnel will be lining up the road to provide necessary honors to the president as his funeral is moved from the place where the necrological services were made or were done up to the place where he will be interred," he said.

On Friday, the remains of the former president will be transferred to Ateneo's Church of the Gesu and will be available for public viewing from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Masses will be held at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.

TV host and actress Kris Aquino, sister of the former president, said the inurnment will be held on Saturday beside the tombs of their parents, former senator Benigno Aquino Jr. and former President Corazon Aquino at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City.

On Thursday, the former president was pronounced dead at 6:30 a.m. due to renal disease secondary to diabetes. (PNA)

Full military honors for ex-president Aquino: AFP | Philippine News Agency (pna.gov.ph)

AFP honors PNoy with eight-gun salute; find out what

it means

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) held an eight-gun salute as a tribute to the late former President Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino III at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Friday morning, June 25.

A soldier performs an eight-gun salute as a tribute of the

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to the late former President Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino III

at Camp Aguinaldo on June 25, 2021. (Photo courtesy of Armed Forces of the Philippines)

The military honors were performed throughout the day starting with the eight -gun fire during the reveille time at 5 a.m., followed by a gun fire every half-hour beginning 6 a.m. until the retreat time at 5 p.m., after which, another eight-gun salute is fired.

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A gun salute is a tradition in the AFP that is performed by the firing of cannons or artilleries. It is meant as a military honor and is performed during the inauguration of a president, death of a top military official, death of a former president, or part of courtesy calls of foreign leaders during their state visits.

The eight-gun salute represents the first eight provinces that participated in the Philippine revolution against Spanish invaders from 1896 to 1899, according to AFP spokesperson Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo. These provinces were Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Nueva Ecija.

The Philippine flag at Camp Aguinaldo was also flown at half-staff in mourning of Aquino’s passing. This was also observed in all military camps nationwide.

Aside from Camp Aguinaldo, the eight-gun salute were also simultaneously fired at Fort Andres Bonifacio in Taguig City; Jesus Villamor Air Base in Pasay City; Fort Abad in Manila; Fort Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City; and in all AFP Unified Command Headquarters in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

At 10 a.m., all military units based at Camp Aguinaldo assembled to hear Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, AFP Chief of Staff, read the official notice on Aquino’s death.

“Our country mourns the loss of former President Benigno Aquino III. As the 15th President of the country, President Aquino bore a cross, so few are willing and capable of, as it

entailed the biggest sacrifice Filipinos could ever dream to give for their country,” Sobejana said in his speech.

“Through him and in him, we saw our collective strength and resolve to do and achieve what is best for our country, a responsibility that is not without great cost to a person’s mind, body, and spirit,” he added.

AFP honors PNoy with eight-gun salute; find out what it means – Manila Bulletin (mb.com.ph)

Give up, avail of gov’t support, PRRD tells NPA

rebels

President Rodrigo R. Duterte (PCOO file photo)

MANILA – Surrender, give up your weapons, and the government will support you.

President Rodrigo Duterte made the offer anew to New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, assuring them of free housing, financial and food assistance, in a speech delivered during the launch and oath-taking ceremony of officers of the Global Coalition of Lingkod Bayan Advocacy support groups and force multipliers at the Philippine National Police Multipurpose Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Friday.

Duterte said insurgents who want to reintegrate into mainstream society will undergo skills training under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

“Ang deal ko sa (My deal to) surrenderers, if you surrender, I will automatically give you a place to stay. Then, I will send you to Tesda under Secretary (Isidro) Lapeña. You learn the basic of whatever educational study that you can master. For the time being, I will pay you and I will support you with a food sustenance,” he said.

Duterte said members of the Communist Party of the Philippines’ (CPP) armed wing, NPA, must also “drop [their] arms.”

He stressed that “surrender without arms is not good to [him].”

“Because nothing changes the equation up in the mountains,” Duterte said. “If the firearms are still there and they come down to surrender, minus the arms, then nothing has changed in the equation, in the totality.”

Be enlightened

Duterte said the CPP’s politburo or the policymakers are earning billions of pesos at the expense of poor NPA bandits.

He said NPA guerillas must be enlightened by the “sad story of the CPP”.

“The politburo’s families and members, children are all abroad, enjoying the fat of the land from the Communist Party of the Philippines. ‘Yung mga anak nila (Their children) are studying in Europe, London. Some of them [are] traveling,” he said.

Duterte also cited intelligence reports that “a group” of politburo’s children went to Turkey upon the invitation of the government.

“And yet, their [NPA] soldiers down on the ground are dying sometimes without eating a day or two days,” he said. “Iyan ang hindi alam ng pobreng kawal ng sundalo (That’s what their poor bandits do not know). And this must be brought to life para malaman nila ang totoo (for them to know the truth).”

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist group by the Philippines, United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

On May 29, 2018, the Department of National Defense issued the implementing rules and regulations directing Task Force “Balik Loob” to enforce the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), the government’s program for former rebels.

Under E-CLIP, former rebels will receive PHP15,000 worth of immediate assistance; PHP21,000 to defray the subsistence or meal cost; support to relocate and secure their family; PHP50,000 livelihood assistance; and other benefits like temporary shelter, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation enrolment, modified conditional cash transfer, and medical, legal, and livelihood assistance. (PNA)

Give up, avail of gov’t support, PRRD tells NPA rebels | Philippine News Agency (pna.gov.ph)

14 dead in PAF helicopter crashes since January

Michael Punongbayan (The Philippine Star

) - June 26, 2021 - 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Three air mishaps involving Philippine Air Force (PAF) helicopters have claimed the lives of 14 pilots and airmen since January.

The military said investigations into the accidents have yet to be completed.

Seven passengers of a UH-1H Huey of the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing died when it crashed in Bulonay, Bukidnon in January. The helicopter was on a resupply mission for the 8th Infantry Battalion when the accident occurred.

In April, a PAF pilot died while three others were injured after an MD520MG helicopter of the 15th Strike Wing crashed in Jetafe, Bohol.

On Wednesday, three pilots and three airmen died when an S-70i Black Hawk helicopter crashed in the vicinity of Crow Valley near Clark Air Base in Pampanga during a night proficiency training.

The PAF bought 16 Black Hawk helicopters from Polish company Polskie Zaklady Lotnicze worth $241.4 million.

The PAF said it is coordinating with the Polish company and Lockheed Martin Global Inc. for technical assistance in the investigation.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana ordered the grounding of the entire Black Hawk fleet following the accident.

Citing the topography of the site of the crash and unpredictable weather, the PAF said recovery and retrieval operations were ongoing as of yesterday.

”The families of the crew... have been informed. The PAF assures them that all the necessary support, aid and assistance will be provided,” it said.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2021/06/26/2108131/14-dead-paf-helicopter-crashes-january

Duterte calls on ‘qualified civilians’ to ‘arm

selves’ Qualified civilian groups should be armed to help the police in fighting criminals,

President Rodrigo Duterte said as he asked human rights advocates “what is wrong” if he orders the killing of suspects who resist arrest and fight back.

In his speech during the launch of the Global Coalition of Lingkod Bayan Advocacy

Support Groups and Force Multipliers in Camp Crame yesterday, the commander-in-

chief said the essence of making an arrest is to “overcome the resistance” of the

criminal.

“The duty of the arresting officer be he a military, police, or an [ordinary person] making

a civilian arrest, eh your duty is to overcome his resistance. So that if he chooses to

fight you with a gun-for-gun or maybe a blunt instrument, you have every right also

to defend yourself for self-preservation—in law it’s called self-defense. You have to

bring him under your control and drag him dead or alive to the station,” the President

said.

“If you have this coalition, you have a list of people who are there who can arm

themselves. I will order the police if you are qualified, get a gun, and help us enforce the

laws,” he added.

The coalition is composed of civilian organizations that will partner with the police in

fighting crime.

Duterte said killing a person who already surrendered is never an option even as he

stressed the legality of self-defense

“If he goes voluntarily with you – good. It is ideal. You are not supposed to kill a person

lying, kneeling, begging for his life,” he said.

“But if they resist arrest violently, then you have the right to do your thing [that is]

commensurate...What is wrong when I tell the policemen and the soldiers that if you see

them in the mountains, carrying arms, shoot them? Do not wait until you are seen so

that you have to confront them physically.” “That’s why I said, destroy my country, I will kill you. You destroy the youth of the land.

So what’s wrong with that? What divine law or divine right will prevent me from saying,

‘you son of a whore, I will kill you.’ I am protecting my country,” Duterte added.

Earlier, International Criminal Court prosecutor Fatou Bensouda requested for the

court’s judicial authorization to proceed with an investigation on the Philippine

government’s drug war, citing “reasonable basis to believe that crimes against humanity

have been committed.” Duterte vowed to never face an investigation by the ICC.

Duterte calls on ‘qualified civilians’ to ‘arm selves’ - Manila Standard

PSG mulls allowing only fully vaccinated guests in

Duterte's last SONA

The Presidential Security Group (PSG) is considering allowing only individuals who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) to be present in President Duterte’s State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Presidential Security Group (PSG) commander Brigadier General Jesus

Durante III (Malacañang file photo)

PSG commander Brigadier General Jesus Durante III made the statement as preparations for President Duterte’s sixth and final SONA next month.

In an interview with State-run PTV-4, Durante said they will eventually make a decision if they would allow only fully vaccinated guests at Batasang Pambansa.“We will come into that,” he said Friday, June 25.According to Durante, the time will com e when, eventually, all those approaching the President have to have completed their two doses of COVID-19 shots.

“Time will come, we will adjust to that na magre-require po tayo na lahat ng lalapit o dadalo sa mga events ni Pangulo ay fully vaccinated na (we will require that everyone approaching or attending the President’s events should be fully vaccinated),” he said.

“For now, we still adhere and still implement itong mga health and security protocols natin (our health and security protocols),” he added.Durante said the PSG has been preparing for Duterte’s final SONA on July 26. 2021 since last month and were already at the second phase of their preparations.“PSG started [planning] early on, as early as May, sa (the) security preparations for the President’s SONA. We already conducted series of meetings with our counterparts, as well as we already conducted ocular and site inspections,” he said.

Durante added that the PSG will soon be conducting simulation exercises involving the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

PSG mulls allowing only fully vaccinated guests in Duterte's last SONA – Manila Bulletin (mb.com.ph)

PSG ensures ‘smooth, safe’ conduct of Duterte’s last

SONA

President Rodrigo Duterte (Presidential photo)

MANILA – The Presidential Security Group (PSG) guaranteed on Friday the “smooth and safe” conduct of President Rodrigo Duterte’s last State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 26 at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.

“This will be the last SONA of the President, so we will ensure and assure the Filipino people that it will go smoothly and safely as with the past state of the nation addresses of the President,” PSG commander Brig. Gen. Jesus Durante III said in an interview with state-run PTV-4.

Durante said the PSG is now on its “second” phase of security preparation for Duterte’s last SONA.

He said ocular and site inspections within Batasang Pambansa Complex have already been conducted.

He said there will also be a simulation exercise to ensure Duterte’s safety.

“But of course, with all of these, the PSG emphasized the strict implementation of health and safety protocols in all of the activities,” he said.

Minimal number of attendees

Durante said there will also be a limited number of guests in Batasan, considering that there is still a prevailing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

He, however, did not mention the exact number of guests.

The presidential family, members of Congress and their spouses, former presidents, foreign diplomats, government officials, and other dignitaries are usually invited to grace the annual SONA.

Those who will not be invited can still listen to Duterte’s last SONA through a video conference, Durante said.

“Until now, we are still in the state of pandemic. So, we implemented some measures. Hindi

lahat makakadalo (Not everyone will be invited). Some will attend through [video conference], and there will be a minimal number of attendees doon po sa (at the) plenary,” Durante said.

SONA attendees, Durante said, will be subjected to strict health and safety protocols.

Last year, attendees to Duterte’s SONA were required to undergo a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) a day before the annual event to make sure that they are free from Covid-19 before being allowed entry to the Batasang Pambansa Complex.

The Philippine President delivers SONA every year to report the state of the country, unveils the government’s agenda for the coming year, and grabs the opportunity to urge Congress to pass priority measures.

Article 7, Section 23 of the 1987 Constitution mandates the President to “address the Congress at the opening of its regular session.” (PNA)

PSG ensures ‘smooth, safe’ conduct of Duterte’s last SONA | Philippine News Agency (pna.gov.ph)

Duterte fully vaccinated vs COVID — PSG chief

Presidential Security Group (PSG) commander Brigadier General Jesus Durante III revealed that President Duterte has been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) since last month.

President Duterte receives the coronavirus vaccine from

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on May 3, 2021 (File Photo from Sen. Go/Facebook)

Durante made the statement as the PSG prepares for Duterte’s sixth and final State of the Nation Address (SONA) next month.

In an interview with State-run PTV-4, Durante said President Duterte received his second shot of China’s Sinopharm vaccine two weeks after his first one on May 3.

“Si Pangulo po ay [fully] vaccinated na po siya (The President is fully vaccinated),” he said.

“Fourteen days after yung activity, nagkaroon po siya ng second dose (after he received the first shot, he had his second dose),” he added.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque, later on, confirmed that President Duterte has indeed completed his vaccination. However, he said it took place early this month.

“Gen. Durante has personal knowledge of [the] second shot. It was given after [the] EUA (emergency use authorization) was granted to Sinopharm,” he said.

Durante’s account implied that President Duterte completed his COVID-19 vaccination around May 17, two weeks after his first shot. This is weeks before the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Sinopharm the EUA on June 7.

Roque had said that President Duterte decided to wait for the EUA to be granted before receiving his second dose of Sinopharm’s COVID-19 vaccine.

Meanwhile, Durante said President Duterte being fully vaccinated was important because it would allow him to do his job well.

“Napakahalaga po nito, para lalo namin siyang maingatan, lalo na magagawa niya nang maayos at tuloy-tuloy ang kaniyang tungkulin, upang makapaglingkod sa ating mga kababayan (This is very important because it allows us to protect him more. He can now continuously perform his duties and serve the people),” he told PTV-4.

According to Durante, the PSG has been consistent in its strict enforcement of security, health, and safety protocols since the pandemic started in March last year.

Duterte fully vaccinated vs COVID — PSG chief – Manila Bulletin (mb.com.ph)

Give up, avail of gov’t support, PRRD tells NPA

rebels

President Rodrigo R. Duterte (PCOO file photo)

MANILA – Surrender, give up your weapons, and the government will support you.

President Rodrigo Duterte made the offer anew to New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, assuring them of free housing, financial and food assistance, in a speech delivered during the launch and oath-taking ceremony of officers of the Global Coalition of Lingkod Bayan Advocacy support groups and force multipliers at the Philippine National Police Multipurpose Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Friday.

Duterte said insurgents who want to reintegrate into mainstream society will undergo skills training under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

“Ang deal ko sa (My deal to) surrenderers, if you surrender, I will automatically give you a place to stay. Then, I will send you to Tesda under Secretary (Isidro) Lapeña. You learn the basic of whatever educational study that you can master. For the time being, I will pay you and I will support you with a food sustenance,” he said.

Duterte said members of the Communist Party of the Philippines’ (CPP) armed wing, NPA, must also “drop [their] arms.”

He stressed that “surrender without arms is not good to [him].”

“Because nothing changes the equation up in the mountains,” Duterte said. “If the firearms are still there and they come down to surrender, minus the arms, then nothing has changed in the equation, in the totality.”

Be enlightened

Duterte said the CPP’s politburo or the policymakers are earning billions of pesos at the expense of poor NPA bandits.

He said NPA guerillas must be enlightened by the “sad story of the CPP”.

“The politburo’s families and members, children are all abroad, enjoying the fat of the land from the Communist Party of the Philippines. ‘Yung mga anak nila (Their children) are studying in Europe, London. Some of them [are] traveling,” he said.

Duterte also cited intelligence reports that “a group” of politburo’s children went to Turkey upon the invitation of the government.

“And yet, their [NPA] soldiers down on the ground are dying sometimes without eating a day or two days,” he said. “Iyan ang hindi alam ng pobreng kawal ng sundalo (That’s what their poor bandits do not know). And this must be brought to life para malaman nila ang totoo (for them to know the truth).”

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist group by the Philippines, United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

On May 29, 2018, the Department of National Defense issued the implementing rules and regulations directing Task Force “Balik Loob” to enforce the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), the government’s program for former rebels.

Under E-CLIP, former rebels will receive PHP15,000 worth of immediate assistance; PHP21,000 to defray the subsistence or meal cost; support to relocate and secure their family; PHP50,000 livelihood assistance; and other benefits like temporary shelter, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation enrolment, modified conditional cash transfer, and medical, legal, and livelihood assistance. (PNA)

Give up, avail of gov’t support, PRRD tells NPA rebels | Philippine News Agency (pna.gov.ph)

. 14 dead in PAF helicopter crashes since January

MANILA, Philippines — Three air mishaps involving Philippine Air Force (PAF) helicopters have claimed the lives of 14 pilots and airmen since January.

The military said investigations into the accidents have yet to be completed.

Seven passengers of a UH-1H Huey of the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing died when it crashed in Bulonay, Bukidnon in January. The helicopter was on a resupply mission for the 8th Infantry Battalion when the accident occurred.

In April, a PAF pilot died while three others were injured after an MD520MG helicopter of the 15th Strike Wing crashed in Jetafe, Bohol.

On Wednesday, three pilots and three airmen died when an S-70i Black Hawk helicopter crashed in the vicinity of Crow Valley near Clark Air Base in Pampanga during a night proficiency training.

The PAF bought 16 Black Hawk helicopters from Polish company Polskie Zaklady Lotnicze worth $241.4 million.

The PAF said it is coordinating with the Polish company and Lockheed Martin Global Inc. for technical assistance in the investigation.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana ordered the grounding of the entire Black Hawk fleet following the accident.

Citing the topography of the site of the crash and unpredictable weather, the PAF said recovery and retrieval operations were ongoing as of yesterday.

”The families of the crew... have been informed. The PAF assures them that all the necessary support, aid and assistance will be provided,” it said.

14 dead in PAF helicopter crashes since January | Philstar.com

FVR among 174 living Pinoy veterans of Korean

War

Former President Fidel Ramos (File photo)

MANILA – Of the 7,420-strong Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK), who fought during the Korean War, 174 are still alive as of June 24, 2021, all in their ‘90s, including former President Fidel V. Ramos, and Maj. Maximo Young, one of only two Filipinos awarded the prestigious “Taegeuk Medal” (Medal of Valor), South Korea’s highest military award for bravery in combat.

June 25 marks the 71st anniversary of the Korean War when thousands of Chinese and North Korean forces invaded South Korea.

Defense Undersecretary Ernesto G. Carolina, administrator of the Philippine Veteran Affairs Office (PVAO) in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, furnished the Philippine News Agency (PNA) a list of the 11 oldest living Filipino Korean War veterans.

The oldest is retired Army Maj. Young, 98 years old, and still in good health as he does light exercise daily with ease such as walking around the house. He will turn 99 this coming October.

The 10 other living and oldest PEFTOK veterans are Maj. Sgt. Eleuterio S. Oplento, 97, Sgt. Amadeo P. Timbancay, 97, Sgt. Federico S. Sinagose, 96, Sgt. Luis A. Amor, 96, Sgt. Doroteo R. Viado, 95, Sgt. Miguel M. Villamor, 95, Sgt. Jaime M. Opena, 94, Sgt. Adriano B. Quevedo, 94, Sgt. Diego R. Ignacio, 94, and Gen. Fidel V. Ramos, 93.

Ramos, after he retired from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as chief of staff, he was named defense secretary when he decided to run and won the presidency in 1992 as the 12th President of the Philippines.

The Philippines was second among 21 Allied Forces to receive two “Taegeuk Medals” (Medal for Valor), for bravery in combat during the Korean War.

Only 15 allied troopers were awarded the coveted “Taegeuk Medal” during the three-year war that broke out on June 25, 1950 and ended on July 27, 1953.

The United States topped the list with eight “Taegeuk Medals". The Philippines was second with two, and one each for Belgium, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

The two Filipino soldiers who were recipients of the coveted “Taegeuk Medal” were retired Maj. Maximo Young and the late Capt. Conrado D. Yap, both members of the famed 10th Battalion Combat Team (BCT) of the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea. (PNA)

FVR among 174 living Pinoy veterans of Korean War | Philippine News Agency (pna.gov.ph)

Pastor linked to NPA nabbed in Bohol

Published June 25, 2021, 1:48 PM by Calvin Cordova

CEBU CITY – A 52-year-old pastor suspected to be a supporter of the New People’s Army (NPA)

was arrested in Mabini, Bohol Friday, June 25.

Nathaniel Vallenta, known as “Pastor Dodo” in the United Church of Christ (UCCP) based in Mabini, was caught keeping several firearms when law enforcers raided his home in Barangay San Jose, Mabini at dawn.

Authorities swooped down on the man’s house on the strength of a search warrant issued by Executive Judge Leo Moises Lison of the Regional Trial Court Branch 3 in Tagbilaran City.

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Seized from the man’s house were four .45 caliber pistols, one hand grenade, various ammunition and subversive documents, the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Central Visayas (PNP-CIDG Region 7) said.

In its report, the CIDG Region 7 said Vallenta belonged to the Tabada Crime Group engaged in gun-running activities in Bohol.

Vallenta was detained at the CIDG-Bohol pending the filing charges against him, police said.

Pastor linked to NPA nabbed in Bohol – Manila Bulletin (mb.com.ph)

NATION

Rebel tunnel, explosives found in Mt. Province

Authorities discovered a tunnel believed to have been used by communist rebels as a base, as well as some explosives, during an operation in Tadian, Mountain Province, police reported.

Members of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion, along with other police units, found the tunnel in Barangay Balaoa around 4:00 p.m. Thursday, according to a report from the Cordillera regional police.

The man-made tunnel, believed to have been left about three months ago, was about 20 feet long, 3 feet wide, and had a vertical clearance of 4 feet.

Police recovered two improvised anti-personnel or anti-tank landmines, another IED in a plastic bag, and two improvised “blasting machines” at the hole.

Operatives immediately disrupted one of the explosives which, according to another police report, was placed near the water source of some residents of Balaoa and could have had a blast radius of 300 meters.

Rebel tunnel, explosives found in Mt. Province | Nation | Daily Tribune

Cyberattacks sa alternative media, pag-atake din sa

demokrasya: Journ prof

MAYNILA - Dapat na ikabahala hindi lamang ang mga may dunong sa teknolohiya ang nagaganap na cyberattacks sa alternative media organizations dahil ito rin ay pag-atake sa demokrasya, ayon sa isang propesor ng journalism nitong Biyernes.

“Hindi lang ito usapin ng kumbaga usapang techie lang ito, kung sino lang nakakaintindi 'yun lang ang dapat maging concern. In an overall scheme of things, it’s an attack on democracy and an attack on press freedom, in particular,” pahayag ni journalism professor Danilo Arao.

Alternative news websites hit by alleged state-backed cyberattacks: digital forensics

Base sa ulat ng Qurium Media Foundation nitong Martes, nakapagtala sila sa mga nakalipas na buwan ng "brief but frequent denial attacks" laban sa mga website na bulatlat.com, altermidya.org, at karapatan.org. Banggit din ng nasabing organisasyon na noong Hunyo 5, na-trace sa Department of Science and Technology ang ginawang vulnerability scan laban sa Bulatlat.

“Hindi na nakakagulat 'yung involvement ng Philippine Army hinggil doon sa pag-atake sa aming mga website. Sa kaso naman ng DOST, nabasa ko naman ang kanilang pahayag, binanggit nila wala raw silang kinalaman dito pero sa akin simpleng tanong lang: Sa inyo po ba galing 'yung vulnerability scan immediately after the distributed denial of services attack? Yes or no lang naman po ito,” sabi ni Arao.

Ayon kay Arao, hindi na umano kailangan pa ng malalimang imbestigasyon tungkol dito dahil simpleng pagsilip lamang umano sa server logs ay magpapakita na ng partikular na impormasyon.

“Wala namang malisya dito. Let’s be factual. May digital forensics na inilabas 'yung aming partner, Qurium Media foundation, na nakabase sa Sweden,” sabi niya.

Ito rin aniyang foundation ang tumulong sa kanila noong naging target sila ng cyberattacks noong 2018 at 2019.

Bilang convenor ng Kontra Daya, hinikayat din ni Arao ang publiko na mas maging preparado lalo na’t magiging malaki ang papel ng internet at social media sa papalapit na halalan sa 2022.

“Maghanda, magbantay at kumilos. 'Yun ang panawagan ng Kontra Daya kasi mas magiging dependent talaga sa internet at sa social media hindi lang 'yung mga political party at mga kandidato pati 'yung mga ordinaryong mamamayan sa pangkalahatan dahil na nga sa pandemya,” sabi niya.

Dapat aniyang tiyaking may digital security bilang pag-iingat sa cyberattacks. Hiling niya sa netizens, lalo na ang gumagamit ng Facebook na ikonsidera ang paggamit ng password manager at authenticator apps. Para naman sa mga web administrators, payo niya ang paggamit ng mitigation servers.

“At sana sa susunod na hinaharap 'wag nang gamitin 'yung government resources to launch an attack against press freedom,” sabi niya.

Cyberattacks sa alternative media, pag-atake din sa demokrasya: Journ prof | ABS-CBN News

Over 600 former rebels serving now as forest rangers —DENR

By JOAHNA LEI CASILAO, GMA News

Published June 25, 2021 3:40pm

Over 600 rebels that have turned over a new leaf and are now serving as forest rangers across the country under a Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) program.

According to Abby Espirutu’s report on “Stand for Truth,” rebel returnees are assigned to patrol forests as rangers under DENR’s PAMANA Program. “Ang bantay gubat tinatawag din nating mga forest ranger ‘yan, ito ‘yung inaatasan natin magbantay, mag-patrol sa ating mga kagubatan,” DENR undersecretary Jonas Leonen said.

(The "bantay gubat" -- we also call them forest rangers -- these are the people we assign to protect and patrol our forests.) “So binibigyan natin sila ng uniform. Tine-train natin sila… pagka sa mga lugar na talagang delikado ay bibigyan din natin ng mga armas para proteksyon din nila kasi delikado din ‘yung ginagawa nila kapag nasa bundok sila,” he added.

Over 600 former rebels serving now as forest rangers —DENR | GMA News Online (gmanetwork.com)

Late president Benigno Aquino hailed by Filipinos and world leaders

The urn of former President Benigno Aquino III is seen during a public viewing at the

Church of Gesu of Ateneo de Manila University, in Quezon City, Philippines on Jun 25, 2021.

(Photo: AP/Mark Cristino)

MANILA: Late Philippine President Benigno Aquino III was hailed on Friday (Jun 25) for his integrity in a Southeast Asian nation long plagued by corruption and for standing up to China over long-raging territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

Hundreds of people lined up at a Catholic church in Manila despite coronavirus restrictions to pray before a silver urn with the cremated remains of Mr Aquino, who died on Thursday at age 61 of kidney disease arising from diabetes. Advertisement

“I just want to show my support and big thanks to Pnoy,” Ms Ivy Roque, a 41-year-old call centre employee said, using Mr Aquino’s nickname. “In his time, we were given hope that the Philippines can rise from poverty.”

A general view of the public viewing of former Philippine President Benigno Aquino

III's wake at the Church of Gesu, Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City, Philippines on Jun 25, 2021. (Photo: AP/Mark Cristino)

President Rodrigo Duterte declared 10 days of national mourning and ordered Philippine flags to be flown at half-staff across the country to honour Mr Aquino, who led the country from 2010 to 2016.

Mr Aquino's remains are to be interred on Saturday in a private cemetery beside the tombs of his parents, the pro-democracy icons who helped topple dictator Ferdinand Marcos in the 1980s.

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Ordinary Filipinos took to Facebook and other social media platforms to mourn Mr Aquino and hail him as an honest leader who reminded the country that nobody was above the law.

Condolences also poured in from around the globe.

Mr Aquino strengthened the Philippines' economic foundation while in office, working "tirelessly for Filipinos and left a legacy of enduring prosperity for the country", said Singapore President Halimah Yacob.

In a condolence letter to Mr Duterte on Friday, Madam Halimah said: "President Aquino also made invaluable contributions to deepening the friendship between the Philippines and Singapore. I will always cherish the memory of meeting him during his State Visit to Singapore in 2011."

Late president Benigno Aquino hailed by Filipinos and world leaders - CNA (channelnewsasia.com)

South Korea expresses condolences to family of

former President Aquino

The South Korean government expressed its condolences to the family of former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, who passed away on June 24 at age 61.

In a statement, the Korean Embassy in the Philippines said, “The government of the Republic of Korea conveys its deepest condolences to the bereaved family of former President Benigno S. Aquino III and the people of the Philippines. ”

President Benigno Aquino III at a state dinner in South Korea on Oct. 17, 2013

(Malacañang Photo Bureau)

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“With his great affection for Korea, he has immensely contributed to the special friendship that our two countries enjoy today. His accomplishments and dedica tion will remain in the hearts of the peoples of the Philippines and Korea for a long time. May he rest in eternal peace,” the embassy added.

Aquino served as the country’s 15th president from 2010 to 2016. His mother, Corazon Aquino, became the 11th president of the Philippines and served from 1986 to 1992.

In October 2013, Aquino went to South Korea for a two-day state visit. During a state dinner on Oct. 17, he said, “In the 1950 ’s, my country was still rising from the rubble of the Second World War. One million Filipinos—we are told— were lost out of a total population of twelve million.”

“We are taught that Manila was second only to Warsaw in terms of destruction. And yet, when the call from our Korean friends came, my countrymen were among the first contingents to answer. Though we had little to give, we were determined to help however we could,” he said.

He added, “These continue to define our friendship, and the Korean people have in turn responded in the name of these values that we share. We are working for the joint development and progress of our respective peoples. The Philippines in particular enjoys many tangible signs of how mutually beneficial our relationship is.”

His sister, Pinky Aquino-Abellada, said on June 24 that he “died peacefully in his sleep. His death certificate pronounced his death at 6:30 a.m. due to renal disease secondary to diabetes.”

South Korea expresses condolences to family of former President Aquino – Manila Bulletin (mb.com.ph)

‘A great loss to PH’: Singapore PM hails Aquino for

his public service

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong paid tribute to former President Benigno Aquino III, saying he had a “lifetime of illustrious public service.”

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong meets former

President Benigno Aquino III at the Istana during his visit to Singapore in 2014. (MCI Photo by

Chwee)

Lee expressed sadness of the sudden demise of Aquino as he joined the nation in mourning him.

“My heart goes out to his family, and to the Filipino people. His passing is a great loss to the Philippines,” Lee said in a Facebook post Friday night.

The prime minister recalled that he had the pleasure of meeting Aquino many times over the years. One of which was Aquino’s visit to Singapore in 2014.

Lee noted Singapore and Philippines worked together to advance regional cooperation in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)

‘A great loss to PH’: Singapore PM hails Aquino for his public service – Manila Bulletin (mb.com.ph)

Cooling centers open in U.S. Pacific Northwest ahead of 'life-threatening heat'

A dog cools-off with his head out a car's window at the beach as a heatwave gripped Oceanside, California, U.S., June 17, 2021. REUTERS/Mike Blake

PORTLAND, Ore., June 25 (Reuters) - Cooling centers began opening across the U.S. Pacific Northwest on Friday as local officials warned of "life-threatening heat" in the coming days that could shatter high-temperature records.

Reporting by Sergio Olmos in Portland Writing and additional reporting by Dan Whitcomb in Los Angeles Editing by Paul Simao

Cooling centers open in U.S. Pacific Northwest ahead of 'life-threatening heat' | Reuters

One city 'ready to explode' as US murder rates surge in pandemic

ROCHESTER, N.Y., June 25 (Reuters) - Elijah Ross stood watch last Friday by the candles, flowers, liquor bottles and balloons at a memorial for his 31-year-old friend, Eric Ruise, among the latest victims of a murder spree gripping the city of Rochester, New York.

Reporting by Nathan Layne in Rochester, New York; additional reporting by Hussein Waaile and Lindsay DeDario in Rochester; editing by Brian Thevenot

One city 'ready to explode' as US murder rates surge in pandemic | Reuters

Biden crackdown on Beijing dims hopes for Chinese companies in US Survey shows more businesses had expected better bilateral relations after Trump

U.S. President Joe Biden has cited national security risks and reinvigorating the

American economy as key reasons for restricting trade with some Chinese companies. (Nikkei montage/Reuters/AP)

Biden crackdown on Beijing dims hopes for Chinese companies in US - Nikkei Asia

Diplomacy

Antony Blinken does not plan to meet China’s foreign minister at G20 session next week

The US Secretary of State and Wang Yi of China will both attend a Group of 20 session in Italy, but an official says no discussion is expected

Beijing may be reluctant to discuss a meeting between Biden and Xi following latest Xinjiang sanctions, says one observer

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is not expecting to meet with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during the Group of 20 meeting in Italy next week, a department official said on Friday.

“There is no meeting planned between Secretary Blinken and the Chinese foreign minister at the G20 ministerial,” Susannah Cooper, director of the department’s Office of Monetary Affairs, told reporters.

Blinken and Italian Foreign Minister Luigi De Maio will co-host the meeting on Monday, which will focus on the humanitarian crisis in Syria, said Patrick Worman, acting director of the department’s Office of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS.

Antony Blinken does not plan to meet China’s foreign minister at G20 session next week | South China

Morning Post (scmp.com)

China-US tension: Beijing will not engage in intense ideological war with Washington, says expert

Tsinghua University academic Yan Xuetong says it’s impossible for China to return to the ‘low-profile’ foreign policy of the Deng Xiaoping era

‘China has clearly indicated that it does not attempt to export its ideology and values,’ Yan tells Beijing seminar

The Biden administration has focused more on ideological competition with China than its predecessor, but Beijing has no intention of competing with Washington on that front, according to a leading expert on

China’s foreign policy.Yan Xuetong, dean of the Institute of International Relations at Tsinghua University, also said it was “impossible” for China to return to the late leader Deng Xiaoping’s foreign policy dictum in the 1990s of keeping a low profile, as its current capabilities continued to grow.

As China and the US are increasingly locked in an intense rivalry that spreads across multiple fronts, some have argued that their confrontation is driven not just by trade or geopolitical conflicts, but by ideology, just as the contest between the United States and the Soviet Union was during the Cold War.

China calls for joint efforts to safeguard multilateralism 50 years after returning to the UN - Global Times

China vows to defend international order

amid 50th anniversary of UN seat resumption 03:19

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday highlighted

China's support for the United Nations (UN) and the country's contributions to

the organization in peacekeeping, poverty reduction and climate change at a

forum to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the resumption of its

membership of the world body.

On October 25, 1971, the 26th UN General Assembly adopted resolution 2758

with an overwhelming majority of votes, restoring all the lawful rights of the

People's Republic of China at the UN and recognizing the representatives of its

government as the only legitimate representative of China at the UN.

As the world's largest developing country and a permanent member of the UN

Security Council, China always honors the purposes and principles of the UN

charter and promotes the spirit of multilateralism, Wang told the forum.

Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi speaks at the Lanting

Forum with the theme "China and the UN: Cooperation in 50 Years and

Beyond" in Beijing, China, June 25, 2021. /Chinese Foreign Ministry

Guardian of international order

Over the past 50 years, many Chinese people have been involved in UN

undertakings and have witnessed, participated in and contributed to China's

cooperation with the UN, Wang said.

He said China has set a good example in upholding the international order and is

committed to democracy, the rule of law and equity in international relations.

China proposed the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence as early as in the

1950s and has since faithfully observed them, contributing significantly to the

formulation of the basic norms governing international relations, Wang said

According to Wang, since China resumed its membership of the UN, China has

become a firm defender of international order which took part in almost every

inter-governmental organization and signed more than 600 international

treaties.

China has firmly safeguarded the UN-centered international system, upheld the

international order underpinned by international law and bolstered the central

role of UN in international affairs, he stressed.

China vows to defend intl order amid 50th anniv of UN seat resumption - CGTN

China calls for joint efforts to safeguard

multilateralism 50 years after returning to the UN

Photo: Liu Xin/GT

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of restoration of China's lawful seat in the United

Nations, a forum was held at the Foreign Ministry on Friday, in which Chinese State

Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi recalled the support China had received from

developing countries in returning to the UN and called for joint efforts between developing

countries and the international community in safeguarding multilateralism.

On October 25, 1971, the 26th United Nations General Assembly passed Resolution 2758

with overwhelming vote and recognized the People's Republic of China as the only

legitimate representative of China to the UN. This is China's diplomatic victory, and also a

victory of global justice and the UN Charter and principles, Wang said in a speech at the

forum.

Wang said that when the resolution was passed, many representatives from Asian, African

and Latin American countries cheered in support - an exciting and unforgettable scene.

Wang extended gratitude to countries that had made the just move to support China's

return to the UN. During the past 50 years, China has also stood firmly with the developing

countries.

China has and will always stand with developing countries, Wang said, noting that China's

vote in the UN will always belong to developing countries and belong to the side that calls

for justice.

Aside from extending to countries that had supported China's return to the UN, Wang also

reviewed China's active involvement in global activities.

For example, as the largest developing country within the body, China has accomplished

the UN's sustainable target on poverty alleviation; China is the first country in the world to

instigate urgent humanitarian actions and offer aid and support to combat COVID-19

across more than 150 countries and regions and 13 international organizations.

In order to avoid confrontation in face of profound changes of the global situation that are

unseen in a century, Wang said that there is only one right answer to maintain solidarity -

safeguarding the international system centered on the UN, and abide by international

relations based on the UN Charter and principles.

Foreign ambassadors and diplomats also attended the Friday forum, including Mr. Ahcène

Boukhelfa, Ambassador of Algeria to China, and Russian Ambassador to China Andrey

Denisov.

Led by Algeria and Albania, a group of countries submitted the proposal to the UN in July

1971 on the restoration of China's lawful seat to the UN.

Ambassador Boukhelfa called it an important diplomatic battle that Algeria and other

developing countries have engaged in to restore China's lawful seat at the UN.

The move also laid a solid foundation for not only good bilateral ties but also China's ties

with the Africa. African countries need to be engaged in the UN's platforms, which calls for

cooperation with China to build a series of systems to let the continent to have the rights

that it deserves but had been deprived in the colonial period, said the ambassador.

"Today we commemorate China's return to the UN and tomorrow is the UN Charter Day. On

these important days, we can review the UN's significant role in history and in the future.

This is meaningful given that some countries are attempting to disrupt international

cooperation while more are insisting on an international order centered on the UN," Su

Xiaohui, deputy director of the Department of International and Strategic Studies at China

Institute of International Studies, told the Global Times on Friday.

China vows to stand with developing countries because developing countries have suffered

disproportionately during the COVID-19 pandemic as certain other countries used the

pandemic to move forward personal interests and undermined cooperation, Su said, noting

that China will provide more assistance to developing countries - for example providing

COVID-19 vaccines.

China calls for joint efforts to safeguard multilateralism 50 years after returning to the UN - Global Times

Recover from Pandemic, Experts Sa

TAIPEI - China is likely to help Southeast Asia recover from the economic shocks of COVID-19 because of its outsized growth and pivotal role in cross-border

development, experts said following a regional summit.

China, which had a $15.4 trillion economy last year, is expected to sell more vaccines, restart infrastructure projects and open manufacturing supply chains

for the region, according to economists.

The moves are liable to bolster China’s drive to enhance its economic and diplomatic influence across the region through efforts such as its Belt and Road Initiative and so-called “vaccine diplomacy,” making COVID vaccines available to

developing countries.

China Bids for Friends in Southeast Asia as US Influence Grows

Foreign ministers from Beijing and 10 Southeast Asian nations agreed to seek a

resumption of talks about South China Sea

As Western countries begin to recover from the financial effects of the pandemic, many of the 660 million people in Southeast Asia are still grappling with COVID-

19 outbreaks and the effects of economic inactivity.

Help is coming, a Chinese spokesman suggested Monday ahead of the East Asia Summit meeting of senior officials, which convened by video conference

Thursday in part to discuss post-pandemic recovery. “Amid profound changes in regional and international landscapes, China hopes that through these senior officials' meetings, we will work with all parties to … advance post-epidemic sustainable development,” Chinese Ministry of Foreign

Affairs spokesman Zhao Lijun told a news briefing.

The Chinese economy grew 2.3% last year, after strict lockdowns contained most of its coronavirus spread, even as other countries worldwide reported economic

contractions. China reported the world’s first virus cases.

Officials in Beijing will probably invest abroad in energy transitions for steel, petrochemicals and other industries that aim to cut emissions, said Rajiv Biswas, Asia-Pacific chief economist at IHS Markit. The 10-country Association of Southeast Asian Nations has set a target of using renewable energy for 23% of

consumption by 2025.

Projects started in Southeast Asia under China’s $1 trillion-plus Belt and Road Initiative should power back up as pandemic containment measures ease, he added. Some 15 Belt and Road projects worth a combined $2.4 billion were delayed or hit by financing glitches last year, the London-based Overseas

Development Institute think tank said in February.

Around Southeast Asia, COVID-racked Malaysia has allowed Chinese companies to invest in real estate, ports and entertainment. Indonesia, which faces its own

pandemic battles, has gotten help with a dam and a railway line. “Probably for China, the main focus will be on restarting a lot of those, because some of those projects during the pandemic were put on hold because it was very difficult for people to move around so they couldn’t send their experts and

so on,” said Biswas.

China may offer separate aid or investment packages country by country, he added.

In the Philippines, which has battled COVID-19 steadily for more than a year, China would at least consider “fast tracking” donations of its domestically produced vaccines, said Jonathan Ravelas, chief market strategist with Banco de

Oro UniBank in Metro Manila.

China Poised to Help Southeast Asia Recover from Pandemic, Experts Say | Voice of America - English

(voanews.com)

.

Celebrations for CPC's centenary heat up across

China, showing confidence and capacity in the

Party's path

A visitor takes a photo of a floral decoration that has been put up along the Chang'an Avenue in Beijing to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on Monday. Under the theme of "Remain true to its original asp iration, keep its mission firmly in mind,"such decorations vividly illustrate CPC's development over the past century. Li Hao/GT

With the upcoming centenary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC)

approaching on July 1, spectacular light shows, a variety of performances and booming red

tourism have helped foster a celebratory atmosphere around China. Amid the celebrative

atmosphere, China's State Council Information Office on Friday issued a white paper titled

"China's Political Party System: Cooperation and Consultation," elaborating on the

distinctive characteristics and strengths of the country's political party system.

Experts said the enthusiasm of the public for the birthday of the CPC and the release of the

white paper highlights the advantages of the CPC's path in terms of confidence and

governance ability.

The white paper reads that the system is the product of a combination of Marxist political

party theory and China's reality, which is able to realize the universality of interest

representation and guarantee the effectiveness of national governance.

Also on Friday, the Beijing municipality government announced it would take traffic

control measures by time and segments for the grand variety performance at the Beijing

National Stadium, known as the Bird's Nest, on June 29.

As a rehearsal and warm-up for the "Great Journey" performance will be done ahead of July

1, two events were held in Beijing on Tuesday and Friday. From 8 pm to 10 pm on Tuesday,

the Bird's Nest held four fireworks displays, the first of which showed the character "100"

to signify the centenary of the founding of the CPC. Fireworks lit up the night sky and drew

cheers from tens of thousands of onlookers.

Tiananmen Square in China's capital will also see a second rehearsal of the major

celebration event on Saturday, after the first, with over 14,000 participants, was held on

June 12. The first comprehensive rehearsal includes four parts: warm-up, celebration

event, entry and exit, and emergency response, media reported.

On Chang'an Avenue, just north of Tiananmen Square, 10 groups of flowerbeds have been

unveiled, telling the story of the CPC's 100-year development.

As July 1 approaches, other major Chinese cities, including Shanghai, Tianjin, Wuhan and

Chongqing, also lit up the sky with light shows to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the

founding of CPC, as per images circulating on social media.

Celebrations for CPC's centenary heat up across China, showing confidence and capacity in the Party's

path - Global Times

Full Text: China's Political Party System:

Cooperation and Consultation By XinhuaPublished: Jun 25, 2021 10:05 AM

A country's political party system is a major component of its political framework and

makes a critical contribution to democracy. The system best suited to a country is

determined by its history, traditions, and realities. There are many types of political party

system around the world, and there is not a single system that is good for all countries.

The system of multiparty cooperation and political consultation under the leadership of the

Communist Party of China (CPC) is a basic element of China's political framework. A new

model grown out of the soil of China, it also learns from other countries and absorbs the

fruits of their political achievements. The Constitution of the People's Republic of China

stipulates, "The system of multiparty cooperation and political consultation under the

leadership of the Communist Party of China will continue and develop long into the future."

In this system, in addition to the CPC, there are eight other political parties: the

Revolutionary Committee of the Chinese Kuomintang, the China Democratic League, the

China National Democratic Construction Association, the China Association for Promoting

Democracy, the Chinese Peasants and Workers Democratic Party, the China Zhi Gong Party,

the Jiusan Society, and the Taiwan Democratic Self-Government League. The system also

includes prominent individuals without affiliation to any of the political parties

(hereinafter referred to as "non-affiliates").

Following the principles of long-term coexistence, mutual oversight, sincerity, and sharing

the rough times and the smooth, the CPC and the other political parties have created a

multiparty cooperation system in which the CPC exercises state power and the other

parties participate fully in the administration of state affairs under the leadership of the

CPC.

This is a unique political model. It has displayed unquestionable strength and vitality in

China's political and social life. It is essential to the task of modernizing China's governance

system and capacity. It continues to make an invaluable contribution to the political

progress of humanity.

I. China's Political Parties

Political parties are an important force in state politics. Globally, there are numerous

political parties of many types, differing in background, class basis, values, and political

stance. They also play different roles in state affairs.

In China, the CPC and eight other political parties were founded for national salvation.

Their shared goals were the realization of national independence, the people's liberation

and wellbeing, and the prosperity of the country.

China is one of the oldest civilizations in the world. Following the Opium War in 1840,

China was reduced into a semi-colonial, semi-feudal state under the occupying Western

capitalist powers and the failing feudal autocracy. People of insight tried tirelessly to find a

way to salvage the nation - the Taiping Rebellion, the Self-Strengthening Movement, the

Hundred Days' Reform, and the Boxer Movement - but all failed in the end.

The Revolution of 1911 led by Dr. Sun Yat-sen ended the feudal autocracy that had ruled

China for more than 2,000 years, bringing tremendous change to society. But it failed to do

away with the backward social system and failed to lift people out of misery. The historic

mission of national independence and the people's liberation remained unfulfilled.

The CPC was founded in 1921, at a time when China was facing grave dangers at home and

abroad, trapped in a morass of social crises. Always retaining in the forefront of mind its

founding mission - to seek happiness for the people and the rejuvenation of the Chinese

nation - the CPC has succeeded in applying Marxist tenets to the Chinese context, rallying

all the forces that can be combined to form an extensive united front. It has achieved many

great feats that have drawn worldwide attention and ensured that the CPC and the people

hold to the right path on the way forward.

Over the course of a century, the CPC has, leading the Chinese people, made unprecedented

achievements. These include:

By completing the New Democratic Revolution (1919-1949) and founding the People's

Republic of China (PRC) in 1949, it put an end to the semi-colonial, semi-feudal society of

old China and realized national independence and the people's liberation.

Full Text: China's Political Party System: Cooperation and Consultation - Global Times

'Not quite a religion': China's Communist Party attracts new devotees

The CCP seeks young acolytes raised on China's recent strengths - not past mistakes - and who

possess unwavering belief in the Party. (Photo: AFP/Hector Retamal)

SHANGHAI: Wang Ying is young, educated and an unquestioning believer in the Communist Party's sole right to rule China - exactly what the increasingly conformist institution seeks as it enters a new century.

As the ruling body celebrates its 100th birthday on Jul 1, current members describe an increasingly cult-like atmosphere under leader Xi Jinping, propagandising successes such as its control of the coronavirus, and viewed as the only viable saviour for China.

Members interviewed by AFP across China say President Xi Jinping has tightened criteria to weed out potential troublemakers. (Photo: AFP/Hector Retamal)

"Belief in the Party is steadfast. Perhaps not as deep as a religion like Buddhism or Christianity, but something that fosters self-discipline," said Wang, a partial pseudonym to protect the Party member's identity.

The membership focus of the Chinese Communist Party has continually evolved, from intellectuals, to the proletariat, and welcoming entrepreneurs from the 1990s.

Despite outward appearances, analysts say, it has always entertained a wide range of views on China's direction, but that resulted in factionalism, inefficiency and corruption.

'Not quite a religion': China's Communist Party attracts new devotees - CNA (channelnewsasia.com)

China dismisses concern for Hong Kong freedom after tabloid closure

HONG KONG, June 24 (Reuters) - China's foreign ministry on Friday rejected comments by U.S. President Joe Biden that the closure of Hong Kong's Apple Daily newspaper signaled intensifying repression by Beijing in the semi-autonomous city.

China dismisses concern for Hong Kong freedom after tabloid closure | Reuters

Missing Tibetan Monk Was Sentenced,

Sent to Prison, Family Says Rinchen Tsultrim was accused of 'working to split the country,' a charge often leveled against Tibetans resisting assimilation into China's dominant Han culture.

Rinchen Tsultrim, a Tibetan monk held incommunicado before being tried for his writings on social media, is shown in an undated photo.

Photo: Tibet Times

A Tibetan monk held incommunicado in custody following his arrest two years ago on suspicion of working to “split the country” was sentenced in a closed trial and is serving a four-and-a-half year prison term, family members say.

Rinchen Tsultrim, 29 at the time of his arrest, was taken into custody on July 27, 2019 in Sichuan’s Ngaba (in Chinese, Aba) county for peacefully expressing his thoughts on Tibetan political and social issues on social media, RFA was told in earlier reports.

He was then held without word given to his family on his whereabouts until earlier this year, Tsultrim’s sister Kunsang Dolma told RFA, speaking from her home in exile in India.

“On March 23, 2021, my family in Tibet was informed by the Chinese authorities that my brother Rinchen Tsultrim was given a four-and-a-half year prison sentence without a fair trial and is now being held in [Sichuan’s] Mianyang Prison,” she said.

“He had been warned three times by the Chinese authorities for expressing his thoughts and writings on a range of Tibetan political, social, and cultural issues before he was arrested in 2019,” Dolma said, adding, “At one time he was also compelled to sign some documents.”

Tsultrim's ongoing contacts with Tibetans living in exile were another important factor leading to his arrest, a Tibetan living in exile in India told RFA's Tibetan Service in an earlier report.

Separatism, or “working to split the country,” is an accusation often leveled by Chinese authorities against Tibetans opposing the assimilation of Tibet’s distinctive national and cultural identity into China’s dominant Han culture, and scores of monks, writers, educators, and musical performers have been arrested under the charge in recent years.

Missing Tibetan Monk Was Sentenced, Sent to Prison, Family Says — Radio Free Asia (rfa.org)

UN human rights chief signals she may move on Xinjiang without China nod

FILE PHOTO: U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet attends a news

conference at the European headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, December 9,

2020. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse/File Photo/File Photo

GENEVA: The United Nations human rights chief should document her own findings on the plight of Uyghurs in Xinjiang even without China's blessing for a visit, activists and Western diplomats say, amid signs that her patience may be running out.

Michelle Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said on Monday (Jun 21) that she hoped to agree on terms for a long-sought visit to China this year to look into allegations of mass detention, torture and forced labour.

Beijing denies all allegations of abuse of Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims, describing camps in its far west as vocational training facilities to combat religious extremism.

Canada led a record 45 countries, including the US, in urging China on Tuesday to allow Bachelet immediate access to Xinjiang for a first-hand assessment.

READ: Grave concerns raised about China at UN rights council

China rejected the statement as interference driven by "political motives". It said it welcomed a visit by Bachelet, but that it should be focused on "promoting exchanges and cooperation rather than an investigation based on so-called presumption of guilt".

Bachelet later dropped a hint to the Human Rights Council that she has other options, while still pursuing negotiations with China on a visit that have dragged on since September 2018.

"In the meantime, the office continues to deepen its analysis and assessment of the alleged patterns of human rights violations in Xinjiang," she said on Tuesday.

UN human rights chief signals she may move on Xinjiang without China nod - CNA

(channelnewsasia.com)

Chinese envoy voices grave concern over Japan's unilateral decision to discharge nuclear-contaminated water into ocean (Xinhua) 11:29, June 25, 2021

UNITED NATIONS, June 23 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Wednesday voiced grave concern over the Japanese government's unilateral decision to discharge nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean. All countries have the obligation to abide by the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on the protection and preservation of the maritime environment, and jointly take care of the home that mankind depends on for survival, said Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations. Recently, the Japanese government unilaterally decided to dispose of contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant by ocean discharge, and China expresses grave concern about this decision, he told the 31st meeting of states parties to UNCLOS. The amount of nuclear-contaminated water Japan intends to discharge, its duration, the sea area covered, and its potential risks are all unprecedented, he said. Studies have shown that once the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water is released into the sea, it will quickly spread to most of the Pacific Ocean, and further to the global waters, Geng added.

The nuclear-contaminated water that Japan plans to discharge contains a lot of radioactive substances, which will have severe impacts on the maritime environment, ecosystems and human health, he said. According to the stipulations of UNCLOS, when dealing with nuclear-contaminated water, Japan should take all measures necessary to ensure that activities under its jurisdiction or control will not cause damage by pollution to other states and their environment, and to ensure that resulting pollution will not spread beyond the areas where it exercises sovereign rights, said the Chinese diplomat. Under international law, including UNCLOS, Japan must also fulfill various obligations, such as timely notification, full consultation, environmental impact assessment and monitoring, international cooperation and information exchange, he said. Japan is fully aware that the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water may cause severe harm to the global marine environment, and it is fully aware of its international obligations under UNCLOS and other international treaties, as well as various doubts and opposition at home and abroad, Geng said. However, before exhausting safe disposal means, disclosing all relevant information, fully consulting with neighboring countries and other stakeholders or coming up with verification arrangement that can be monitored, Japan decided unilaterally to dump the nuclear-contaminated water into the sea out of pure economic considerations, he noted. This approach is opaque, irresponsible and unfriendly. It is maliciously intended, knowingly offensive and self-interested, and it runs counter to the consensus and momentum of the international community to protect and sustainably use the oceans, said Geng. China strongly urges Japan to earnestly fulfill its international obligations and handle the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water issue prudently in an open and transparent manner, he noted. Without fully negotiating and reaching a consensus with all stakeholders and relevant international institutions, no nuclear-contaminated water can be discharged into the ocean wantonly, Geng said. He urged Japan to face up to and fulfill its responsibilities to all mankind and future generations by avoiding irreversible damage to human health and global marine ecology.

Chinese envoy voices grave concern over Japan's unilateral decision to discharge nuclear-contaminated

water into ocean - People's Daily Online

Japan PM insists emperor not 'worried' about Olympics

The Tokyo Olympics open on Jul 23. (File photo: AFP/Charly TRIBALLEAU)

TOKYO: Japan's prime minister on Friday (Jun 25) dismissed claims that the country's emperor is "concerned" the Tokyo Olympics could spread the coronavirus, saying the comments were the opinions of an imperial household representative.

On Thursday, Yasuhiko Nishimura, the head of the Imperial Household Agency that manages royal affairs, told reporters that Emperor Naruhito is "very worried about the current infection situation of COVID-19", Japanese media reported.

Nishimura said he believed the emperor "is concerned that while there are voices of anxiety among the public, the holding of the Olympics and Paralympics ... may lead to a rise in infections".

He noted that he had "not heard such words directly from his majesty" but believed he "feels that way", Kyodo news agency reported.

Japan PM insists emperor not 'worried' about Olympics - CNA (channelnewsasia.com)

S. Korea expresses 'deep regret' over IOC's

response to Dokdo issue

Culture, Sports and Tourism Minister Hwang Hee looks at a map of the Tokyo Olympics torch relay route that includes the East Sea islets of Dokdo as Japanese

territory during a parliamentary committee meeting at the National Assembly in Seoul on June 21, 2021. (Yonhap)

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism expressed "deep regret" Friday over the International Olympic Committee's response to its letter protesting Japan's inclusion of

South Korea's easternmost islets of Dokdo on a Tokyo Olympics map. According to the ministry, the IOC sent a reply to its June 10 letter on Tuesday, saying it had inquired with the Tokyo Olympics organizing committee regarding the appearance of Dokdo on a map of the Olympic torch relay route and was told that it was a "purely topographical expression" with "no political motivation whatsoever." "We express deep regret over the IOC's response and plan to send another letter on our position," the ministry said. "Even though the Tokyo Olympics should be an Olympics of peace and harmony as it is being held at a time when the entire world is suffering from COVID-19, (Japan) is rejecting (our) requests to delete Dokdo (from the map)," it said, adding it is "very disappointed by Japan's attitude." The ministry will look at other ways to deliver its protest, including sending South Korean IOC members to the committee headquarters in Switzerland and meeting with Japanese IOC members. The map is the latest trigger in a long-running row between South Korea and Japan over Dokdo. Tokyo, which colonized the Korean Peninsula from 1910-45, has continued to lay claim to the islets.

S. Korea expresses 'deep regret' over IOC's response to Dokdo issue (koreaherald.com)

Chinese envoy voices grave concern over Japan's unilateral decision to discharge nuclear-contaminated water into ocean (Xinhua) 11:29, June 25, 2021

UNITED NATIONS, June 23 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Wednesday voiced grave concern over the Japanese government's unilateral decision to discharge nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean. All countries have the obligation to abide by the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on the protection and preservation of the maritime environment, and jointly take care of the home that mankind depends on for survival, said Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations. Recently, the Japanese government unilaterally decided to dispose of contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant by ocean discharge, and China expresses grave concern about this decision, he told the 31st meeting of states parties to UNCLOS. The amount of nuclear-contaminated water Japan intends to discharge, its duration, the sea area covered, and its potential risks are all unprecedented, he said. Studies have shown that once the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water is released into the sea, it will quickly spread to most of the Pacific Ocean, and further to the global waters, Geng added.

The nuclear-contaminated water that Japan plans to discharge contains a lot of radioactive substances, which will have severe impacts on the maritime environment, ecosystems and human health, he said. According to the stipulations of UNCLOS, when dealing with nuclear-contaminated water, Japan should take all measures necessary to ensure that activities under its jurisdiction or control will not cause damage by pollution to other states and their environment, and to ensure that resulting pollution will not spread beyond the areas where it exercises sovereign rights, said the Chinese diplomat. Under international law, including UNCLOS, Japan must also fulfill various obligations, such as timely notification, full consultation, environmental impact assessment and monitoring, international cooperation and information exchange, he said. Japan is fully aware that the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water may cause severe harm to the global marine environment, and it is fully aware of its international obligations under UNCLOS and other international treaties, as well as various doubts and opposition at home and abroad, Geng said. However, before exhausting safe disposal means, disclosing all relevant information, fully consulting with neighboring countries and other stakeholders or coming up with verification arrangement that can be monitored, Japan decided unilaterally to dump the nuclear-contaminated water into the sea out of pure economic considerations, he noted. This approach is opaque, irresponsible and unfriendly. It is maliciously intended, knowingly offensive and self-interested, and it runs counter to the consensus and momentum of the international community to protect and sustainably use the oceans, said Geng. China strongly urges Japan to earnestly fulfill its international obligations and handle the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water issue prudently in an open and transparent manner, he noted. Without fully negotiating and reaching a consensus with all stakeholders and relevant international institutions, no nuclear-contaminated water can be discharged into the ocean wantonly, Geng said. He urged Japan to face up to and fulfill its responsibilities to all mankind and future generations by avoiding irreversible damage to human health and global marine ecology.

Chinese envoy voices grave concern over Japan's unilateral decision to discharge nuclear-contaminated

water into ocean - People's Daily Online

Bhutan king treks across mountains to hold down COVID-19 fatality count

Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck takes his lunch at a security outpost during his

visit to remote villages to oversee measures to contain the spread of COVID-19, in Tempaling, Bhutan on

May 14, 2021. (Photo: Royal Office for Media/Handout via Reuters)

KATHMANDU: Wearing a baseball cap and knee-length traditional Gho robe, carrying a backpack, Bhutan's king has walked through jungles infested with leeches and snakes, trekked mountains and quarantined several times in a hotel in the capital.

For 14 months, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck has been travelling by foot, car and horse to remote hamlets to oversee measures to protect his tiny kingdom of 700,000 from the coronavirus outbreak that has flared up in neighbouring India.

The impact of the 41-year-old king's excursions are evident in a COVID-19 death toll of just one for the nation nestled between India and China in the Eastern Himalayas.

"When the king travels for miles and knocks ... to alert people about the pandemic, then his humble words are respected and taken very seriously," said Lotay Tshering, the country's prime minister.

"His Majesty's presence is far more powerful than just issuing public guidelines," Tshering told Reuters. His presence assures people they are not alone in their fight against the pandemic, the prime minister said.

Tshering, a practicing urologist, often accompanies the Oxford-educated king for trips near the porous border shared with India, where a second wave of the pandemic more than doubled the death toll over the last two months.

Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck visits a group of Desuups training at Carpentry Edelweiss during his visit to remote villages to oversee measures to contain the

spread of COVID-19 in Bumthang, Bhutan on Jun 7, 2021. (Photo: Royal Office for Media/Handout via Reuters)

Bhutan became a constitutional monarchy in 2008 when the king relinquished his absolute powers. But loyalty to the royal family still dominates the nation's socio-political landscape.

In recent weeks, the king walked for five days on a trail passing through elevations of up to 4,343m to thank primary health workers in remote areas.

The king's office declined a request for an interview but his social media pages on Instagram and Facebook showcase his work and travels during the pandemic.

Bhutan king treks across mountains to hold down COVID-19 fatality count - CNA (channelnewsasia.com)

Cambodian gov't spokesman says Sino-

Cambodian ties to be closer, stronger (Xinhua) 11:38, June 25, 2021

Aerial photo taken on March 11, 2021 shows the eighth Cambodia-China Friendship Bridge across the Mekong River, connecting Kampong Cham province and Tboung Khmum province in southeastern Cambodia. (Shanghai Construction Group/Handout via Xinhua) "At the time of this economic downturn, the BRI remains as a driving force to continue expanding cooperation among countries in the region and the

world for the cause of peace, security, prosperity and sustainable development," said Cambodian government spokesman Phay Siphan. PHNOM PENH, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian government spokesman Phay Siphan said on Thursday he has no doubt that the Sino-Cambodian ties will be closer and stronger in the future thanks to the greater cooperation under China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the recently-signed Cambodia-China Free Trade Agreement and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership free trade pact. "I'm proud to say that despite the impact of the COVID-19, many bilateral cooperation projects under the BRI such as the first Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway, the new national stadium, the 700-megawatt power plant in Sihanoukville, among others, have progressed steadily," he said. "These projects bring us tremendous benefits, helping us boost the economy and reduce poverty during and after the COVID-19 era," he said. Siphan said the BRI is becoming the new engine of global economic growth, and that since its inception in 2013, it has importantly contributed to boosting regional and global cooperation in terms of hard and soft infrastructures, economy, trades, investment opportunities, cultural exchange, and people-to-people connectivity.

Aerial photo taken on Nov. 15, 2020 shows the construction site of the first expressway in Cambodia in Kampong Speu Province, Cambodia. (Photo by Li Zhen/Xinhua) "At the time of this economic downturn, the BRI remains as a driving force to continue expanding cooperation among countries in the region and the world for the cause of peace, security, prosperity and sustainable development," he said. Cambodia highly commends China on the joint fight against COVID-19, Siphan said, and the Southeast Asian nation greatly values China's assistance. He said that the cooperation between the two countries should be a role model for international cooperation. "For Cambodia, China is our key COVID-19 vaccine provider." He added that the kingdom began an inoculation drive on Feb. 10 and to date, more than 3.5 million out of the 10 million targeted adult population have been vaccinated.

Airport workers transport packages of China's Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine at the Phnom Penh International Airport in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on June 19, 2021. (Photo by Phearum/Xinhua) "As Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen has said, we're going to inoculate 10 million targeted adult population by the end of this year or early next year, so thank you very much China for donating and selling vaccines to us. Without you, we would not have enough vaccines to vaccinate our people," Siphan said. He said the Cambodia-China joint COVID-19 fight will undoubtedly contribute to building a community of shared future between the two countries. Siphan also urged not to politicize the COVID-19 pandemic but do their best to safeguard their own people's lives, as some countries are playing the blame game over it. "The COVID-19 is a global health crisis, so we don't need to point the finger at each other, but it's time for all of us to stand together to fight against the pandemic," he said. "Some countries have wasted time to blame this or that country. This is an irresponsible act for their own citizens."

Cambodian gov't spokesman says Sino-Cambodian ties to be closer, stronger - People's Daily Online

Cambodian Rights Groups Say They’ll Watch For Results From New UN Envoy on

Human Rights Years of diplomatic dialogue and discussion have failed so far to halt a crackdown on democracy and civil society in the Southeast Asian country.

2021-06-24

UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Cambodia Vitit Muntarbhorn is shown in a file photo.

AFP

Cambodia-based rights groups say they are hoping that a newly appointed UN envoy to Cambodia for human rights will bring results in talks with the government of the Southeast

Asian country, where years of diplomatic dialogue have failed to halt a crackdown on democracy and civil society.

Thai academic Vitit Muntarbhorn, who replaced former UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in Cambodia Rhona Smith earlier this year, spoke on Wednesday in a first virtual meeting online with Cambodian Interior Minister Sar Kheng.

Writing next day on his Facebook page, Sar Kheng said the talks with Vitit promised “frank dialogues and discussions” in the future on a range of issues of concern, including

government measures taken to control the spread of COVID-19, the country’s crowded prisons, democracy, and the reform of the country’s NGO laws.

In a second meeting on Thursday, Vitit also spoke with Keo Remy, head of the government’s

Human Rights Committee, the Committee said on its own Facebook page.

Reached by RFA for comment, Vitit declined to discuss topics addressed in the two meetings,

referring a reporter instead to media contacts in his office who did not respond to requests by Thursday evening.

If accurately reported by Sar Kheng, the talks held on Wednesday reflected topics of genuine concern in Cambodia, where there are ongoing restrictions on civil and political rights, said Soeung Senkaruna—a senior human rights worker and spokesperson for the rights group ADHOC—speaking to RFA on June 24.

Vitit’s work in Cambodia may not bring quick breakthroughs or improvements in the country’s human rights situation, though, Soeung Senkaruna said.

“We often see that UN Special Rapporteurs on Human Rights hold many meetings and ‘frank discussions’ [with government officials], but nothing significant ever comes from these,” he said. “Our problems always remain the same.”

“It would be great if things did change in our society, so that our country would not become subject to sanctions from the international community and the free world,” he added.

Reporting the facts

Speaking to RFA in interviews after Vitit secured his appointment in April, human rights workers in Cambodia said they hold little hope that the new UN rapporteur can solve Cambodia’s rights problems just by maintaining good relations with Cambodia’s

government—the main cause, they said, of the country’s human rights issues.

“I don’t expect that he will fix all these problems,” said labor rights activist Moeun Tola, adding, “But I do expect him to work professionally by reporting the facts about the actual

human rights situation existing in the country.”

Cambodian Rights Groups Say They’ll Watch For Results From New UN Envoy on Human Rights — Radio

Free Asia (rfa.org)

Sri Lanka's marine disaster worsens as environmental toll rises

Members of the Sri Lankan Navy work to remove debris washed ashore from the Singapore-

registered container ship MV X-Press Pearl. (Photo: AFP/ISHARA S KODIKARA)

COLOMBO: Damage to Sri Lanka's marine environment from a sinking chemical ship is worse than feared, officials said on Friday (Jun 25), as more dead turtles, dolphins and whales washed up on the island's beaches.

As of Thursday, 130 marine animals have been found dead on the Indian Ocean's beaches since the MV X-Press Pearl caught fire last month before partially sinking off the coast after two weeks ablaze. Advertisement

Sri Lanka's government believes they were killed by the hundreds of tonnes of chemicals and plastics leaking from the ship.

"At least six turtle carcasses washed up along the western coast on Thursday alone," a wildlife official told AFP.

READ: Sri Lanka ship fire caused 'significant damage to planet', says UN office

He said they had also received the first report of a shoal of reef fish dying at Hikkaduwa, a southern tourist resort area known for its rich coral reefs.

"So far we have collected the carcasses of 115 turtles, 15 dolphins and five whales," the official said, asking not to be named.

They include a blue whale carcass found off the northern Jaffna peninsula, about 400km north of Colombo, last week.

Officials are awaiting the results of forensic reports, he said.

Sri Lanka's marine disaster worsens as environmental toll rises - CNA (channelnewsasia.com)

Afghan leader to meet Biden as US exit looms

A security post in Kabul: Afghans are increasingly worried about the gains made by the

Taliban insurgency in recent months as US forces leave Afghanistan AFP/ADEK BERRY

3related media assets (image or videos) available. Click to see the gallery.

WASHIGNTON: Afghan President Ashraf Ghani met with the US defense chief and the top Democrat in Congress in Washington on Friday (Jun 25) as he seeks to shore up US support for his government ahead of the departure of American forces from his country.

Ghani met Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ahead of his White House talks with President Joe Biden, who ordered two months ago that US forces would pull out of Afghanistan by September, after nearly 20 years there fighting Al-Qaeda and the Taliban insurgency.

Ghani's trip comes as the Taliban threat to his government has increased while the last US forces and civilian advisors prepare their departure.

But any hopes for a delay in America's exit from its longest war are likely to be stifled.

The message he got was that Biden would not roll back the September deadline and that Washington expects him to reach a deal with the Taliban.

Speaking in Paris on Friday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the United States could no longer adhere to the same approach to Afghanistan of the past 20 years, despite the fresh Taliban gains on the ground.

Afghan leader to meet Biden as US exit looms - CNA (channelnewsasia.com)

THE INFLUENCE OF DOMESTIC POLITICS ON

AUSTRALIA’S CHINA POLICY

WRITTEN BY KATE CLAYTON

25 June 2021

For the past five years, the international community has looked to Australia for

guidance on how to respond to a rising China. Australia was the first to ban

Huawei, has spoken out about human rights abuses in Xinjiang and criticised the

rollback of freedoms in Hong Kong. Dependant on the US for security and China

for economic prosperity, Australia has been facing the same challenges as

many middle powers — how to juggle economic and security interests when

your two most important partners are competing against each other.

Australia had been balancing its strategic and economic interests relatively well

until 2020. However, last year Australia-China relations reached their lowest point

in history. COVID-19, tariffs, ‘fourteen grievances’, and a chaotic Trump

presidency put new pressures on the Australian government. These events have

left Australia unsure of its China policy, opting for strong statements but few

policy changes. While Australia-China relations are unlikely to worsen this year,

they are also unlikely to improve.

Australian domestic politics and China

One of the lasting effects of Donald Trump's presidency on politics globally is the

normalisation of populist-style reactionary policymaking, as evident in the

Australia-China relationship. Since the 2019 election, Scott Morrison has

increasingly shifted his China policy to be more reactionary, using relations with

China to score points domestically and to be seen as strong globally. In 2018,

the Morrison government began the Pacific ‘step up’ which proposed

increased Australian aid and engagement in the Pacific in response to growing

Chinese influence in the region. The Pacific region is seen by the US as Australia’s area of influence and is key to US influence in the Indo-Pacific. While this

initiative is beneficial for both parties, its ultimate goal is to maintain regional

hegemony. The Pacific step-up is more about Australia’s interests than that of

the Pacifics.

The influence of domestic politics on Australia’s China policy — 9DASHLINE

How China Sees It

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has much to lose, both domestically and internationally, if the truth comes out. A muddled debate about the origins of the virus serves China just fine. Evading accountability -- and suffering no little negative fallout -- for unleashing a pandemic on the world that killed millions of people is not a bad outcome. And the economic results may even be better for China than for the rest of the world, thereby strengthening the CCP further.

And now, in response to China's obfuscation, the international community seems unable to go beyond the empty threat of calling for the World Health Organization (WHO) to follow up its original investigation, which was abysmal, with another probe.

For the West to maintain the WHO as the agency of record is embarrassing. It was a puppet of China the first time around and will be again.

China has been soundly condemned by the U.S. and others for practicing genocide against the Uyghurs. No consequences. China has been cheating ever since it was invited to join the World Trade Organization in 2001. No consequences. See a pattern? If you don't, you can bet that the Chinese do. They expect that spreading misinformation and hiding the facts about the pandemic

will lead to the same fate, no consequences.

How China Sees It :: Gatestone Institute

Decoding the Yang-Blinken Phone Call

Jun 26, 2021

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Nie Wenjuan

Deputy Director of Institute of International Relations, China Foreign Affairs University

On June 11, Yang Jiechi, a CPC Politburo member and director of the Communist Part of

China Central Committee Office of Foreign Affairs, spoke on the phone with U.S. Secretary

of State Antony Blinken at the latter’s invitation. Compared with their March talks in

Alaska, this exchange seems to have caught little public attention, to the point that many

people have neglected the political message it conveyed.

This phone call to some extent signaled a U.S. intention to appease the Chinese side. Its

timing coincided with the G7 summit at the Carbis Bay resort in Cornwall, United Kingdom.

In hindsight, the G7 summit was obviously meant to coordinate responses to China. The

phone conversation immediately before the summit was in a sense meant to pacify China.

In other words, the U.S. intends to compete with and confront China, but the Biden

administration may try to avoid being seen as overly provocative. Despite their divergent

stances on some issues, the atmosphere on the phone was generally friendly, with Blinken

tweeting afterward that the exchange was “constructive.”

The two sides should have reached consensus on certain global hot spot issues. The

Chinese side’s statement about the call said “the two parties also exchanged ideas on other

issues of common concern,” while the U.S. State Department made a further revelation that

the global subjects they discussed included North Korea, Iran, Myanmar and climate

change. China and the U.S. do have differences when it comes to specific policies on those

issues, yet the fact that Blinken described the conversation as “practical” and “results-

oriented" indicates the two sides may have reached some agreement, the specifics of which

are yet to be revealed. But they certainly are of positive significance to regional and

international peace and stability.

The two sides still have significant differences on some issues, the most conspicuous being

that U.S. interference in Chinese domestic affairs has triggered strong opposition. The

Chinese side has rebutted and condemned U.S. interference regarding Taiwan, Xinjiang and

Hong Kong. During the latest talks, U.S. attacks on China focused more on Chinese domestic

affairs. Such previous hot spot topics as the South China Sea and the Belt and Road

Initiative were not even mentioned. Why was that? The U.S. has played the role of a “liberator” on South China Sea issues, helping countries in Southeast Asia safeguard their

so-called sovereignty and rights; but why has the U.S. abandoned the banter? The most

important reason is that with China’s proactive efforts, stakeholders in the South China Sea

disputes have achieved some consensus; therefore, Southeast Asian nations have to a great

extent adopted a non-participation attitude whenever the U.S. uses the South China Sea to

blame or provoke China. This has greatly weakened the issues’ function as a “handle,” as

well as the U.S. rhetorical priority on such subjects.

Against this backdrop, the U.S. will shift to a mode of doing more and speaking less,

continuing to wrangle with and confront China over the South China Sea while avoiding

falling into the embarrassing position of having few supporters. The trend can be seen at a

deeper level at which, with continuous endeavors in its diplomacy of peace and

cooperation, China is winning endorsements in Southeast Asia and the international

community.

The phone call with Blinken has offered the following inspirations for us to deliberate on

China-U.S. ties from an all-around perspective:

First, interactions in China-U.S. relations remain asymmetrical. The Chinese side proposes

mutually beneficial cooperation; the U.S. side sticks to the arrogance of one-sided gains. In

its news release, the Chinese side began by expressing goodwill, saying that “dialogue and

cooperation should be the mainstream of China-U.S. relations. Cooperation should be two-

way and mutually beneficial, resolving each other’s concerns in a balanced manner.”

Obviously the U.S. side failed to reciprocally resolve Chinese concerns in a balanced

manner. Instead, it blames China in domestic matter while asking it to cooperate on global

and regional hot spot issues.

Second, domestic affairs have become the new frontier of U.S. containment of China, a trend

of far-reaching competitive significance. Taking China’s domestic affairs as handles, the U.S.

has violated the principle of non-interference in domestic affairs laid out in the UN Charter.

Thus it will have difficulty getting moral support from the majority of countries, which will

further undermine U.S. influence in the international community. Of course, smearing

China over its domestic affairs serves the strategic purposes of a small number of countries

and the small circles and political cliques in the U.S., but it remains a huge question mark

whether such groundless accusations can motivate lasting cooperation in those small

circles.

Third, Chinese domestic affairs are pseudo propositions in the China-U.S. relationship. The

fact that the U.S. is focusing on these shows it is not sincere about the true issues in

bilateral ties, such as trade, economic structure, people-to-people exchanges and bilateral

strategic dialogue. The two countries should fight or collaborate, as the case may be, on

true issues, rather than wrangle over false claims. In this sense, the Biden administration is

still undecided on its China strategy.

Decoding the Yang-Blinken Phone Call - Nie Wenjuan - CHINA US Focus

Philippines gets approval for F-16, missile buy worth over $2 billion By: Mike Yeo 3 days ago 54

An F-16 Fighting Falcon takes off during a routine training event at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, on March 24, 2021. (Tech. Sgt. Kristin S. High/U.S. Air Force)

MELBOURNE, Australia — The U.S. State Department has paved the way for the

Philippines to potentially acquire Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon multirole

fighter jets and associated weapons, as the U.S. ally moves toward a decision for a key

component of its military modernization program.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency, or DSCA, notification released Thursday

afternoon cleared the Southeast Asian nation to buy:

10 F-16C Block 70/72 aircraft.

Two two-seat F-16D Block 70/72 aircraft.

15 Northrop Grumman AN/APG-83 scalable agile beam radars.

24 Raytheon AIM-120 advanced, medium-range, air-to-air missiles in the C-7

or C-8 variant.

Bombs.

GPS/laser guidance kits.

Associated and support equipment.

The package is worth an estimated $2.43 billion.

DSCA notifications do not serve as guarantees that sales will happen. Once the sale is

also approved by Congress, the foreign customer can negotiate on price and quantity,

both of which can change.

In two other separate notifications released around the same time, DSCA cleared the

Philippines to buy 24 Raytheon Technologies AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder air-to-air

missiles and 12 Boeing AGM-84L-1 Harpoon Block II anti-ship missiles, worth about

$42.4 million and $120 million, respectively.

The proposed sale of Harpoon missiles is also noteworthy given that the Philippines’ involvement with several standoffs against China over disputed islands in the South

China Sea. The Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militias have previously harassed

Philippine civilian vessels in the area.

The Block 70/72 version of the F-16 being offered to the Philippines is the latest version

of the mainstay fighter of many Western or Western-aligned countries. The key

improvement of the aircraft over earlier versions is the AN/APG-83 active electronically

scanned radar, which is also being retrofitted to the existing F-16 fleets of several Asia-

Pacific users, including Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan.

Philippines gets approval for F-16, missile buy worth over $2 billion (defensenews.com)

Philippines' human rights record an issue in pending $2.6B military sale

By

Ed Adamczyk

June 25 (UPI) -- Despite Congressional opposition, the U.S. State Department

announced a determination this week to sell nearly $2.6 billion of defense material

to the Philippines.

The largest potential sale involves 12 F-16 fighter planes at a cost of $2.43 billion,

the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said on Thursday.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

In separate statements, the DSCA announced agreements to sell 24 AIM-9X

Sidewinder tactical missiles at a $43.4 million, and 12 AGM-841-1 Harpoon missiles

at $120 million.

Each contract includes associated equipment, training and spare parts.

RELATEDPhilippines' Duterte threatens to jail those who refuse COVID-19 vaccine

Lockheed Martin would be the primary contractor for the F-16s, with Raytheon for

the Sidewinder missiles and Boeing for the Harpoon missiles.

The State Department gave its assent to the deals, which must still be approved by

Congress.

The DSCA statements noted that "the proposed sale will improve the Philippines'

capability to meet current and future threats by enabling the Philippines to deploy

fighter aircraft with precision munitions in support of counterterrorism operations in

the southern Philippines."

Philippines' human rights record an issue in pending $2.6B military sale - UPI.com

Philippines to receive new Dry Support Bridges from UK' WFEL by 2023

JUNE 25, 2021

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A WFEL Dry Support Birdge system using a Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles 10 x 10 platform. Photo

c/o Australian Defence Magazine.

The Philippine Army (PA) has procured a number of Dry Support Bridges (DSBs) from British military

bridging systems manufacturer WFEL.

This was confirmed by WFEL in a press release in June 2021, which also mentioned that the military

bridges were acquired under the Horizon 2 phase of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)

Modernization Program.

The new DSBs can be deployed within 90 minutes to provide temporary bridging infrastructure in

support of military operations, and can also be used for disaster relief operations.

It also has a 120 tons Military Load Classification, which would allow supporting heavy military and

civilian vehicles including main battle tanks and engineering equipment.

The Philippine Army chose the Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV) 45m 10 x 10 system, as

the DSB system can be mounted on a choice of select military heavy vehicles.

The new DSBs will be manufactured at WFEL's production facility in Stockport, UK, and would be

delivered by 2023. These would be equipping the Philippine Army's Combat Engineering units.

According to Filipino defense page MaxDefense Philippines in its report on February 2021, the DSBs

were acquired through Government-to-Government (G2G) arrangement with the British Ministry of

Defence (MOD), with the project awarded to WFEL on January 2021.

MaxDefense Philippines also confirmed that the decision to acquire these bridges were in

anticipation of the Philippine Army acquiring heavier military equipment in the near future, and was

made a priority after the Battle of Marawi City against ISIS-inspired terrorists where the lack of

mobile bridges made it more difficult for the Philippine security forces to liberate the city.

WFEL's Managing Director Mr. Ian Anderton said "We warmly welcome the Philippine Army into our

ever-growing user base of DSB Military Bridging Systems. We are proud of the fact that the Dry

Support Bridge is the world's most technically advanced, rapidly deployable military bridge of its type

and has proven its worth in both Combat and Disaster Relief situations time after time.

"By adopting the Dry Support Bridge, the Philippine Army is ensuring it has the future capability to

quickly manoeuvre across wet and dry gaps in complex, physical terrain, including man-made gaps,

ravines and rivers, as efficiently as possible and under the widest possible operational scenarios."

Philippines to receive new Dry Support Bridges from UK' WFEL by 2023 - Asia Pacific Defense Journal

Nuclear Posture Review, National Defense Strategy Will Be Thoroughly Integrated

J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 2 1 | B Y C . T O D D L O P E Z , D O D N EW S

A new National Defense Strategy is in the works and is expected to be completed early next

year. When delivered, it will provide a new set of goals and priorities for America's defense.

The Nuclear Posture Review, or NPR, will come on the coattails of the NDS and will be fully

nested within it, said Colin H. Kahl, the undersecretary of defense for policy,

Wednesday during a virtual discussion at the 2021 Carnegie International Nuclear Policy

Conference.

"We want to make sure that the nuclear posture review does not stand on its own in its

own silo, no pun intended, but is rather integrated into the analysis of the NDS."

The NPR will spell out, among other things, priorities for modernizing the U.S. nuclear triad

and ensure that the United States has the right capabilities matched with the national

nuclear strategy. The review will also examine how the United States can take steps to

reduce the role of nuclear weapons in its national security strategy while ensuring the

strategic deterrent remains safe, secure and effective and that the extended deterrence

commitments to its allies remain strong and credible.

Experience: America's Nuclear Triad

It will be informed by the current and projected global security environment; threats posed

by potential adversaries, and the capabilities of the United States and its allies and partners

to address those threats; and the impacts of policy, posture and capabilities on strategic

stability and the risks of miscalculation. Both documents will figure into the fiscal year

2023 budget deliberations, Kahl said. Especially important to the FY 2023 budget will be

decisions the department makes about modernizing and replacing the aging systems of the

nuclear triad, which includes ground-launched, submarine-launched and air-launched

nuclear weapons. Modernization also involves new submarines, such as the Columbia-class

ballistic missile submarines; new intercontinental ballistic missiles as part of the Ground-

Based Strategic Deterrent program; and new bomber aircraft, such as the B-21 Raider.

Nuclear Posture Review, National Defense Strategy Will Be Thoroughly Integrated > U.S. DEPARTMENT

OF DEFENSE > Defense Department News

U.S. Must Remain Committed to Hypersonics

6/25/2021

By Rebecca Wostenberg

X-43A

NASA photo

On Oct. 1, 2019, the People’s Republic of China celebrated its 70th anniversary with full authoritarian pomp and circumstance. Amongst the pageantry of the massive military parade, China publicly flaunted the Dongfeng-17, a medium-range missile system equipped with a hypersonic glide vehicle.

Although the U.S. was aware of the existence of the DF-17, the parade highlighted two significant questions: first, why do hypersonic weapons matter, and second, how did China beat the United States in fielding a hypersonic capability? The answers are complicated and include over 60 years of boom-and-bust cycles in America.

Hypersonic weapons, including maneuvering missiles flying at least five times the speed of sound, or Mach 5, within the Earth’s atmosphere, can deliver long-range lethal effects on short

time scales. In other words, if an adversary is launching missiles that take minutes to reach their target while U.S. missiles take hours, we will be at a significant disadvantage. Similarly, speed limits the decision time for adversaries, thus getting inside their decision-making process or “OODA” loop.

Speed is not the only advantage of hypersonics. Their value also lies in maneuverability and the altitudes at which they fly, which, when combined with speed, make them very challenging to detect and therefore defend against.

The United States once had a significant advantage in its stealth technology, but our adversaries have learned over the years how to counter stealth and have developed their own capabilities. Hypersonics have been called the next thing after stealth; but if hypersonic weapons are critical to national defense, why has the U.S. not already fielded the technology?

Traveling at hypersonic speeds is nothing new. Every intercontinental ballistic missile or civilian space probe reaches hypersonic speeds upon reentry. However, developing a successful maneuverable vehicle that can travel at sustained Mach 5-plus is a significant challenge. In the early 1960s, the U.S. Air Force developed the concept of a “spaceplane.” By the 1980s, the concept had morphed into the National Aerospace Plane Program. NASP was a $3.3 billion joint Defense Department-NASA program to build an affordable plane that could travel up to Mach 25-plus from the Earth’s surface into space, taking off and landing from conventional airfields.

The program was ultimately canceled when Congress ended the funding in 1994, with only a few test articles and modeling tools to show for it.

NASA built on the NASP work with its X-43 subscale aircraft, one of which flew to Mach 7, and another to Mach 10, in 2004. Although the X-43 was considered a technical success, politics and personalities got in the way and there was no follow-on to the program.

The Air Force later pursued its own hypersonic flight test program, the jet-powered X-51, which flew successfully in 2010 and 2013, but was also not continued after those first flights.

U.S. Must Remain Committed to Hypersonics (nationaldefensemagazine.org)

Judge keeps India terror attack suspect in US custody 25 Jun 2021 08:10AM(Updated: 25 Jun 2021 08:11AM)

LOS ANGELES: A former Chicago businessman will remain in the United States as a federal judge in Los Angeles weighs whether he will be extradited to India for his alleged role in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack that killed more than 160 people.

Tahawwur Rana, a Pakistani-born Canadian, is wanted by Indian authorities for his alleged involvement in the deadly attacks that are sometimes referred to as India’s 9/11. An Indian warrant for his arrest was issued in August 2018.

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Magistrate Judge Jacqueline Chooljian on Thursday ordered the defense attorneys and prosecutors to file additional documents by Jul 15. Rana will remain in federal custody.

Indian authorities allege that Rana conspired with his childhood friend David Coleman Headley to assist the Pakistani terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba, or “Army of the Good,” in the orchestration of the 2008 terror attacks in Mumbai that killed 166 people, injured more than 200 and caused US$1.5 billion in damage.

Headley and Rana attended military high school in Pakistan together. Rana’s immigration law center in Chicago, as well as a satellite office in Mumbai, was allegedly used as a front for their terrorism activities between 2006 and 2008, prosecutors say.

Rana’s attorneys said their client was not aware of Headley’s terrorism plot and was merely trying to help his childhood friend and set up a Mumbai business office. They also said Headley is a serial liar who has deceived the US government multiple times in several criminal cases, and his testimony should not be viewed as credible. The attorneys alleged that Headley had used Rana to further his terrorism efforts without Rana’s knowledge.

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Rana’s two daughters attended the hearing. They declined to comment, as did his lawyers.

Rana wore a white jumpsuit and black glasses, as well as a mask at the hearing. His ankles were shackled.

Only one of the 10 Mumbai terrorists survived the four-day rampage and went on trial. He was convicted, sentenced to death in India and hanged.

In 2011, Rana was convicted in federal court in Illinois of conspiracy to provide material support to terrorism in Denmark for a thwarted plot to attack a Danish newspaper to retaliate for its publication of cartoons that depicted the Prophet Mohamed in 2005. The cartoons angered many Muslims because pictures of the prophet are prohibited in Islam.

Judge keeps India terror attack suspect in US custody - CNA (channelnewsasia.com)

Government report can't explain UFOs, but offers no evidence of aliens

Out of 144 encounters with mysterious aircraft, 143 are literally unidentifiable, according to a newly released report to Congress.

“Of the 144 data points … we have no clear indications that there is any non-terrestrial explanation for them. But we will go wherever the data takes us on this,” a senior U.S. government official said. | Department of Defense via AP

A new intelligence report sent to Congress on Friday concludes that virtually all of the

144 sightings of unidentified flying objects documented by the military since 2004 are of

unknown origin, in an extremely rare public accounting of the U.S. government ’s data on UFOs that is likely to fuel further speculation about phenomena the intelligence

community has long struggled to understand.

The report — the government’s first unclassified assessment in half a century — does not

offer any definitive answers on who or what may be operating a variety of aircraft that, in some cases, appear to defy known characteristics of aerodynamics, and that officials

believe pose a threat to national security and flight safety.

The Pentagon, assisted by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, found no evidence to indicate that they mark a technological breakthrough by a foreign adversary,

or that the objects are of an extraterrestrial origin — though neither explanation has

been ruled out in what has been described as a preliminary assessment that lacks sufficient data.

“Of the 144 data points … we have no clear indications that there is any non-terrestrial

explanation for them. But we will go wherever the data takes us on this,” a senior U.S.

government official said.

The report speculates about several possible explanations, ranging from natural

phenomena to new developmental aircraft to what is simply referred to as “other” — a

classification that encompasses a range of potential realities, including the possibility that at least some of the encounters defy simple, earthbound explanations.

“[Unexplainable sightings] pose a hazard to safety of flight and could pose a broader

danger if some instances represent sophisticated collection against U.S. military activities by a foreign government or demonstrate a breakthrough aerospace technology

by a potential adversary,” the report states.

The intelligence community uses five separate categories to try to classify the objects,

according to the report; but just one of the 144 sightings examined in the report was definitively placed into a category. Eighteen of the observed UFOs — or unidentified

aerial phenomena (UAP), in U.S. government parlance — exhibited potentially advanced

technology that the U.S. government does not completely understand; 11 included encounters in which vehicles came dangerously close to American personnel.

“The UAP we’ve documented … demonstrate an array of aerial behaviors, which really emphasizes the point that not all UAP are the same thing,” the official added. “There is not one single explanation for UAP.”

Some of the 18 incidents “appeared to remain stationary in winds aloft, move against the

wind, maneuver abruptly, or move at considerable speed, without discernible means of propulsion,” the report states. It also notes that some “have been detected near military

facilities or by aircraft carrying the [U.S. government’s] most advanced sensor systems.”

The nine-page public report was separate from a top-secret portion, which is likely to

prompt claims that the government is shielding crucial information. But the report’s public release marks a watershed moment for a topic that has long been the focus of

public fascination and ridicule, as well as deep suspicion that the government is hiding

its full knowledge about UFOs.

“[I]t has become increasingly clear that unidentified aerial phenomena are not a rare

occurrence and our government needs a unified way to gather, analyze, and

contextualize these reports,” House Intelligence Committee Chair Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) said. “As we continue to receive updates, we will share what we can with the American

people as excessive secrecy will only spur more speculation.”

DEFENSE

Senators want the public to see the government's UFO reports

BY BRYAN BENDER The five categories of possible explanations for the encounters include: common items such as birds, balloons or recreational drones; weather or other atmospheric conditions;

new aircraft being developed by U.S. government entities or private companies; and an

unknown design from a foreign adversary. The report also includes a catch-all category of possible explanations it calls “other” that “may require additional scientific

knowledge” to more fully understand.

The government’s inability to categorize more than just one of the 144 unexplained sightings is attributed in part to a limited process for collecting such data, as well as

different approaches by various government agencies, if any approaches exist at all. The

report calls for expanding and standardizing the reporting methods.

“We quite frankly have a bit of work yet to do in order to truly assess and address the threats posed by UAP,” the official said.

Another major impediment is the lingering stigma surrounding UFOs that prevents

pilots and other personnel from coming forward with their testimony for fear it could hurt their careers. Nearly all of the sightings examined by the Pentagon and ODNI were

reported by Navy pilots.

Congress mandated the report’s creation in last year’s Intelligence Authorization Act,

and lawmakers who sit on the House and Senate armed services and intelligence committees will be able to review the classified portion. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), the

vice chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, led the push after revelations in 2017

that a Pentagon office was tracking a number of unexplained sightings reported by Navy pilots. For decades prior, though, former presidents as well as former Senate Majority

Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) urged a greater focus on the phenomenon.

Rubio hailed the report as “an important first step” but said the Pentagon and intelligence community “have a lot of work to do before we can actually understand

whether these aerial threats present a serious national security concern.”

The pilots’ public testimony and leaked videos also grabbed the attention of Congress.

Last year, the Pentagon set up the Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force, which compiled the congressional report.

The insider’s guide to the Pentagon UFO report

A GUIDE BY BRYAN BENDER

The report hints at several calls to action that Congress can facilitate, including an

expanded research effort and additional funding to develop a systematic government

approach for collecting and analyzing UAP data, which officials believe is incomplete.

“Additional rigorous analysis are necessary by multiple teams or groups of technical

experts to determine the nature and validity of these data,” the report states.

The report is also the result of years of behind-the-scenes lobbying by former Pentagon and intelligence officials and outside UFO enthusiasts who have maintained that

military and intelligence leaders have not taken the phenomenon seriously enough,

which some maintain presents a “blind spot” for national security.

“The hurdle is and was reliable data. We are in a better place because the Navy

established a process in 2019 to overcome that problem and the Task Force is building

on those improvements,” said David Norquist, the deputy secretary of defense in the

Trump administration who established the UAP Task Force.

“The way ahead is to reduce the stigma, expand the data collection and use data

analytics to better understand UAPs,” he added.

For some national security veterans pressing the government for a more robust

investigation, the report is a major step toward solving a mystery that has either been ignored by officialdom or relegated to the margins of intelligence gathering and analysis

and scientific inquiry.

“We now know what this is not,” said Luis Elizondo, a former Pentagon official and

career counterintelligence specialist who oversaw UAP research before retiring in 2017 out of frustration that superiors did not take the intrusions seriously. “It is not secret

U.S. technology.”

“There are only two options here,” he added. “Either we are dealing with one of the greatest intelligence failures in history, or we are dealing with the greatest mystery of all

time.”

“I’m thrilled they had the guts to do so and that this conversation is now occurring,”

added Christoper Mellon, a former Pentagon intelligence official and senior Senate Intelligence Committee staffer who has advocated for more research into the

phenomena. “At this point, there is no denying that the UAP issue raises serious

concerns that we cannot afford to ignore.”

The insider's guide to the Pentagon and UFOs

He also said the most significant takeaway is that the U.S. government “confirms that

none of these objects are built by us or known to us.”

It also strongly downplays, he said, the notion that a potential adversary has made some

major technological breakthrough without the knowledge of U.S. spy agencies.

“There is no evidence to suggest these objects are from Russia or China,” Mellon said.

“That theory seems especially weak when we consider how long this phenomenon has

been observed.”

As the report also attests, the number of recorded sightings is likely a very low estimate.

“We know from experience that few military personnel were willing to report UAPs,”

said Mellon.

So what isn't in the full report? Mellon suspects that the government is still shielding

some data.

“It is far from clear how much information the [Pentagon task force] could elicit from

organizations led by 4-star flag officers and agency directors,” he said. “Undoubtedly,

some important information was not shared, potentially for a variety of reasons. Congress should inquire about that.”

Government report can't explain UFOs, but offers no evidence of aliens - POLITICO

Afghans who worked as interpreters for

US troops hold rally

BY

KATHY GANNON • ASSOCIATED PRESS • JUNE 25, 2021

Former Afghan interpreters hold placards during a demonstrations against the US

government, in front of the US Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, Friday, June 25, 2021. (AP

Photo/Mariam Zuhaib) (Mariam Zuhaib)

KABUL, Afghanistan — A small group of Afghans who worked as interpreters for the U.S.

military rallied on Friday near the American Embassy in Kabul, protesting the red tape that

stands in the way of their leaving Afghanistan.

The protest comes amid a push to get Afghan interpreters and others who helped the U.S.

out of the country as American and NATO troops complete their pullout. The protesters in

Kabul said they are victims of a bureaucratic nightmare as they try to escape abroad.

Many — even those who have not been directly threatened — say they fear for their lives,

despite assurances from the Taliban they would not be targeted.

The former interpreters said the situation is increasingly urgent. Many had their special

immigration visas approved, only to see them later denied, allegedly because of minor

discrepancies in their statements from one interview to another. Others had been denied

outright or were approved but were still waiting for the visas.

One of the men, Omid Mahmoodi, said he was not moved by President Joe Biden's promise

on Thursday that Afghans who had helped the U.S. military during the last nearly 20 years

would not be left behind.

"We think he is lying," said Mahmoodi, who worked as a translator in 2018 . "Time is

running out."

Lately, it's become evident that the deadline for the last of the 2,500-3,5000 U.S. troops and

7,000 allied NATO soldiers to leave Afghanistan has been accelerated. Biden had said the

last of the troops would be home no later than Sept. 11 but it has become increasingly clear

that th e last soldiers would be gone from Afghanistan as early as next month.

Hezat Shah, who said he worked as an interpreter in southern Helmand province, a Taliban

stronghold, said he risked his life each time he stepped into an armored vehicle with the

Americans.

He said he does not trust a Taliban statement from last month that they would not seek

revenge against those who worked with the Americans or helped Western interests.

"They are not to be trusted ... they are lying," said Shah.

Biden faces strong criticism from some Republicans for pulling out of Afghanistan, even

though President Donald Trump made the 2020 deal with the Taliban to withdraw all U.S.

forces by May 2021.

The Taliban are today stronger than they have ever been since the 2001 invasion to topple

their regime for harboring Osama bin Laden, the al-Qaida chief, and have control over

roughly half of Afghanistan, mostly rural areas. There is deep insecurity and fear of

violence from the Taliban and the many heavily armed U.S.-allied warlords once the U.S.

withdraws. Increasing lawlessness and a recent move to resurrect militias to fight a Taliban

surge has further fired fears of a violent future for Afghanistan

Later on Friday, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah, chair of the High

Council for National Reconciliation, are meeting with Biden at the White House.

As past experience not just from Afghanistan but also Iraq has shown, the vetting process

to qualify for a special immigration visa could sometimes takes years, with multiple

interviews — and the smallest contradiction from one interview to the next would be

enough to disqualify an applicant.

Steve Miska, author of Baghdad Underground Railroad, which tells of the challenges faced

by interpreters and their struggles to find a new life in America, said the "bureaucracy is a

mess."

"I don't think the process was intentionally designed to be self-defeating. However, 9/11

created a hypervigilant U.S. response to terrorism," Miska said in an email to The

Associated Press. "The good intentions of the disparate intelligence community has created

an extremely challenging process."

Mohammad Shoaib Walizada, who applied for his visa in 2012, was at first accepted but

then rejected, said that in one interview he mentioned having three cousins, and later

erroneously changed the figure. Mahmoodi, the other interpreter, said he mentioned an

uncle and claimed he forgot to mention the uncle's death in a subsequent interview, and

was disqualified.

"Then they say you are lying, but I just didn't remember," said Mahmoodi.

Stars and Stripes - Afghans who worked as interpreters for US troops hold rally

DOD Wants Partners to Up Their Cybersecurity

Game, Official Says

J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 2 1 | B Y T E R R I M O O N C R O N K , D O D N E W S

The Defense Department wants to help its partner contractors, large and

small, become better at their own cybersecurity efforts, the deputy assistant of defense for cyber policy said yesterday.

"We definitely want to make sure that size is not an obstacle to working with the Defense Department," Mieke Eoyang said at the Defense One

Tech Summit. "And we are trying to figure out how to make it easier for [contractors] to understand what kinds of better security practices are

out there and what they can do to protect themselves."

Eoyang said U.S. adversaries are very much aware that DOD relies on

innovation, but she added DOD doesn't just look at only large contractors when looking for a technological edge. It's also important for contractors

to adopt best practices in cybersecurity — such as turning on multi-factor authentication, using cloud migration or working with

cybersecurity companies — to enhance their own security, she said.

DOD participates in whole-of-government activities to target and disrupt

ransomware, the deputy assistant secretary said, adding that the department is willing to work through its intelligence and law

enforcement partners to provide insights to disrupt such threats.

It's vital for industry to think about this from the perspective of resilience, Eoyang said of protection in cybersecurity.

"Companies need to be prepared for the possibility that it could happen

to them," Eoyang said. "They need to improve their security, make themselves harder targets, but also really think about continuity of

operations, so if, or when, they get hit, they know how to keep moving and how to work around the problem. But I don't think that we want to

be in a position where people are turning to the Department of Defense to try and stop every single criminal gang out there …. We have to be able to focus on those nation state adversaries, and we do focus on that. But

in the meantime, people also need to focus on improving their own

resilience, being harder targets."

DOD is resilient and mature in its cybersecurity practices, the deputy assistant secretary said. "I think it's very clear from the president on down … and other countries should make no mistake about the seriousness with which the United States treats this problem and our

interest in being able to get after malicious actors."

DOD has been working through U.S. Cyber Command and other entities, she said, directly with industry to help contractors identify potential

malicious activity on their networks. "And there are other things we can do to help people — [such as] when we identify malware, we can post it

out there for the world to see — so that they can take that into consideration as part of their efforts to secure their own systems."

As DOD considers how to bolster its allies, security cooperation is a big

factor, Eoyang said. "What I've seen so far is that one of the No. 1 requests to the combatant commanders for security cooperation

assistance is in the area of cybersecurity. But we do not have the clarity of offerings that the private sector could provide under security

cooperation funds to our partners and allies, so I would encourage industry to work with us so that we have a better understanding of what

might be available, what they might be able to provide through security

cooperation, to help shore up the cybersecurity of our partners and

allies. And [our] door's always open to talk about that."

DOD Wants Partners to Up Their Cybersecurity Game, Official Says > U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE >

Defense Department News

Leaders Discuss Future Warfighting on an

Unpredictable Battlespace

J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 2 1 | B Y D A V I D V E R G U N , D O D N E W S

Warfighters will experience a less predictable battlefield in the future, compared to past experience. Therefore, warfighters need to be more

comfortable with uncertainty. They need to be more understanding of the strategy underpinning the guidance that they're given, the director of

science and technology for Special Operations Forces said.

Lisa Sanders, provided remarks at Defense One Tech Summit today. She

was joined by Tim Grayson, the director of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's Strategic Technology Office.

"The unknown is an opportunity, not just a risk," she said, noting that

there's a mindset that wants risk removed. With some coaching, Sanders said warfighters can be trained to become

disruptive and innovative thinkers who thrive in chaotic environments.

Grayson said DARPA is studying the challenges of warfighters dealing with battlefield unpredictability and also creating unpredictability for

the adversary.

There are basically two types of warriors, he said, the high-level

commanders who focus on strategy and the young soldiers who do the fighting with different skill levels, training and experience.

Spotlight: Science and Technology

A key aspect of training the junior soldiers is to give them what they

need to do their jobs without overwhelming them with complexity, he said.

Grayson said he has a lot of hope for the younger generation, which

seems to be technologically savvy, having grown up in the digital age. They may be more comfortable operating technically complex systems of

the future like the Joint All-Domain Command and Control system.

"One of the challenges that we're going to see in the military is how do

we bring up someone who can perform with the discipline needed to be in the military, while at the same time, not losing that sort of

independent thinking that's so common today in America's youth," he said.

Grayson also spoke of the legacy mindset that needs to be changed on the future battlespace. He used the example of stealth aircraft back in the

1970s, where it was difficult to convince the Air Force of the value of stealth as a different way of fighting wars. Legacy thinking could also

affect the implementation of JADC2 in the future.

Leaders Discuss Future Warfighting on an Unpredictable Battlespace > U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE >

Defense Department News

Joint ‘Strategic Directives’ Set Requirements For All Domain Ops

The Joint Warfighting Concept "is an excellent concept, but the concept is just that -- it's

a concept. That concept is going to drive experimentation, it's going to drive future

capabilities and future doctrine, but right now it's just the concept and we're still learning

with it," VCJCS Gen. John Hyten says.

By THERESA HITCHENSon June 24, 2021 at 5:01 PM

Gen. John Hyten

WASHINGTON: Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. John Hyten has signed four

new Strategic Directives’ that set top-level, joint requirements for All Domain Operations.

It’s a first step in implementing the new Joint Warfighting Concept (JWC) defining how the

US will fight future wars. “Together, the Directives provide a roadmap of the capabilities and attributes the Joint

Force will need to succeed in the 21st century,” a spokesperson for Hyten said in an email.

“The JROC [Joint Requirements Oversight Council] Members — the Vice Chairman and the

Vice Chiefs of each of the Services — worked together closely over a year to design these

requirements. This is a key milestone in the implementation of the new Joint Warfighting

Concept.”

The four directives will guide the services in implementing the four key tenets of the JWC:

joint fires, Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2), contested logistics and

information advantage. They also represent a new set of teeth for the JROC to keep the

services aligned with military commanders’ needs — not always an easy task as the

service’s jockey for primacy of turf and budgets.

In a presentation to the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center (JAIC) taped before the directives

were formalized, Hyten stressed that their contents “will be mandatory compliant to all the

services — all the services will meet the elements that are embedded in all of them.”

At the same time, he explained, the Joint Warfighting Concept, signed by JCS Chairman Gen.

Mark Milley on March 31 and approved shortly thereafter by Defense Secretary Lloyd

Austin, is a work in progress. “The chairman signed version 1.0 and the Secretary of Defense has blessed it, and given us

guidance for version 2.0 this year as we move forward,” he said. “It is an excellent concept.

Joint 'Strategic Directives' Set Requirements For All Domain Ops - Breaking Defense Breaking Defense -

Defense industry news, analysis and commentary

JAIC’s Joint Information Warfare Team Helps Field Malware Detection, Looks to AI for Space Applications

Raytheon Intelligence & Space’s concept illustration of a quantum radar, which could help better detect, track, catalog and identify man-made objects in Earth’s orbit. (Artist: James Vaughan)

Share:

By Frank Wolfe | 4 days ago | 06/25/2021

Also In This Issue:

Defense Watch: DDG-51 Budget Saga; USAF Battle Lab; Mack Truck JAIC’s Joint Information Warfare Team Helps Field Malware Detection, Looks to AI

for Space Applications Allies And Partners Asking COCOMs for Cybersecurity Assistance, DoD Official

Says Air Combat Command Establishes 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing Kongsberg Demos Javelin Shot From Multiple CROWS Configurations, Including

From Army’s RCV-Light MDA Director Provides Updates On Aegis Ashore Poland, Lessons Learned

The Pentagon’s Joint Artificial Intelligence Center (JAIC) Joint Information Warfare (JIW) team developed and helped field AI malware detection and threat detection tools and is now looking to develop AI for the space realm.

Established in fiscal 2019…

JAIC’s Joint Information Warfare Team Helps Field Malware Detection, Looks to AI for Space Applications

(defensedaily.com)

Guam's New Aegis Ashore Missile Defense System

Could Go Underground And Mobile

New details about plans to establish an Aegis Ashore site on Guam

underscore the threats that the system itself could face in a major conflict.

BY JOSEPH TREVITHICK JUNE 24, 2021

MDA

S H A R E

The head of the U.S. Missile Defense Agency has suggested that portions of a

future Aegis Ashore site on the strategic American island of Guam in the Pacific

could go into bunkers underground or onto mobile platforms. Ostensibly, this is

due to Guam's terrain and limited overall space, but it also speaks to the potential

vulnerabilities of such a facility, especially in a major conflict with a near-peer

adversary, such as China.

The Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) director, U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Jon

Hill, provided these and other details about the current state of plans for an Aegis

Ashore capability on Guam at an event that Center for Strategic and

International Studies (CSIS) think tank hosted earlier this week. U.S. military

officials have publicly said in the past that their goal is for this site, whatever its

configuration might be in the end, to be operational by 2026.

Guam's New Aegis Ashore Missile Defense System Could Go Underground And Mobile (thedrive.com)

‘Awful message’: Biden’s slimmed-down Navy budget scorned as China threat looms

In this photo released by the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) conducts routine operations in the Taiwan Strait, May 18, 2021. China on Thursday, May 20, 2021, issued its second protest in ... more >

Print By Joseph Clark - The Washington Times - Tuesday, June 22, 2021

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are sounding an alarm on the Navy‘s “divest to

invest” strategy, which they say is leaving the service vulnerable to a rising China.

Faced with tough budgetary decisions and with an eye on threats of the future,

the Navy has committed to decommissioning 15 ships and reduced its procurement

by close to 9% to redirect funds toward research and development for warfare

capabilities. The plan is to divest in current capabilities and invest in future war

technology.

Lawmakers and defense experts say the strategy has a poor track record and delays

much-needed capabilities.

Biden's slimmed-down Navy budget scorned as China threat looms - Washington Times

SMART BOMBS: MILITARY, DEFENSE, NATIONAL SECURITY AND MORE

The U.S. Navy’s Greatest Fear (No, Not A War

With Russia Or China) In what should be seen as a truly worrisome state of affairs, the U.S. Navy is already facing cost overruns and delays for its first major projects under a new 20-year shipyard modernization effort. About the only “good news” in all of this is that the Navy is reported to be hoping to learn from the overruns and schedule slips as it moves forward with its $20 billion Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program. The goal of the project was to completely overhaul and reconfigure the four facilities – Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY), Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY), Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PSNS&IMF), and Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PHNSY&IMF) – that can help improve the timely return of U.S. Navy ships and submarines back to the fleet following maintenance and modernization. That, in turn, supports the combat readiness of the Navy. Currently, the facilities are what require the most maintenance and modernization, and the efforts to get there are facing the aforementioned delays and overruns.

The four facilities were originally designed and built in the 19th and 20th centuries to construct and maintain sail- and conventionally-powered ships, and as a result, the Navy’s public shipyards are not efficiently configured to maintain and modernize nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines. The Naval Sea Systems Command has warned that these inefficiencies as well as the obsolete facilities have resulted in higher maintenance costs, schedule risks and reliability issues.

The U.S. Navy's Greatest Fear (No, Not a War with Russia or China) - 19FortyFive

AMERICAN STRATEGIC SEALIFT IN PEER-TO-PEER

CONFLICTS: A HISTORICAL RETROSPECTIVE, PT. 1

JUNE 24, 2021 GUEST AUTHOR LEAVE A COMMENT

Strategic Sealift Topic Week By Salvatore R. Mercogliano, Ph.D. To say that the nation’s sealift resources are in distress is an understatement. One only needs to examine some of the most recent articles on this subject: “Sealift is America’s Achilles Heel in the Age of Great Power Competition”; “The US Army is preparing to fight in Europe, but can it even get there?”; “Report: U.S. Sealift Lacks Personnel, Hulls, National Strategy”; Can the US Save Its Sealift Fleet?”; and “The Next Administration Will Need to Fix Military Sealift.” If the United States finds itself engaged in peer-to-peer competition and conflict, as it has in the past during the First World War, the Second World War, and during the Cold War, it will find itself in a position that it has not been in for over a century; of a nation lacking a dedicated sealift force and a merchant marine only a fraction of a percent necessary to carry its own commerce. Today, the Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force provides the sole underway replenishment for the U.S Navy. The Afloat Prepositioning Force, which once included three squadrons, has been reduced to two. The surge sealift fleet has been similarly cut down from 61 to 54 ships, but still below the readiness threshold to be able to transport 10 million square feet of cargo to the combatant commanders. Finally, the U.S. merchant marine is down to just 180 ships. All of this means that should the United States become engaged in another peer-to-peer conflict, they may lack the requisite sealift, merchant marine, and maritime industrial base to support the Department of Defense. Current plans include a sealift recapitalization scheme that provided funds for two used ships last year, and five more this year, but none have yet to be purchased. The current situation is unsustainable. An examination of the past can provide some alternatives and solutions to the current dilemma the United States finds itself in.

American Strategic Sealift in Peer-to-Peer Conflicts: A Historical Retrospective, Pt. 1 | Center for

International Maritime Security (cimsec.org)

.

US Navy sees better LCS maintenance from sailors in ongoing Tulsa, Charleston deployments By: Megan Eckstein 4 days ago 35

Independence-variant littoral combat ship Tulsa conducts routine operations in the Philippine Sea on June 13, 2021. Tulsa, part of Destroyer Squadron 7, is on a rotational deployment operating in the U.S. 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force. (MC2 Colby A. Mothershead/U.S. Navy)

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Navy is seeing improved maintenance on deployed littoral

combat ships amid efforts to boost readiness and operational endurance, now that is has

switched from contractor-based work to sailor-performed maintenance, the commander

of a destroyer squadron said.

The two LCSs deployed to the Pacific are also carrying hybrid surface warfare and mine

countermeasures systems — another deviation from original operational plans that

called for using strictly defined mission packages that could solely perform in one

warfare area at a time.

Capt. Tom Ogden, commodore of Destroyer Squadron 7, told reporters this month that

the Navy is trying to maximize the capability and adaptability of LCS in the current

deployments of Independence-variant LCSs Tulsa and Charleston.

“As we look at the maintenance model of LCS, we are steadily increasing maintenance

execution teams, so active-duty sailors who are doing the maintenance. Over the last

two availabilities that we had on Tulsa and Charleston in Guam, we had maintenance

execution teams from the LCS Division 12 in San Diego [who] came out and conducted

maintenance on the ship. And the maintenance execution teams during those

maintenance periods executed maintenance at a greater than 100 percent level. So not

only did they do all the checks that were scheduled for them to complete, they

completed checks that had been deferred in availabilities in the past,” Ogden said during

the June 10 media roundtable.

Because the sailor are performing the maintenance, “they’re getting expertise on the

equipment which they are maintaining, so they’re building a level of knowledge and

understanding of the equipment, which allows them to not only do preventive

maintenance but then corrective maintenance as needed,” he added.

US Navy sees better LCS maintenance from sailors in ongoing Tulsa, Charleston deployments

(defensenews.com)

USS Ronald Reagan arrives in Middle East to assist

US drawdown from Afghanistan

BY

CAITLIN DOORNBOS • STARS AND STRIPES • JUNE 25, 2021

USS Ronald Reagan conducts a fueling-at-sea with fleet replenishment oiler USNS Pecos on

May 27, 2021, in the Philippine Sea. The Reagan and its strike group arrived in the Middle

East on Friday, June 25, 2021, to help protect troops withdrawing from Afghanistan. (Jackie

Hart/U.S. Navy)

WASHINGTON — The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan and its strike group arrived in the

Middle East on Friday to help protect troops withdrawing from Afghanistan, the Navy

announced.

The Reagan, and its crew of 5,000 service members, joins the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D.

Eisenhower, which has been in the region since early April. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin

later that month ordered the ship to stay there ahead of the drawdown’s May 1 start. “The Ronald Reagan [strike group] will operate and train alongside regional and coalition

partners and provide airpower to protect U.S. and coalition forces as they conduct

drawdown operations from Afghanistan,” the Navy said in its announcement.

The ship’s strike group includes the guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh and guided-missile

destroyer USS Halsey, according to the announcement.

Based in Yokosuka, Japan, the Reagan typically patrols the 7th Fleet area of operations in

the Western Pacific, a region wrought with tension over China's military buildup on islands

and reefs in the South China Sea.

Friday marks the first time since 2012 that the ship has entered the 5th Fleet region, which

includes the Arabian Sea, Red Sea, Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman and parts of the Indian Ocean,

according to the Navy. “As an inherently flexible maneuver force capable of supporting routine and contingency

operations, the carrier’s presence demonstrates the U.S. Navy’s commitment to regional

partners and maritime security,” the service said in its statement.

But with the ship now in the 5th Fleet region — the 7th Fleet region is no longer protected

by an aircraft carrier.

The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson was in the Pacific Ocean as of Tuesday, according to a

Navy statement that day, but the ship was in the 3rd Fleet’s area of responsibility, which

spans from Hawaii to California.

The Navy did not say Friday whether the Eisenhower would travel home now that the

Reagan has arrived. Before Austin ordered the carrier to stay in the region to assist with

the drawdown, the Eisenhower already had been deployed since February.

Stars and Stripes - USS Ronald Reagan arrives in Middle East to assist US drawdown from Afghanistan

Report to Congress on Columbia-class Ballistic

Missile Submarine Program

June 25, 2021 6:43 AM

The following is the June 24, 2021 Congressional Research Service report, Navy Columbia (SSBN-826) Class Ballistic Missile Submarine Program: Background and Issues for Congress.

The Navy’s Columbia (SSBN-826) class ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) program is a program to design and build a class of 12 new SSBNs to replace the Navy ’s current force of 14 aging Ohio-class SSBNs. Since 2013, the Navy has consistently identified the Columbia-class program as the Navy’s top priority program. The Navy procured the first Columbia-class boat in FY2021 and wants to procure the second boat in the class in FY2024.

The Navy’s proposed FY2022 budget requests $3,003.0 (i.e., $3.0 billion) in procurement funding for the first Columbia-class boat and $1,644.0 million (i.e., about $1,.6 billion) in advance procurement (AP) funding for the second boat, for a combined FY2022 procurement and AP funding request of $4,647.0 million (i.e., about $4.6 billion).

The Navy’s FY2022 budget submission estimates the procurement cost of the first Columbia-class boat at $15,030.5 million (i.e., about $15.0 billion) in then-year dollars, including $6,557.6 million (i.e., about $6.60 billion) in costs for plans, meaning (essentially) the detail design/nonrecurring engineering (DD/NRE) costs for the Columbia class. (It is a long-standing Navy budgetary practice to incorporate the DD/NRE costs for a new class of ship into the total procurement cost of the first ship in the class.) Excluding costs for plans, the estimated hands-on construction cost of the first ship is $8,473.0 million (i.e., about $8.5 billion). The Navy’s FY2021 budget submission estimated the total procurement cost of a 12-ship class at $109.8 billion in then-year dollars.

Issues for Congress for the Columbia-class program include the following:

the risk—due to the COVID-19 pandemic, technical challenges, and/or funding-related issues—of a delay in designing and building the lead Columbia-class boat, which could put at risk the Navy’s ability to have the boat ready for its first scheduled deterrent patrol in 2031, when it is to deploy in the place of the first retiring Ohio-class SSBN;

whether the Navy in its annual budget submission has accurately priced the work it is proposing to do in the Columbia-class program during that fiscal year;

the risk of cost growth in the program; the potential impact of the Columbia-class program on funding that will be available

for other Navy programs, including other shipbuilding programs; and potential industrial-base challenges of building both Columbia-class boats and

Virginia-class attack submarines (SSNs) at the same time.

Report to Congress on Columbia-class Ballistic Missile Submarine Program - USNI News

Women in Submarines: 10 years later

25 June 2021

From Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Cameron Stoner, SUBLANT Public

Affairs NORFOLK, Va. - Female officers in the U.S. Navy have been serving on multiple platforms throughout the Submarine Force for more than 10 years now.

Women in Submarines Class of 2021

In 2010, Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates lifted the ban, which barred females from serving aboard submarines. A year after the ban was lifted, the first female officers began reporting to Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines. “The integration of women on submarines served to increase the talent pool available to the Submarine Force,” said Lt. Sabrina Reyes-Dods, the Women in Submarines (WIS) coordinator at Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic. “Women make up 57 percent of all degree-seeking college students and earn half of all science and engineering-based bachelor degrees. Twenty percent of U.S. Naval Academy midshipmen and 28 percent of NROTC midshipmen are women. With the ongoing challenge of recruiting highly trained officers, integrating women allowed the Submarine Force to attract the nation’s best and

brightest.” The WIS Task Force took the helm in developing a plan to integrate female officers into submarine crews throughout the force. “The WIS Task Force was formed in 2009 to provide flag officer level oversight for the planning and execution of the Women in Submarines integration based on the proposed timeline approved by the Chief of Naval Operations,” said Reyes-Dods. “The WIS Task Force, a flag-led task force, developed a comprehensive and deliberate plan for the integration of women officers onto submarines based on other lessons learned from other Navy communities. This deliberate integration plan has been successful and has not had any major roadblocks.” More commands were added to the integration plan to better support dual military couples co-location and the increased interest of women to serve as submarine officers. Based on other service communities’ lessons learned, the Submarine Force integrated commands with women officers first. In 2016, the submarine force integrated its first command with enlisted female sailors. “Integrating senior women first was a key lesson learned from the integration of other Navy warfare communities,” said Reyes-Dods. “Instead of integrating at the lowest-level first as other communities did, we decided to pursue a top-down integration process in order to provide mentors and role-models for younger women.”

Women in Submarines: 10 years later > United States Navy > News-Stories

Infantry training more intense as Marines Corps

makes major changes, commandant tells senators

BY

SARAH CAMMARATA • STARS AND STRIPES • JUNE 24, 2021

Marine Corps recruits with Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, complete the

final hike of the Crucible at Camp Pendleton, Calif., April 22, 2021. (Alina Thackray/U.S.

Marine Corps)

WASHINGTON — Training for new Marines will become more rigorous as troops start to

conduct more complex operations in smaller units, the commandant told senators

Thursday. “Through [a Marine’s] entry-level training to [his or her] first unit, we have to raise the bar

because we’re going to expect noncommissioned officers and junior officers to make

decisions that two levels up, they make today,” Gen. David Berger said during a Senate

Appropriations Committee hearing on the Navy and Marine Corps budget for 2022.

Berger said junior leaders are going to have to make calls, especially in a high-threat

environment, independent from their higher headquarters as the service is now more than

a year into reshaping its force to better prepare for modern operations.

In March 2020, the Marine Corps announced its “Force Design 2030” plan that laid out

sweeping changes, including cutting overall end-strength numbers from 186,000 in 2020 to

174,000 by 2030, divesting in tanks, as well as investing in rockets instead of conventional

artillery.

Berger said the service is lengthening infantry training by 50% this year.

Stars and Stripes - Infantry training more intense as Marines Corps makes major changes, commandant

tells senators

U.S. Marines in Australia ready to rapidly assist regions hit by natural disaster IPDForum June 24, 2021 Top Stories 0 Comment

1st Lt. Gabriel Lechuga/U.S. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) and the Australian Defence Force

successfully completed a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercise called

Crocodile Response in late May 2021.

The focus was to increase the readiness of U.S. Marines and Sailors deployed to

Darwin, Australia, and enhance their ability to conduct humanitarian assistance

operations in the event of a natural disaster in the Indo-Pacific.

“Marine Rotational Force-Darwin needs to be ready to support our allies in the region by

rapidly responding to a crisis such as a natural disaster,” said Col. David M. Banning,

MRF-D commanding officer.

During the field training phase of the annual exercise, U.S. Marines and Australian

Defence Force personnel honed their ability to conduct activities such as purifying

water, clearing trees and brush, coordinating transportation of troops and equipment,

establishing landing zones and providing basic medical care.

“One of the most important things we can do after a country is hit by a natural disaster is

provide medical support to the affected community,” said U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman

2nd Class Julian Gordon. “Our medical capabilities allow us to provide first aid,

immediate lifesaving measures and triage, as well as prevent disease.”

The three phases of Crocodile Response, which also included humanitarian operations

training and a tabletop exercise, ensured that the U.S. Marines, the Australian Defence

Force, the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Humanitarian

Assistance and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)

enhanced their understanding of policies that allow the military to provide humanitarian

support in an affected country. The exercise also raised awareness of each participating

agency’s capabilities and planning processes.

The tabletop exercise helped develop proficiency with the Marine Corps ’ rapid-response

planning process.

The exercise concluded with the five-day field training phase at Point Fawcett in the Tiwi

Islands, which featured use of the U.S. Marines MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft and the

Australian Army’s landing craft mechanized Mark 8 to transport troops and equipment.

(Pictured: Australian Army Soldiers leave a landing zone after being transported by a

U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor during Exercise Crocodile Response at

Point Fawcett, Australia, in May 2021.)

“Deploying side by side, using both Australian Defence Force watercraft and U.S Marine

Corps aircraft allows us to get to know each other’s processes, policies and procedures

at the personal level and organizationally, proving the plans and capabilities we have in

place to respond to a humanitarian crisis together,” said Australian Defence Force 1st

Lt. Bryce Williams.

Service members from Malaysia and the Philippines also took part in the humanitarian

operations training, while officials from Indonesia’s Armed Forces, National Disaster

Management Agency and National Search and Rescue Agency observed throughout

the exercise and shared operational experiences.

U.S. Marines in Australia ready to rapidly assist regions hit by natural disaster | Indo-Pacific Defense

Forum (ipdefenseforum.com)

US Marines to Equip Armored Vehicles with Israeli Loitering Munitions

JOE SABALLA JUNE 25, 2021

LESS THAN A MINUTE

The US Marine Corps has chosen Israel-based defense firm UVision to supply the

Hero-120 smart loitering munitions system for integration into the service’s

armored vehicles.

The Hero-120 is a mid-range weapons system with a unique aerodynamic

structure that can carry out strikes against anti-armor, anti-material, and anti-

personnel targets, including tanks. The Marines chose the system after the

completion of several demonstrations and evaluations.

The system is powered by an electric motor running a single propeller and can

stay aloft for up to an hour. Its maximum range is 25 miles when using a line-of-

sight control system.

According to UVision, the Hero-120 will provide the Marines with highly accurate

indirect fire capabilities. Its wide range of multi-purpose warheads enables the

user to effectively engage various targets, even in populated urban areas.

US Marines to Equip Armored Vehicles with Israeli Loitering Munitions – The Defense Post

A Chinese PLA J-16 fighter jet flies in an undisclosed location. China sent a record 28 fighter jets, 14 of them J-16s, towards the self-ruled island of Taiwan on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. (AP)

‘This means war’: China warns US over military ties with Taipei

Guoqiang said that China remains firmly opposed to any official exchanges or military contacts between the US and Taiwan and asked Washington to ‘sever all military ties with Taiwan’.

By hindustantimes.com | Written by Shankhyaneel Sarkar | Edited by Avik Roy, Hindustan Times, New Delhi PUBLISHED ON JUN 25, 2021 09:23 PM IST

China on Wednesday warned the United States over increasing military contacts with Taiwan

saying that seeking independence of Taiwan means ‘war’. China defence ministry spokesperson

Ren Guoqiang said that China believes in its complete reunification and expressed Beijing’s

opposition towards Washington-Taipei military ties.

Guoqiang said that China remains firmly opposed to any official exchanges or military contacts

between the US and Taiwan and asked Washington to ‘sever all military ties with Taiwan’. “The complete reunification of China is a historical necessity and the great rejuvenation of the

Chinese nation is an unstoppable trend. The common aspirations of the people are peace and

stability across the Taiwan Strait. ‘Taiwan independence’ is a dead-end road and seeking it

means war,” the statement quoting Guoqiang said.

Guoqiang reminded the US to fully understand China’s development and growth by external

focus and asked the US to abide by the one-China principle. China considers Taiwan a

breakaway province and has recently ramped up political and military pressure.

Taiwan foreign minister Joseph Wu said that the nation needs to prepare for a possible military

conflict due to China’s increasing intimidation tactics. Taiwan reported several incursions into its

airspace by Chinese warplanes. Guoqiang also said that the People Liberation Army (PLA)

dispatched multi-type aircrafts to conduct exercises in the Taiwan Strait. He highlighted that the

move was necessary in response to the current situation across the Taiwan Strait and China’s

need to safeguard its sovereignty. In retaliation, the US stepped up its support to Taipei.

‘This means war’: China warns US over military ties with Taipei | World News - Hindustan Times

U.S., Australia, Japan complete Exercise Southern Jackaroo

June 25 (UPI) -- Exercise Southern Jackaroo, with troops from the

United States, Japan and Australia, ended successfully in Australia's

Outback, the U.S. Marine Corps said on Friday.

The Marines, Australian Army and Japan Ground self-Defense Force met for

a two-week "tangible demonstration of multinational interoperability,

where the forces worked through logistical and cultural challenges that

tested the ability of each of the militaries to mutually support one

another," said Corps said in a press release.The exercises, at the Mont

Bundey Training Area in Australia's north-central Northern Territory, began

with urban breaching, in which each national contingent demonstrated its

method of maneuvering through urban terrain.

Elsewhere, Mike Battery, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment and the

Australian 103rd Battery, 8th/12th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery,

participated in fire missions with M777 howitzers.

U.S., Australia, Japan complete Exercise Southern Jackaroo - UPI.com

China, like-minded countries voice concern over military interventions against sovereign states GENEVA, June 24 (Xinhua) -- China and a number of like-minded countries on

Thursday voiced concern over the harm of military intervention on the pretext of human

rights at the ongoing 47th Session of the Human Rights Council.

Delivering a joint statement on Thursday to the Council, Jiang Duan, minister of the

Chinese mission to the United Nations in Geneva, said that certain countries, under the

pretext of democracy, human rights and the so-called "responsibility to protect,"

conducted flagrant military interventions against sovereign states, which is in

contravention to the Charter of the United Nations.

"These acts severely violate the universally recognized norms of international law,

undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the relevant countries, and damage

world peace and security," Jiang said.

He pointed out that military interventions as such have caused numerous casualties and

forced displacement of innocent civilians, and brought heavy losses to economic and

social development in the relevant countries, which are "the root cause of refugee and

migrant crisis and regional turbulence."

"Certain countries even connive at their soldiers' unlawful killing and torture of civilians

in overseas military operations, which constitutes serious war crimes and crimes against

humanity," he added.

He called on relevant UN institutions to follow closely to the detrimental human rights

implications of illegal military interventions, and urged the countries concerned to

immediately stop illegal military interventions and make reparations to the victimized

countries and their people.

"They should carry out comprehensive and impartial investigations into cases of

unlawful killing and torture of civilians and other gross human rights violations

committed by their overseas military personnel, holding those responsible for the crimes

accountable," he stressed. Enditem China, like-minded countries voice concern over military interventions against sovereign states - Xinhua

| English.news.cn (xinhuanet.com)

China military watch 25 Jun 2021|Elena Yi-Ching Ho and Malcolm Davis

As the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Communist Party approaches, the world is watching closely to see what China does as it tries to realise President Xi Jinping’s ‘China dream’ and achieve ‘national rejuvenation’. Ultimately, Xi seeks to position the People’s Republic of China as the leader of a new international order that reflects Beijing’s core aims.

In their new ASPI report, To deter the PRC …, Kyle Marcrum and Brendan S. Mulvaney note that the Chinese government is attempting to ‘redefine’ the international order to correlate with its national interests. China is challenging the global status quo and using coercion and ‘wolf warrior’ diplomacy in an effort to shape the international order to its liking.

The report refers to an authoritative People’s Liberation Army publication, the 2013 Science of military strategy, which outlines Chinese conceptions of deterrence. Marcrum and Mulvaney argue that China’s definition of ‘deterrence’ looks a lot like what Westerners would call ‘coercion’, prompting speculation about the actions China may take to realise Xi’s ‘China dream’—a dream that includes the unification of Taiwan and the PRC.

The report’s insights point to a particular challenge facing Western liberal democracies in considering the prospect of a major military crisis over Taiwan or in the South China Sea in coming years. If deterrence in a traditional sense is the use of a declared or implied threat to prevent an action inimical to the interests of the deterring power, a Chinese approach that is more coercive—forcing an opponent to act according to the interests of the coercing state—would be seen from the West as aggression. There’s a risk that failures in Beijing and Washington to understand each other’s motives and ‘strategic cultures’ could cause the rapid escalation of any future crisis over Taiwan, leading to war by miscalculation.

In recent months, China has engaged in aggressive naval patrols around Taiwan and has regularly sent flights of warplanes into Taiwan’s air defence identification zone. The most recent incident involved a record 28 military aircraft earlier this month. Such flights can certainly be interpreted as a form of coercion, to pressure the government in Taipei to accept China’s demands for unification on Beijing’s terms. They would also be driven by a desire to deter Taiwan from formally declaring independence. In addition, every flight generates useful intelligence for the PLA on Taiwanese military capabilities and at the same time adds pressure on Taiwan’s forces that over time could wear down their readiness through attrition.

China military watch | The Strategist (aspistrategist.org.au)

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Click to Enlarge. The new submarine, part of the Yuan family of designs, features a distinctive stealthy

sail. A chine runs along the upper part creating sloping surfaces which may be intended to reduce the

radar cross-section when surfaced.

The New Mystery Submarine Seen In China: What We Know

At the height of the Cold War defense analysts often tried to piece

together information about a new types of submarine seen outside

shipyards. Today this is playing out again, only in China. A new

submarine, with an unusual sail, has recently emerged.

H I Sutton 25 Jun 2021

The ability to keep your submarine designs secret may confer a tactical or strategic advantage in the future. Yet they are also massive projects which most countries cannot keep completely secret. The US Navy’s submarine building plans for example, are known years in advance. Not in China. On May 12 2021 we got our first view of a new submarine which was ready to be launched at a shipyard in Wuhan. This creates a lot of analysis, and some wild speculation.

Since May a brief segment of video and another candid photograph have come to light, enabling a deeper analysis. The submarine is currently on the Huangpu River in Shanghai, in the vicinity of 31°15’22.49″N, 121°32’38.71″E. Before dealing with what we know, we should highlight something which we do not. We don’t know it’s name or designation.

Western observers have taken to referring to it as the Type-039C or –D. The last letter refers to it being either the third or forth (depending on who you ask) major variant of the existing Type-039A Yuan Class. These letters, including for the previous

-B model, have been given by Western observers. Although they are widely used in defense circles, and I myself have been guilty of this, the Chinese Navy hasn’t shared their actual designations. So all of these might be wrong.

By far the most distinctive feature of the new submarine is the sail. This has an angled upper section with an angled chine running along it. The angles created resemble the fuselages of stealth fighter planes and may reduce its radar cross-section when it is on the surface. This would make it more stealthy when entering or leaving port. We can speculate that it may have hydrodynamic advantages, such as reducing the wake while at periscope depth.

The New Mystery Submarine Seen in China: What We Know - Naval News

June 25, 2021 - China, Latest News, Naval Power

China copied world’s most modern submarine of

Sweden?

China’s Type 039C submarine has just been revealed through a 14-second video on social

media. That is enough to realize that the conning tower has a lot of similarities with the Swedish-

made Saab A26 submarine.

A video has just been posted on the Chinese social network Tiktok, showing images of a new class

of submarines – most likely Type 039C – made in China.

Type 039C submarine of China

According to Chinese media, these images were shot on the Yangtze River. Although the clip is

only 14 seconds long, it is enough to capture the design appearance of this Type 039C

submarine .

Specifically, the submarine has a very unique conning tower design, with many angles running

along the conning tower. This part of the conning tower is also quite low in height, compared to

the length of the submarine’s hull.

.

China copied world's most modern submarine of Sweden? - Defence View

China Building Formidable Amphibious Fleet

6/25/2021

By Yasmin Tadjdeh

Type 075 artist rendering

Wiki Commons illustration

China is bulking up its fleet of amphibious vessels as it embarks on a major naval modernization program to enhance its ability to conduct operations globally. The nation’s new platforms include its Yuzhao Type 071 amphibious ship and the Yushen-class Type 075 amphibious assault ship.

Investment in amphibious vessels by the People’s Liberation Army Navy, or PLAN, signals “its intent to continue to develop its expeditionary warfare capabilities,” said the Pentagon’s annual China Military Power report “Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China 2020.”

The Type 071 and Type 075 will be “the backbone of the future amphibious fleet,” said Bryan Clark, director of the Hudson Institute’s Center for Defense Concepts and Technology. Beijing’s plan “in the near- to mid-term is to continue to build out the fleet with these newer, larger ships.”

The Type 071 has an estimated displacement of more than 19,855 tons compared to about 25,900 for the U.S. Navy’s San Antonio LPD-17 class amphibious ships, according to a 2021 Congressional Research Service report, “China Naval Modernization: Implications for U.S. Navy Capabilities - Background and Issues for Congress.”

China commissioned the lead ship of the Type 075 vessels, the Hainan, in April.

“The Yushen-class are highly capable large-deck amphibious ships that will provide the PLAN with an all-aspect expeditionary capability,” the Pentagon’s China report said. “The Yushen-class can carry a large number of landing craft, troops, armored vehicles and helicopters.”

The vessels have an estimated displacement of 30,000 to 40,000 tons, according to CRS.

The Type 075 measures an estimated 237 meters in length, according to a paper by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, “China’s New Amphibious Assault Ship Sails into the South China Sea.” It is smaller than the U.S. Navy’s Wasp- and America-class amphibs but is still one of the largest in the world.

“The Type 075 features a full-length flight deck for helicopter operations, which in time could also serve as a platform for short-takeoff and vertical-landing aircraft, should China develop a reliable airframe for that environment,” said the report, which was authored by analysts Matthew Funaiole and Joseph Bermudez.

Additionally, a floodable well deck situated in the stern of the vessel allows hovercraft and other vehicles to disembark, it noted.

The vessel will also reportedly be able to carry 900 troops, according to the study.

The nation has plans to build three of the Type 075 vessels. Sea trials are expected for the first ship this year. All three amphibs will likely be commissioned by 2025, according to CSIS.

There are even discussions of a potential follow-on Type 075A variant, or a Type 076 vessel, Funaiole said.

A future Type 076 vessel could be equipped with electromagnetic catapults, which would enhance its ability to support fixed-wing aircraft, making it more like an aircraft carrier, according to CRS.

Both the Type 071 and Type 075 will offer the PLAN greater capacity, endurance and flexibility for long-range operations relative to legacy landing ships, which China has reduced in number over the last decade as it removed obsolete units from service, the Pentagon’s China report said. Additionally, both the Yushen and Yuzhao can carry several of Beijing’s new Yuyi class air-cushion medium landing craft and several types of helicopters, as well as tanks, armored vehicles and marines for long-distance deployments.

The People’s Republic of China’s “expanding fleet of large modern amphibious warships will enable it to conduct a wide range of expeditionary operations wherever PRC interests are threatened or in support of PRC participation in UN-sanctioned

peacekeeping operations,” the report said. “The expansion of naval operations beyond China’s immediate region will also facilitate its non-war military activities and further legitimize the PRC’s growing global military posture, including its base in Djibouti.”

Amphibious vessels could enable operations for asserting and defending China’s claims in the South and East China Seas, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, maritime security operations and noncombatant evacuation operations, according to the CRS report, which was authored by naval affairs specialist Ronald O’Rourke.

They could also be used for “naval diplomacy” such as port calls and engagement activities, the report said.

But more ominously, the vessels would also be of value for conducting amphibious landing operations in Taiwan, it said. Taiwan is a self-governing territory which Beijing considers part of China and desires to bring back under its control.

China Building Formidable Amphibious Fleet (nationaldefensemagazine.org)

The Middle East: An Emerging Market for Chinese

Arms Exports

China remains a marginal player in the region’s arms market, but its presence is steadily

growing. By Alvite Ningthoujam

June 25, 2021

A model of a Wing Loong II weaponized drone hangs above the stand for the China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corp. at a military drone conference in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, Feb. 25, 2018.

The Middle East: An Emerging Market for Chinese Arms Exports – The Diplomat

Images emerge of PLA's newest infantry weapons

by Amael Kotlarski

Images have emerged on Chinese social media platforms showing a comprehensive line-up of the People's Liberation Army's (PLA's) newest infantry weapons.

None of the weapons shown in the images, which were posted in early June on Weibo, feature their official military designations, although some of them are already known.

The display included the 9 mm CS/LS7 sub-machine gun (SMG) that was observed during the 1 October 2019 military parade in Beijing. This weapon is thought to be meant as a replacement for the QCW-05 SMG, chambered in the 5.8 × 21 mm cartridge.

Images emerge of PLA's newest infantry weapons (janes.com)

Round–the-clock live-fire test launched in depopulated area (China Military Online) 11:02, June 25, 2021

A vehicle-mounted gun-howitzer system attached to a brigade under the PLA 71st Group Army fires at a mock sea target during a round-the-clock live-fire test on June 14, 2021. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Wu Zhaobing)

Round–the-clock live-fire test launched in depopulated area - People's Daily Online

Chinese military steps up training along disputed Indian border

A military spokesman said the People’s Liberation Army recently conducted a ‘record-breaking’ high-altitude drill

Indian media has reported that Beijing is recruiting local Tibetans to form militia units

The People’s Liberation Army has conducted more than 100 joint exercises so far this year and has stepped up its training along the disputed border with India, the Chinese defence ministry has said.

Military spokesman Ren Guoqiang told a regular press conference on Thursday that operations had continued despite the Covid-19 pandemic and included a “record-breaking” high-altitude drill involving more than 1,000 troops from 20 units earlier this month.

Ren said the exercise, which included the use of drones and was “aimed at boosting the border troops’ combat capabilities in an extremely cold, tough and risky environment”, was

part of the celebrations of the Communist Party’s centenary . He also said that the exercises included both militia units and regular forces to strengthen their combat capabilities.

Chinese military steps up training along disputed Indian border | South China Morning Post (scmp.com)

Military

China deploys J-20 stealth fighter jets to units monitoring Taiwan Strait

New brigade of upgraded J-20s deployed in ceremony forming part of Communist Party’s centenary

Deployment aimed at telling South Korea and Japan that China is strengthening its air defence, observer saysChina has deployed its

most advanced stealth fighter jet to air force units monitoring the Taiwan Strait and the East China Sea, state media said, in a move Chinese observers saw as a warning to South Korea and Japan, the US’ allies in the region.

The deployment indicated China had delivered at least four aviation brigades with a total of 150 J-20 fighter jets, including two training bases in Inner Mongolia and Hebei and two aviation brigades in the eastern and northern theatre commands, a military insider said.

“China will accelerate the deployment of the upgraded version J-20C, with probably at least one or two brigades in every theatre command to defend the country’s five strategic directions in the next five years,” the insider, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity, told the South

China Morning Post. The five directions referred to the

People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA’s) five theatre commands, in the north, south, west, east and central.

China deploys J-20 stealth fighter jets to units monitoring Taiwan Strait | South China Morning Post

(scmp.com)

Taiwan Coast Guard takes early delivery of patrol vessel to protect east coast Cheng Kung is second in series of 12 Anping-class catamarans

The Coast Guard Administration's Cheng Kung offshore patrol vessel (CNA, CGA photo)

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Coast Guard Administration (CGA) on Friday (June 25) took delivery of its Cheng Kung offshore patrol vessel four months early to protect fishermen off Taiwan's east coast.

The Anping-class catamaran had been scheduled for delivery in October, but cooperation between the CGA and Jong Shyn Shipbuilding Co. allowed for speedier completion, CNA reported.

The Cheng Kung is the second in a series of 12 Anping-class vessels ordered by the CGA for delivery by the end of 2026. Its crew has already been trained to operate the ship, but live use of its weapons systems still need to be conducted at sea, officials said.

The main function will be to protect fishing vessels and Taiwan ’s territorial waters along its east coast, and it is equipped with rescue boats and a water cannon with a reach of 120 meters. The ship’s maximum speed exceeds 44 knots (81 kph), according to the CNA report.

The handover ceremony in Kaohsiung was low-key to comply with COVID-19 restrictions against outdoor gatherings of more than 10 people.

Taiwan Coast Guard takes early delivery of patrol vessel to protect east coast | Taiwan News | 2021-06-

25 15:53:00

Taiwan security directly connected to Japan: Japan defence minister

Japan's Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi, wearing a face mask, attends Japan's Ground Self-Defense

Forces (JGSDF) live fire exercise at JGSDF's training grounds in the East Fuji Maneuver Area in Gotemba,

southwest of Tokyo on Saturday, May 22, 2021. (Akio Kon/Pool Photo via AP)

25 Jun 2021 08:29AM(Updated: 25 Jun 2021 08:30AM)

The security of Taiwan is directly linked with that of Japan, Japan's Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi said in an interview with Bloomberg News.

"The peace and stability of Taiwan is directly connected to Japan and we are closely monitoring ties between China and Taiwan, as well as Chinese military activity," Kishi said in the interview with Bloomberg on Thursday (Jun 24).

"As China strengthens its military, its balance with Taiwan is tipping heavily to the Chinese side," Kishi said, adding the gap is widening every year.

Kishi told the European Parliament's security and defence sub-committee earlier this month that China was expanding its national defence budget enormously.

"The international community must come up with one voice to approach China," he said at the time.

Taiwan security directly connected to Japan: Japan defence minister - CNA (channelnewsasia.com)

Pictures of the new Japanese aircraft carrier JS Izumo after modifications According to a tweet published by Alsace_class on June 25, 2021, pictures unveil a new flight deck of future aircraft carrier JS Izumo and changes to flight deck markings. Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link

Future JS Izumo aircraft carrier (Picture source: Alsace_class)

JS Izumo (DDH-183) is a helicopter carrier which, as of 2020, is being converted into a light aircraft carrier. Officially classified as a multi-purpose operation destroyer, she is the lead ship in the Izumo class of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). She is the second warship to be named for Izumo Province, with the previous ship being the armored cruiser Izumo (1898).

The ship can carry up to 28 aircraft, or 14 larger aircraft. Only seven ASW helicopters and two SAR helicopters are planned for the initial aircraft complement. For other operations, 400 troops and 50 3.5-ton trucks (or equivalent equipment) can also be carried. The flight deck has five helicopter landing spots that allow simultaneous landings and take-offs.

In 2020, Izumo began the conversion to operate F-35B fighter aircraft. Izumo was undergoing modifications, such as strengthening the heat resistance of the deck and installing power supply equipment to enable the departure and arrival of the F-35B. The renovation work to change the bow shape to a quadrangle for the safe operation of the F-35B and the maintenance of the interior compartments are scheduled to be carried out in the second renovation, starting from the end of 2024. There are no plans to install a catapult or a sloping runway.

Pictures of the new Japanese aircraft carrier JS Izumo after modifications (navyrecognition.com)

Japan completes development of UH-2 multirole helicopter for JGSDF

by Kosuke Takahashi

The Japan Ministry of Defense's (MoD's) Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) announced on 24 June that development of the UH-2 multirole medium helicopter has been completed, with the aircraft now set to enter service with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF).

Japan's ATLA announced on 24 June that development of the UH-2 multirole helicopter for the JGSDF has been completed. (ATLA)

Development of the first prototype (referred to as UH-X) began in fiscal year (FY) 2015. After conducting the helicopter's maiden flight in December 2018, along with a number of subsequent flight tests, manufacturer Subaru Corporation handed over the first prototype to the Japanese MoD in February 2019 at the company's Utsunomiya plant in Tochigi Prefecture.

A little over a year later, in March 2020, ATLA awarded the company contracts worth a combined total of JPY14.3 billion (USD129.2 million) for the production of the first six helicopters of the type for the JGSDF, with deliveries set to be completed by January 2023.

The company also said at the time that it was going to prepare for mass production of the platform, which is based on the Subaru Bell 412EPX commercial helicopter.

More recently, the MoD secured about JPY12.5 billion in its budget for FY 2021–22 to acquire seven more UH-2s. This means that the acquisition of 13 helicopters has so far been funded. Japan's 2019–2023 Mid-Term Defence Programme, published in December 2018, mentions plans to acquire an initial 34 UH-2s at a unit price of about JPY1.8 billion during the five-year period.

Japan completes development of UH-2 multirole helicopter for JGSDF (janes.com)

Japan and Australia air forces agree to mutually refuel aircraft

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga reviews Air Self-Defense Force personnel at Iruma Air Base in Sayama, Saitama Prefecture, last November. | POOL / VIA REUTERS

The Air Self-Defense Force and the Royal Australian Air Force have agreed to mutually refuel each other’s aircraft in the air as part of efforts to enhance interoperability between the two forces.

With Friday’s agreement, the ASDF will closely cooperate with the Royal Australian Air Force so as to “uphold and reinforce the free and open Indo-Pacific,” the ASDF said in a statement.

The accord came after the two governments affirmed ministerial security talks in June to deepen defense cooperation in a veiled counter to China’s growing military presence in the Indo-Pacific region.

Calling the Australian forces a “strategic partner,” an ASDF officer said the air-to-air refueling arrangement will boost tactical capability between the “quasi-allies.”

In the virtual meeting of the defense and foreign ministers of the two countries, Japan agreed to protect Australian military ships and aircraft in noncombatant situations.

In a related development, the Ground Self-Defense Force has launched four-way joint amphibious operation drills involving the Royal Australian Army, the U.S. Marine Corps and Britain’s Royal Marines in Queensland, Australia.

From Japan, the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade, a unit tasked with defending remote islands, is participating in the Talisman Saber joint exercise running through Aug. 7.

It is the first time Britain has joined a three-party drill, a move apparently intended to showcase its commitment to the Indo-Pacific region partly propelled by China’s action to undermine democracy and human rights in Hong Kong, a former British colony.

A British carrier strike group led by the Queen Elizabeth will visit the region this summer.

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Japan and Australia air forces agree to mutually refuel aircraft | The Japan Times

June 25, 2021 - Asia, Latest News, South-East Asia

Korean most advanced submarines have been

attacked by hackers

The design data of South Korea’s Dosan Ahn Chang-ho (KSS-III) class non-nuclear

submarine capable of launching ballistic missiles has been hacked and stolen by a

group of hackers.

A group of hackers believed to originate from North Korea hacked the computer

system of DSME Corporation, South Korea’s largest submarine-building company,

stealing sensitive data including the super-modern KSS submarine. -III.

The Dosan Ahn Changho-class diesel-electric attack submarine (KSS-III) is the next

generation of submarines under construction in South Korea, which is expected to

enhance defense and deterrence capabilities. threat to the Korean Navy.

The KSS-III program is expected to build 9 new submarines in 3 phases, each phase

will have improvements and upgrades in line with reality. The first batch is called

Batch-I with 2 ships built by DSME, the third one is built by Hyundai Heavy Industries

(HHI).

Korean most advanced submarines have been attacked by hackers - Defence View

How can the Republic of Korea promote a trilateral ROK-ASEAN-U.S. alignment?

The geopolitical landscape of the Indo-Asia-Pacific is changing considerably, marked

by growing strategic competition between major powers, particularly the U.S. and

China, at the time of the mysterious Covid-19 pandemic spreading worldwide.

By Thuc D. Pham

June 25, 2021

Share

Fierce major-power strategic competition

Inheriting the previous Administration’s free and open Indo-Pacific strategy (FOIPS), the Biden Administration continues adopting a hard-line approach towards China. The U.S. not only continues contesting against China on defense and security, trade, technology, South China Sea and Taiwan, but also places higher pressure on China on issues of democracy and human rights such as Hong Kong and Xinjiang.

Especially, the Biden Administration takes the lead to advance a like-minded coalition through quadrilateral arrangement with Japan, India, and Australia (QUAD)

to constrain China to behave in a rules-based international order in the region,

particularly in the maritime domain.

The European Union and several major European countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and the Netherlands also develop their own strategies towards the region, which do not entirely echo the U.S.’ FOIPS, but share some important elements, especially preserving an open, inclusive, rules-based and multilateral order in the Indo-Pacific. They also explicitly or implicitly express concerns about the rise of Chinese sphere of influence in the region, and its destabilising actions and weakening of UNCLOS in the South China Sea.

In response, China attempts to develop its own sphere of influence, particularly in economic terms. Beijing increases the frequency of in-person shuttle diplomacy towards the developing world, including Southeast Asia, offering Covid-19 vaccine, infrastructure investment under the Belt and Road Initiative, and post-pandemic supply chain.

In the short term, this move may help China gradually improve its image as a generous and responsible country while the U.S. limits vaccine export to meet the need of its home market first. In the long run, with RCEP in place, it may help China establish its central role in global supply chain and reduce the regional dependence on American economy.

Although the U.S.-China strategic competition may not lead to a zero-sum situation, in which one of them will collapse like what happened during the Cold War, it creates tough challenges facing the medium and smaller powers in the region like the Republic of Korea (ROK) and ASEAN. Despite being a U.S.’ ally, the ROK may potentially be marginalized while the U.S. is investing more in QUAD and the like. ASEAN’s relevance and centrality in shaping regional architecture might be challenged since both powers are seeking to create their own spectrum.

ROK-ASEAN-US alignment

Fortunately, the ROK made a wise move with President Moon Jae-in’s visit to

Washington D.C. on May 21, 2021. The visit not only helped revitalize the ROK-U.S. alliance, but also paved way for Seoul to play a more proactive role in regional affairs.

As stated in the joint statement, the ROK-U.S. relationship “extends far beyond the Korean Peninsula” and two countries will work to “align the ROK’s New Southern Policy and the U.S.’ vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific”, and “support for ASEAN centrality and ASEAN-led regional architecture”.

Accordingly, the ROK can go beyond its economic and cultural engagement with the

region and help ASEAN promote cooperation with the U.S. on some important issues.

Firstly, the ROK can collaborate with the U.S. and ASEAN to solidify a multilateral system in the Indo-Asia-Pacific. In which, the ROK and ASEAN countries will not be forced to choose sides between the U.S. and China or completely fall into either power’s orbit. They will enjoy autonomy and have sufficient room to maneuver and diversify their foreign relations.

Secondly, the ROK can join coordinated efforts by the U.S. and ASEAN to maintain a peaceful, stable, and ruled-baser order in the region, including the South China Sea, making sure that tension will not get out of control and lead to an armed conflict. Rather, the disputes must be settled by peaceful means in accordance with international law, without coercion, intimidation or use of force. At the end of the day, it is not the “law of the might” that must prevail, but the “might of the law”.

They can also bolster maritime cooperation in terms of maritime law enforcement, maritime domain awareness, marine environment protection and sustainability of the ocean in accordance with international law and norms. The ROK can work with the U.S. to co-chair some workshops within the ASEAN-led mechanism such as ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) or Extended ASEAN Maritime Forum (EAMF). Gradually, they can translate the outcomes of the workshop to cooperative projects at sea.

Thirdly, Seoul can join hands with the U.S. and ASEAN on the Mekong sub-region. They engage with CLMTV countries, namely Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam to spark an integrated mechanism which can coordinate different cooperative frameworks to boost transparency, sovereignty, and inclusive growth and help tackle cross-border challenges across the Mekong River basin.

Fourthly, as an Asian economic power harmonizing Asian political culture and Western way of life, the ROK can help foster constructive dialogue between the U.S. and ASEAN on democracy and human rights. These are sensitive issues between the U.S. and most of ASEAN member states, but they should be considered as areas of cooperation through ASEAN frameworks since these issues are common principles laid down in ASEAN Charter adopted in 2007 and ASEAN Community formed in 2015.

Fifthly, the ROK can prompt ASEAN and the U.S. to facilitate positive developments on the Korean Peninsula. ASEAN countries can host the U.S.-DPRK Summits again once the Covid-19 pandemic is effectively controlled and managed. They are willing to provide good venues, facilities, and other genuinely objective assistances to parties concerns to hold dialogues and negotiations to completely denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in a peaceful manner.

Last but not least, Seoul should take full advantage of Vietnam’s role as a coordinating country of the ASEAN-ROK dialogue relations (2021-2024) to better reinforce the ROK’s engagement with ASEAN in general and advance a ROK-ASEAN-U.S. strategic alignment in particular.

It is useful to note that this type of trilateral arrangement should not be necessarily viewed as a new grouping that seeks to contain China. Instead, it should be open, transparent, inclusive, and helps consolidate and nurture the multipower-centered trajectory in the region.

In summary, major-power strategic competition becomes increasingly intense, and may sideline the important roles of the middle powers like the ROK and ASEAN in evolving regional architecture. To better cope with this situation, the ROK should proactively develop an alignment with ASEAN and the U.S. on regional affairs, which is open, transparent, inclusive, rules-based, ASEAN-centric, and without containing China.

How can the Republic of Korea promote a trilateral ROK-ASEAN-U.S. alignment? (maritimeissues.com)

North Korean hackers suspected of attacks using fake S. Korean gov't addresses

gettyimagesbank

Hacker groups linked to North Korea are suspected of carrying out cyberattacks by

using manipulated email addresses from the South Korean government to steal user

information, cybersecurity firm ESTsecurity said Friday.

The security company said it detected a cyberattack Tuesday, when the hackers used a

manipulated email address from the Ministry of Unification. On Thursday, the hackers

used an address from the state-run Korea Institute for National Unification.

ESTsecurity said it suspects North Korea-linked hacking organizations, such as

Thallium and Kimsuky, to be behind the attacks, which manipulated the sender emails

to appear as official government addresses.

The emails in the attacks included links to documents that appeared to be official

government reports.

When users click the links, they would be directed to enter their email passwords, which

would then allow hackers to steal the information, according to ESTsecurity.

The security firm said it traced the two incidents to a server that had been long used for

other cyberattacks.

The server had been used in an attack detected on June 18 against the Institute for

National Security Strategy.

ESTsecurity did not elaborate on the targets of the latest cyberattacks, though it said

Thallium usually targets officials and journalists in the foreign relations and security

sectors.

The cyberattacks are the latest in a series of recent hacking incidents suspected of being

carried out by North Korean groups.

Last week, the science ministry acknowledged that a state-run nuclear research institute

was the target of a cyberattack last month.

Rep. Ha Tae-keung of the main opposition People Power Party has accused a hacker

group associated with a North Korean intelligence agency of being behind the attack.

(Yonhap)

North Korean hackers suspected of attacks using fake S. Korean gov't addresses (koreatimes.co.kr)

Top diplomats of S. Korea, Indonesia agree

on close cooperation for joint fighter project

Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong (L, center) holds talks with his Indonesian counterpart, Retno L.P. Marsudi, in Jakarta on Friday, in this photo provided by the foreign

ministry. (Yonhap)

The top diplomats of South Korea and Indonesia agreed Friday to closely cooperate to smoothly proceed with joint fighter jet development and other mutually beneficial projects, the foreign ministry said. Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong and his Indonesian counterpart, Retno L.P. Marsudi, held talks to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional and global issues. Indonesia was the last leg of his five-day trip to Southeast Asia that also included visits to Vietnam and Singapore. "The ministers assessed outcomes of cooperation that the two countries have achieved in the defense industry sector, which symbolizes their strategic trust," the ministry said in a press release. "Especially, the ministers agreed to closely cooperate to make sure that mutually beneficial, substantive cooperation projects like the KF-21/IF-X project will proceed smoothly," it added. Under a bilateral arrangement for the KF-21/IF-X project, Indonesia had promised to shoulder 20 percent of the cost for the development of fighters. But it stopped making payments after investing 227.2 billion won ($201 million).

Top diplomats of S. Korea, Indonesia agree on close cooperation for joint fighter project

(koreaherald.com)

Papua rebels take hostages after killing civilians: Indonesian officials

Tensions in Papua have heated up since rebels executed Indonesia's top intelligence official in the

region in April AFP/Sevianto Pakiding

JAKARTA: Separatist rebels were holding four civilians hostage in the jungles of Indonesia's breakaway Papua region after they killed several construction workers in an ambush, authorities said on Friday (Jun 25).

Tensions have been mounting between Indonesian security forces and guerrillas fighting a decades-long insurgency to win independence from the Southeast Asian nation.

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Authorities said around 30 rebels opened fire on Thursday on a group of Indonesian construction workers building new homes in the province's central Yahukimo regency, killing at least four people.

Rescue operations to find another four people being held hostage by the rebels are underway, according to the military and Papua police spokesman Ahmad Musthofa Kamal.

"Our team is on their way to the site," Kamal told AFP on Friday.It was not clear if all of the hostages were construction workers.

Papua rebels take hostages after killing civilians: Indonesian officials - CNA (channelnewsasia.com)

Indonesia, US set up $3.5m maritime training

center

United States Ambassador Sung Kim (on-screen, right) and Indonesian Maritime

Security Agency (Bakamla) chief Vice Adm. Aan Kurnia (on-screen, left), virtually attend

the groundbreaking ceremony of the US-backed Bakamla maritime training center in

Batam, Riau Islands province, on June 25.(Courtesy of Bakamla/-) Share News Desk

(The Jakarta Post) PREMIUM Jakarta ● Fri, June 25, 2021 Indonesia and the United

States broke ground on Friday on the construction of a US$3.5 million maritime training

center for the Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) in Batam, Riau Islands province,

which lies at the meeting point of the Straits of Malacca and the South China Sea.

Representatives from the Indonesian coast guard, the US Embassy in Jakarta and the

US State Department's Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs

(INL) were present at the kick-off ceremony. US Ambassador Sung Kim and Bakamla

chief Vice Adm. Aan Kurnia were also in attendance, albeit virtually. “As a friend and

partner to Indonesia, the United States remains committed to supporting Indonesia ’s

important role in maintaining regional peace and security by fighting domestic and

transnational crimes,” Kim said in his speech, according to a Ba...

Indonesia, US set up $3.5m maritime training center - World - The Jakarta Post

Tech companies to help religious organisations in Singapore fight online radicalisation SINGAPORE - To counter the threat of online radicalisation, tech giants Facebook,

Google, Twitter and TikTok will be teaching religious and community organisations here

how they can use social media to educate users on issues of race and religion.

Launched on Friday (June 25), the pilot project aims to equip the organisations with

skills to broaden their online presence and facilitate sensitive discourse in the digital

sphere.

The tech companies will run three workshops from June to August.

Participating religious organisations include the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore

(Muis), the National Council of Churches of Singapore, the Taoist Federation, the

Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore and the Hindu Endowments Board.

Announcing the initiative, Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth Alvin

Tan said that with more people going online during the pandemic, the challenge lies in

managing divisive rhetoric on social media.

"While social media has the power to divide, it also has the power to unite. Our

technology partners are working with us to positively influence online spaces so we can

grow common ground in our community," he said.

Tech companies to help religious organisations in Singapore fight online radicalisation, Singapore News

& Top Stories - The Straits Times

Royal Thai Navy launches two Tor 997-class patrol boats According to information published by the Royal Thai Navy on June 21, 2021, the Naval forces hold a launch ceremony for the two new Tor 997-class patrol boats, T997 and T998 at Marsun Shipyard in attendance of Admiral Chatchai Sriworakan, the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy. Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link

Tor 998 and Tor 997 patrol boats (Picture source: Royal Thai Navy)

The Tor 997-class has an overall length of 41.44 meters, an overall beam of 7.2 m, and displaces about 223 tons at full load, with a speed of over 27 nautical miles.

The patrol boats are powered by two MTU 16V4000 R41 R diesel engines and armed with a Russian weapon system, the 30mm AK-306 machine gun.

AK-306 is a derivative of AK-630M that was developed for light craft and this system. Externally, the air-cooled AK-306 can be distinguished from the AK-630 by the absence of the water cooling system (a cylindrical jacket that surrounds the barrel cluster of the AK-630). Internally, the AK-306 (A-219) used electricity to power the automatics, instead of using the exhaust.

This version also lacked radar control, being only optically guided, hence making it less of an anti-missile weapon and more of a surface-to-surface weapon, and the designation of the overall system is consequently changed from A-213-Vympel-A to A-219. The design started in 1974 and the system was accepted into service in 1980. When production was completed in 1986, 125 systems were in service.

Royal Thai Navy launches two Tor 997-class patrol boats (navyrecognition.com)

INS Kochi, of the Kolkata class (here pictured) will participate in the exercice and represent one of the

most advanced naval asset the Indian Navy has to offer

Indian Navy To Participate In An Exercice With US Navy Carrier Strike Group

On June 23 and 24, ships of both nations will participate in a common exercise to

strengthen interoperability capabilities.

Lorenzo Tual 25 Jun 2021

With the transit of the Carrier Strike Group Ronald Reagan, ships and

aircrafts of the Indian Navy will train with their American allies.

Indian Navy press release

Indian Naval Ships Kochi and Teg along with P8I and MiG 29K aircraft are participating in a Passage Exercise with US Navy Carrier Strike Group Ronald Reagan during its transit through Indian Ocean Region on 23 and 24 Jun 2021.

The Indian Naval warships along with aircraft from Indian Navy and Indian Air Force will be engaged in joint multi-domain operations with the Carrier Strike Group comprising Nimitz class aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan, Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer USS Halsey and Ticonderoga class guided missile cruiser USS Shiloh.

The two-day exercise aims to strengthen the bilateral relationship and cooperation by demonstrating the ability to integrate and coordinate comprehensively in maritime operations. High tempo operations during the exercise include advanced air defence exercises, cross deck helicopter operations and anti-submarine exercises. The participating forces will endeavour to hone their war-fighting skills and enhance their interoperability as an integrated force to promote peace, security and stability in the maritime domain.

Indian Navy and US Navy regularly undertake a host of bilateral and multilateral exercises which underscore the shared values as partner navies, in ensuring commitment to an open, inclusive and a rule-based international order.

Indian Navy to participate in an exercice with US Navy Carrier Strike Group - Naval News

India Drops a Bombshell

The country is abolishing its centuries-old Ordnance Factory Board. That won’t fix the

problems that plague its military equipment.

In mid-June, Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh announced the Indian cabinet had decided to abolish the Ordnance Factory Board, the national body that oversees the production of defense equipment ranging from ammunition to armored vehicles. The existing 41 factories, dispersed across India, will now be folded into seven units. Each new and consolidated entity will focus on a particular element of military production. The Vehicles group, for example, will be responsible for the development of tanks, infantry combat vehicles, and mine-protected vehicles. The Ammunition and Explosives group will produce ammunition and explosives, both for domestic needs as well as for export.

This reform, once it is implemented, will be dramatic. It would effectively terminate an organization with an over 300-year history, hearkening back to the days of the East India Company, which preceded formal British colonial rule in India. Under its aegis, a gunpowder factory was created in the present-day state of West Bengal as early as 1787. To this day, a government-run factory that manufactures rifles for both the armed services and civilians exists at that spot. Under the British, 18 more factories were built under the Ordnance Factory Board, and a host of others were built after India ’s independence in 1947.

India Shuttering Centuries-Old Ordnance Factory Board Won’t Fix Its Military Equipment

(foreignpolicy.com)

India Lost a War to China In Less Than a Month

In 1962, the world’s two most populous countries went to war against one another in a pair of remote, mountainous border regions. In less than a month, China dealt India a devastating defeat, driving Indian forces back on all fronts. Along with breaking hopes of political solidarity in the developing world, the war helped structure the politics of East and Southeast Asia for generations. Even today, as Indian and Chinese forces square off on the Doklam Plateau, the legacy of the 1962 resonates in both countries.

Who Fought?

While both the Chinese and Indian governments were relatively new (the People ’s Republic of China was declared in Beijing in 1949, two years after the India won its independence), the armed forces that would fight the war could not have been more different.

The Indian Army developed firmly in light of India’s imperial heritage. Large Indian formations had fought in several theaters of World War II, including North Africa and Burma. These forces would, in many ways, form the core of the new Indian military. The post-independence Indian armed forces were structured along lines broadly similar to that of India’s colonial antecedent, the United Kingdom, and in the early years operated mostly with Western equipment. This incarnation of the Indian Army saw its first action in the 1947, in the first Kashmir War, fighting against its erstwhile associates in the Pakistani Army.

India Lost a War to China In Less Than a Month | The National Interest

Deterrence and Long-Range Strike: The Australian Case

06/25/2021

By Robbin Laird and Ed Timperlake

The Chinese have been conducting economic and political warfare against Australia for several months. Now the Chinese are directly threatening Australia with a military strike. A G-7 statement about China is nice, but we have suggested that the Biden Administration do something more concrete with regard to deterrence, namely, to fly two B-2s into Northern Australia as part of an enhanced support to our core ally and to provide a concrete contribution to escalation control,

The Australian government has clearly indicated that it will build up its long-range strike inventory. But the question is when, how and with what deterrent impact?

We recently discussed this question with Air Marshal (Retired) Geoff Brown, Chairman of the Williams Foundation. Brown as a former F-111 operator directly experienced the impact of long-range strike, and Ed has experienced the F-111 during his time in the air in Vietnam when flying his F-4. The F-111 fighter-bomber entered the RAAF fleet into service in 1973 and were retired in 2010.

Brown underscored how he saw the relationship between deterrence and long-range strike. He sees long-range strike as a key element within the future ADF tool kit but pointed out that various types of long-range strike have variant deterrent impacts. If one is fighting a large-scale kinetic war, then firing long-range missiles from under the maritime or land domain are clearly a key part of the engagement effort.

But they are not as agile or flexible as a deterrent as is a long-range bomber.

Australian F-111s at Nellis AFB. Credit Photo:

USAF

This is how Air Marshal (Retired) Geoff Brown put it: “I think long range strike is about trying to keep stability in a crisis situation. And if you’re going to use it as a deterrence. It’s got to be responsive, it’s got to be potent, but you’ve also got to be able to signal that you can use it. “One of the advantages of a manned or unmanned bomber is that it’s much easier to signal in a crisis period than if you’re trying to launch strike from submarines. Land based strike missiles tend to be sort of a binary approach. “One can use the strike fighter fleet as well but the problem you’ve got with strike fighters is you’ve actually got to get them closer to the area of interest or inside the area of operations. “They can look very offensive to somebody you’re trying to deter. And it actually could have the opposite effect of what you’re after. “Whereas the long-range bomber is flexible. You can probably keep it safer than most other forms of strikes. “If you end up in a hot war, all options are good, whether it’s cruise missiles or land based. But from a pure deterrence point of view, I think the bomber’s got some significant advantages. Crisis management is a skill set which has atrophied since the end of the Cold War. Because the advantage we’ve had since the end of the Cold War is that nobody’s had the ability to hit us back. We have been able to fly strike airplanes from carriers or close land biases, and they not held at threat, but I think in upcoming operations, that’s changed. I think the closer you are to the fight, the more at risk those assets will be.” “I think that’s the difference between a bomber and everything else, is that you do have that ability to signal. I think in any sort of crisis, everybody’s going to want to solve the crisis before you end up in a nuclear war. You need a potent conventional capability which has strategic weight to play in such a crisis situation.”

“The thing that people forget is this isn’t always about objective reality. It’s really about what’s in decision makers beliefs and their perceptions and their expectations. And I think that’s what people miss in the real advantage and flexibility of bomber aircraft over all the other strike options to influence the adversary’s perceptions. They’re a tremendous signaling device that actually makes people think about what they’re about to do.” “In the end, you actually don’t want to fight the war. You want stability. You can’t let the other guy think that he’s actually got a chance at getting an advantage. You’ve really got to attack that belief and his perceptions with capabilities that have strategic weight.”

Air Marshal (Retired) Brown noted that our proposal of sending B-2s on a rotational basis to Northern Australia made a lot of sense, notably as a near term contribution, and laying down a foundation for the evolution of ADF capabilities going forward. According to Brown: “This is quite doable. A lot of the infrastructure improvements we’re actually doing in the north would support that sort of deployment anyway, it’s not as though we’re not ready to do it.”

There is a debate going on in the American defense community over whether the focus of effort should be upon build out of capabilities to operate close to China and inside their weapons engagement zone, or whether to focus on dominating the blue water maneuver space and enhancing long-range strike to go into the inside engagement zone.

Brown’s insights remind those engaged in this debate that this is about deterrence, and deterrence of a nuclear power. And with the United States and its allies facing three nuclear powers in the Pacific, being able to have a credible deterrent force, that is one able to signal without triggering World War III certainly makes sense to us.

Deterrence and Long-Range Strike: The Australian Case | Defense.info

Maintenance and safety issues leading to extended grounding of Australia's MRH-90 helo fleet

by Julian Kerr

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is extending the grounding of its fleet of 47 NHIndustries/Airbus MRH-90 Taipan multirole helicopters due to maintenance and safety issues, Janes has learnt.

The grounding began in May and normal operations now seem unlikely to resume for some time, Janes was told on 25 June by an informed source.

The Department of Defence (DoD) in Canberra said in a 16 June statement that MRH-90 flying operations have been temporarily suspended as a safety precaution, adding that the issue “relates to the application of the helicopter's maintenance policy in the helicopter's IT support system”.

The ADF is extending the grounding of its fleet of 47 MRH-90 Taipan multirole helicopters due to maintenance and safety issues, Janes has learnt. (Royal Australian Navy/Commonwealth of Australia)

“Defence and Airbus Australia Pacific are currently working collaboratively to remediate this issue. Work continues to end this suspension as soon as possible,” noted the DoD.

Army and Navy aviation would continue to support their exercise and operational commitments with Tiger armed reconnaissance, Chinook CH-47F heavy-lift, S-70A-9 Black Hawk utility and MH-60R naval helicopters, it added.

The DoD declined to respond to questions on the statement.

This comes as a parliamentary committee was told on 1 June by Shane Fairweather, the first assistant secretary for rotary, aerospace, and surveillance systems at the DoD, that the MRH-90 airframe brought with it a very complex maintenance regime, while the delivery of serviceable aircraft was being slowed by supply and repair chain performance.

The MRH-90 fleet was grounded in 2019 following serious tail rotor vibration and delamination that required remediation of the tail rotors on all 47 aircraft, six of which are flown by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).

Maintenance and safety issues leading to extended grounding of Australia's MRH-90 helo fleet

(janes.com)

Russia steps up efforts to sow confusion and fear of

conflict ahead of naval exercise, analysts say

The USS Porter sails the Black Sea during the annual Sea Breeze exercise in July 2020. Sea

Breeze 2021 begins June 28, with Russia threatening possible military repercussions.

(Ukrainian navy)

NAPLES, Italy – Spoofing the location of NATO ships, spreading disinformation on social

media and threatening military repercussions are typical ploys from a well-worn Moscow

playbook, analysts said ahead of an international naval exercise in the Black Sea co-hosted

by the United States and Ukraine.

The annual Exercise Sea Breeze comes ahead of Russian threats to potentially fire on

participants if they intrude in their territorial waters, and following a heated dispute over

the passage of a British destroyer through the Black Sea on Wednesday.

Jorge Benitez, an expert on European security with the Atlantic Council think tank, said the

incident amounted to a “dangerous escalation” by Moscow.

On Wednesday, the Russian military said it had fired warning shots at and dropped bombs

in the path of HMS Defender, which sailed offshore of Sevastopol in Crimea.

Russia said the actions caused the destroyer to leave the area. London disputed that claim,

denying that any shots were fired and saying the vessel was traveling through Ukrainian

waters in accordance with international law.

“The combined harassment from several Russian fighter jets and ships proves that this

aggression against the Royal Navy was not the decision of one zealous Russian officer, but

required top-level approval,” Benitez said.

The Kremlin’s ultimate aim is to intimidate allies and frighten normal commercial shipping

away from Ukrainian ports, he said.

The U.S. and other allies taking part in Sea Breeze should continue as planned while

expanding NATO ship patrols in the Black Sea in the future, Benitez said. “U.S. strength will be more effective in decreasing Russia’s violent behavior than diplomatic

meetings and promises ever will be.”

Still, some analysts viewed Russia’s actions and threats as unlikely to be followed through.

Ships sail the Black Sea in July 2020 during the annual Sea Breeze exercise. Sea Breeze

2021 begins June 28, with Russia threatening possible military repercussions. (Ukrainian

navy) “Sea Breeze always brings heightened Russian attention, naval and air activity,” said

Michael Kofman, Russian studies program for CNA, a national security-focused think tank

based in Arlington, Va.

While there is some risk for a miscalculation as tensions rise and Russia continues to

escalate, he described it as “low.” “It can happen, especially when it comes to air encounters,” he said. “Much is left to the skill

and judgment of pilots. However, wars do not start from accidents, and are instead driven

by political causes.”

Stars and Stripes - Russia steps up efforts to sow confusion and fear of conflict ahead of naval exercise,

analysts say

Russian Video Proves Patrol Boat Was Far From British Destroyer When It Fired Warning Shots

More details emerge of the standoff in the Black Sea, including footage of a

Russian Border Guard vessel opening fire.

BY THOMAS NEWDICK JUNE 24, 2021

THE WAR ZONE

RUSSIAN MINISTRY OF DEFENSE

SCREENCAP

The fallout from yesterday’s incident in the Black Sea involving the U.K. Royal

Navy Type 45 destroyer HMS Defender and elements of Russia’s military and

internal security forces has taken its next turn, with the release of a video

showing some of the events from the perspective of a Russian Border Guard

patrol ship. The footage clearly shows the Russian vessel opening fire, as the

Kremlin had asserted, but it’s also obvious that Defender was so far away at the

time that it may well not have been aware this were being directed at it, in line

with what British authorities have said.

The video in question was published online by the Russian Ministry of Defense ’s

official television station, TV Zvezda, and the state-run media outlet RIA Novosti.

It was taken from the bridge of a Russian Border Guard Rubin class patrol boat,

one of those that purportedly “stopped” HMS Defender yesterday from sailing

within what the Kremlin claims are its territorial waters around Crimea, which it

seized from Ukraine in 2014. The United Kingdom, among many other members

of the intentional community, does not recognize Russia’s authority over

Crimea.

Russian Video Proves Patrol Boat Was Far From British Destroyer When It Fired Warning Shots

(thedrive.com)

Russia Says U.S. Acted in Cahoots With U.K.

Over Black Sea Warship

Russia has accused the U.S. of involvement in Moscow's standoff with the U.K. over a

Royal Navy warship in the Black Sea.

The claim comes after Moscow said on Wednesday that it had fired warning shots and

dropped bombs to deter the U.K destroyer HMS Defender.

Russia said the British vessel had entered its territorial waters as it passed Crimea.

Moscow annexed the peninsula in 2014, but Crimea has not been recognized as

Russian by the international community.

Why Russia's Black Sea Threats Were a Huge Win For Putin Against the West

The U.K. Ministry of Defense disputed the Kremlin's version of events, saying "no

warning shots" had been fired and no bombs had been dropped in the vessel's path. It

gave the more prosaic explanation that the Russians "were undertaking a gunnery

exercise in the vicinity."

The U.K. said Defender was "conducting innocent passage through Ukrainian territorial

waters in accordance with international law."

Russia Says U.S. Acted in Cahoots With U.K. Over Black Sea Warship (newsweek.com)

Russia Unveils its Latest Shipborne Air Defense System

Resurs ship-based air defense missile system

Russian Almaz-Antey concern unveiled a brand-new Resurs ship-based multi-channel air defense missile system at the 10th International Maritime Defense Show (IMDS) in St. Petersburg. "As a developer and manufacturer of naval air defense systems, the сoncern will present the Resurs multichannel anti-aircraft missile system to the public for the first time within the framework of this event. The system is designed to protect surface ships from attacks by manned and unmanned air attack weapons at the close range, including those flying at extremely low altitudes," announced Almaz-Antey on the eve of the IMDS. According to the official presentation materials, distributed by the company at the IMDS, Resurs ADMS can use two types of missiles – 9M96E and 9M100E with the ranges 28 and 10 km respectively. Both missiles are being demonstrated at the concern’s stall at the expo. The engagement altitude varies from 4 to 20 km. It can simultaneously engage up to 5 targets. Resurs has from one up to 8 launcher modules in a launcher.

Russia Unveils its Latest Shipborne Air Defense System (defenseworld.net)

Russia Bungles Pre-Planned Intercept of UK Navy Vessel off Coast of Crimea

Publication: Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 18 Issue: 101

By: Pavel Felgenhauer June 24, 2021 06:15 PM Age: 5 days

British frigate HMS Defender visiting Ukrainian port of Odesa, June 2021 (Source: Getty Images)

A shooting skirmish or a deadly collision between Russian and Western warships or aircraft in the Black Sea would almost certainly cause a serious crisis, evolving into a military confrontation, a regional armed conflict and, perhaps eventually, a global war. Such a doomsday scenario appeared to be quickly developing on June 23, 2021—but a far more prosaic reality soon emerged. Namely, the United Kingdom ’s destroyer HMS Defender was sailing that day from the Ukrainian port of Odesa to Georgia, which, like Ukraine, aspires to membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). While rounding Russian-occupied Crimea’s Cape Fiolent, close to Sevastopol (the main Russian naval base in the region), HMS Defender cut a corner to enter and then quickly leave the 12-mile territorial zone around Crimea. Such an action is known as “innocent passage” under the 1982 United Nations Law of the Sea Convention (UNCLOS). Of course, the main reason for the UK vessel’s chosen route was not just to shorten its voyage by several miles but also to put the Russian side on notice through a deliberate freedom of navigation operation. In response, two Federal Security Service (FSB) Border Guard patrol boats moved in to intercept the Defender as it entered the 12-mile zone, and one opened warning fire, according to Russian authorities and British correspondents aboard the UK destroyer. A Russian Su-24M jet bomber reportedly dropped four high-explosive 250-kilogram OFAB-250 fragmentation bombs; but aboard the Defender, this bomb attack was not noticed or registered. The UK vessel, traveling at over 30 knots, apparently outran the FSB patrol boats and left the 12-mile zone on the other side of Саре Fiolent. The incident reportedly lasted some 40 minutes and was over without any injuries or damage (TASS, June 23).

Moscow subsequently registered strong protests through diplomatic channels, whereas London maintained that no shots had been fired in anger, instead alleging that the Russians were probably holding gunnery exercises in the area. According to British correspondents onboard, the Russians radioed warnings, threatened to fire if HMS Defender did not turn, and eventually opened fire—but not at the naval vessel itself. The British authorities clarified no fire was directed at the Defender, which seems to be entirely true. The OFAB-250 fragmentation bombs is a “dumb,” unguided weapon designed for land attacks; its fragments after impact may fly more than 100 meters outward. With friend and foe ships maneuvering at full speed in the area, the Su-24M crew would have surely dropped its payload way away from HMS Defender and the FSB boats, which may explain why the splashdown went unnoticed. It is also possible that these Soviet-vintage munitions failed to detonate when hitting the water. Moscow feels publicly embarrassed and annoyed by the British denial (Militarynews.ru, June 23).

On April 14, 2021, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced it would be denying the right of innocent passage for foreign naval and government ships in parts of Crimea ’s 12-mile territorial waters, including the Cape Fiolent region, from April 24 to October 31, 2021, citing military exercises (Interfax, April 20). This order, from Moscow ’s point of view, deemed HMS Defender’s innocent passage around Cape Fiolent, yesterday, illegal. Of course, the United Kingdom, like most of the rest of the international community, does not recognize the 2014 annexation (or “reunification,” in the Kremlin’s characterization) of Crimea or Russia’s right to control the peninsula’s territorial waters. The Russian operators demanded HMS Defender turn away from Cape Fiolent because of military maneuvers in the area; but apparently, this was a fabricated pretext. The ships that engaged the Defender were not from the Russian Military-Maritime Fleet (Voyenno-Morskoy Flot—VMF) but lightly armed FSB patrol boats (Kommersant, June 24).

Russia Bungles Pre-Planned Intercept of UK Navy Vessel off Coast of Crimea - Jamestown

Click to enlarge. The Project 09853 Class submarine, Belgorod (NATO: OSCAR-II-STRETCH) will provide

new capabilities to the Russian Navy.

Russia’s Gigantic Submarine, Belgorod, Sails For The First Time

Belgorod will bring new capabilities to the Russian Navy. To be operated on behalf of

the secretive Main Directorate of Undersea Research (GUGI), the submarine may be

central to Russia's intelligence gathering capabilities. Yet she also carries a new

strategic weapon, known as Poseidon.

H I Sutton 25 Jun 2021

The Russian Navy’s latest ‘Special Mission’ submarine, K-329 Belgorod, has put to sea for the first time. Open source intelligence seen by Naval News indicates that the submarine left Severodvinsk on June 25 2021. This represents the start of sea trials which are critical to the delivery of the new boat to the Russian Navy. Although detailed specifications have not been revealed it is clear that Belgorod is the largest submarine to be built for 30 years. In fact the only submarine type which is larger is the Typhoon Class. Her enlarged Oscar-II class submarine hull is estimated to be 178 meters (584 feet) long and about 15 meters (49 feet) across. Her displacement will likely be significantly more than the ~19,000 tons of the Oscar-II class on which she is based. This is bigger in every respect than the largest Western submarine, the U.S. Navy’s Ohio Class.

The submarine was launched in April 23 2019 in Severodvinsk. Since then it has been moored to the quay there being fitted out and system tested. Russian media has reported tests of the new weapon system and also of the reactors. She had been expected to start trials in April, after the arctic ice had receded, but instead was taken back into the sheds. She remerged at the end of May and was identified undergoing degaussing on June 5 – 6. She has now finally sailed.

The ship left its berth for the first time on April 25. But instead of heading directly out to sea she was loaded into the floating dock and transferred back to the construction hall where she was built. By May 7 when another new submarine, Kazan, was being commissioned, preparations to bring her back out were visible.

Russia's Gigantic Submarine, Belgorod, Sails For The First Time - Naval News

Waving a Small Stick at China by David StubbsJune 25, 2021

Experimental Feature: Audio Read Version

Whenever defence reviews are published commentators tend to focus on the number of military personnel the government thinks are necessary to defend British interests. Reductions in personnel are viewed as an indicator of Britain’s decline.1 As ever, government willingness to properly fund the activities it wishes the military to undertake remains a key topic.2 What is different about the 2021 Integrated Review is the way it seeks to balance personnel reductions with scientific and technological advantages it believes the UK will enjoy, to compensate for workforce reductions. The review recognises that the European theatre will continue to be the main effort, but despite this it has articulated a desire to ‘tilt’ UK forces to the Indo-Pacific. Essentially, the Integrated Review has indicated Britain’s desire to play a part in mitigating China’s regional belligerence. In this respect clear parallels can be drawn with the spending judgements made in the 1920s and 1930s, when British leaders were struggling to come to terms with the rising power of Japan. Historical context

Then, as a counterweight to the emerging regional power of Japan, British leaders decided to construct a large naval fortress in Singapore to make clear their determination to protect imperial regional interests. Yet, by the mid-1930s the British and French leaders were acutely aware that their electorate wanted to avoid becoming embroiled in another European war. In response, British and French politicians made a series of concessions to Adolf Hitler in the hope that his demands would cease when his clearly articulated aspirations were satisfied.3 Appeasement failed to keep the peace in Europe. In Asia the paucity of resources provided to the region, together with inter-service wrangling about the best way to defend Malaya and the Singapore isthmus, resulted in the humiliating loss of Singapore to the Japanese in February 1942.4 The progress of the war made clear that the Japanese military had been greatly underestimated, in part due to racist attitudes.5 Outmatched RAF fighter and bomber aircraft in Singapore were destroyed on the ground or shot out of the sky. The shock caused by the resultant defeat was compounded by the loss of two Royal Navy (RN) capital ships, the battleship Prince of Wales and the battlecruiser Repulse, both of which were detected and sunk

by Japanese aircraft. Admiral Sir Tom Phillips, a man renown for questioning the ability of aircraft to sink capital ships, was lost with his flagship.6

Waving a Small Stick at China » Wavell Room Short Read

France’s Indo-Pacific strategy and avenues for

deepening the Franco-Australian strategic partnership 25 Jun 2021|Nicolas Regaud

France’s strategy in the Indo-Pacific takes place in a context of regional political, economic and strategic re-engagement that dates back to the early 1990s. This has enabled France to develop a policy of partnerships legitimising its place and role as a power that’s both global and a riparian Indo-Pacific state. Until the mid-2010s, it took place in a permissive context in which the US appeared to be the undisputed dominant power of a vast region from the Eastern Pacific to the Arabian Gulf. It was essentially the rise of China and the assertive policy led by Xi Jinping, combined with the erosion of American dominance and leadership, that led France to develop a real strategy in the Indo-Pacific. The policy’s implementation relied upon strengthening cooperation with France’s major strategic partners in the region, in particular Australia, India and Japan, as well as on its overseas territories in the Indian and Pacific oceans.

The broad outlines of this strategy have many points in common with those developed by France’s major partners, particularly with regard to free access to contested global commons and the rejection of any hegemonism, but it’s nearly unique in its insistence on the importance of multilateralism, from the fight against climate change to France’s refusal to direct its strategy ‘against’ a state. Indeed, as the EU stated in March 2019, China is seen as a cooperative partner, a competitor and a systemic rival when promoting alternative governance models. But what differentiates the European and French approaches is that France has a significant territorial, human and military presence in the Indo-Pacific, which increases the stakes and France’s potential for action.

The political statutes of the départements (Réunion and Mayotte) and the overseas collectivities (New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Wallis and Futuna Islands) are different: the former are inalienable parts of the national territory, while the latter have very broad autonomy, to possibly evolve until independence as far as New Caledonia is concerned. Consequently, the policy led by Paris can’t be articulated in exactly the same way, even if the desire to promote the integration of those territories into their regional areas is common to all.

French policy in the Indo-Pacific is therefore partially contingent on the evolution of its territories on the statutory level and their will and capacity to be relays for regional action

in Paris. Their low economic, energy and food autonomy is unlikely to change in the short or medium term, while their defence and security remain the exclusive responsibility of mainland France. On the military level, France’s pre-positioned capabilities are just sufficient to ensure the missions of sovereignty and in its regional cooperation activities, Paris seeking to compensate for its limits, notably by the development of long-distance air and naval projection capacities.

It’s certainly in terms of its economic presence and official development assistance (ODA) commitment that the French strategy suffers from the most significant limitations, which may nevertheless be offset by a growing commitment from the EU. The EU strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, which should be released in September 2021, may ease that pressure. Indeed, in a context of multiple and heavy external commitments (in Europe, Africa and the Near and Middle East), France can’t engage more in the Indo-Pacific other than through strategic partnerships allowing it to pool efforts at all levels (political, military, economic) to meet China’s and global challenges (climate change, environmental protection, health, terrorism, piracy, cybersecurity and so on).

By proposing the construction of an ‘Indo-Pacific axis’ to his Indian and Australian partners, President Emmanuel Macron aimed to highlight the potential for trilateral cooperation in the region, in particular in the Indian Ocean, taking into account the French overseas territories and their fragile neighbourhoods. One of the main tools at France’s disposal is to contribute to the construction of a regional political and security architecture to better respond to challenges by promoting the development of the capacities of vulnerable countries, particularly in the regions surrounding its overseas territories.

Among the avenues for progress, Australia could consider taking up observer status at the Indian Ocean Commission, as that subregional cooperation platform is likely to play an increasing role in development, environmental protection and maritime security. Australia could also share its experience gained from the Pacific Fusion Centre, with a view to the centre’s possible duplication in the southwest Indian Ocean, and consider having a liaison officer at the Madagascar-based Regional Maritime Information Fusion Center (a body supported by the Indian Ocean Commission and responsible for maritime domain awareness in the Western Indian Ocean).

France became a full member of the Indian Ocean Rim Association in December 2020, so exchanges with France could develop in that context, so that the association becomes a place of exchange and cooperation on climate and security issues. Finally, in its development assistance policy, Australia could consider increasing ODA directed to East African states bordering the Indian Ocean, while the strengthening of France’s development assistance in the South Pacific could possibly involve the conclusion of a partnership agreement between the French Development Agency and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

France’s Indo-Pacific strategy and avenues for deepening the Franco-Australian strategic partnership |

The Strategist (aspistrategist.org.au)

Hypersonic Missiles: A New Arms Race

China, Russia and the United States are all pursuing hypersonic weapons

technologies, setting the stage for an arms race.

Hypersonic Missiles: A New Arms Race – The Diplomat

Reimagining Human Intelligence – The Case for a

Sunlight Strategy

Rumors of a recent high-level Chinese intelligence defector bring into focus a much-neglected facet of human intelligence (HUMINT) that begs for greater energy and innovation. A typical U.S. HUMINT operator, if asked to explain the goal of HUMINT, would likely respond that it is intelligence provided by a clandestine agent inside an adversary government or country. In fact, HUMINT is simply intelligence provided by human beings, and sometimes those humans are clandestine sources working in-place. While the recruitment of agent penetrations of U.S. adversaries is its highest expression, other forms of HUMINT also offer tremendous potential to answer key intelligence questions Intelligence defectors, for example–individuals who flee their countries conveying their secrets with them rather than covertly sharing them from inside–have historically supplied the United States with vital insights into the capabilities of dangerous foes. Despite their demonstrated high impact, I contend the United States does not have a well-defined defector strategy, nor has the defector facet of HUMINT received the level of doctrinal attention commensurate with its historic contribution to national security. But even if this deficiency were corrected, it would not represent an innovation, rather the overdue refinement of a known element of espionage. What then would a true innovation look like in a HUMINT context?

One innovative, hybrid approach would be to marry HUMINT to a fundamental competitive advantage the United States and other countries in the free world have over authoritarian adversaries like China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and Cuba: Freedom of expression. Sticking with the defector theme, the United States has typically handled intelligence defectors by discreetly collecting their secrets and then converting them into U.S. secrets, which are shared with a select few. If one accepts the Washington Post’s motto that “democracy dies in darkness,” it should then follow that: tyranny decays in sunlight. With this in mind, in addition to welcoming or even soliciting intelligence defectors merely to feed their revelations into classified intelligence channels, might U.S. HUMINT actively cultivate a new family of defectors, ones who after being safely sprung are disengaged from the intelligence machinery and left to speak publicly, bringing the dark secrets they possess out into the sunlight for everyone to see?

In this scenario, the intelligence role would be limited to artfully generating awareness of this opportunity among the narrow category of individuals who possess the crown jewel-level secrets needed to qualify, educating them on ways to securely identify themselves, validating their qualification, and then effecting their departure. In essence, the intelligence role would be limited to enablement: picking the locks, leading them to safe ground, then stepping back. The work of independent investigative entities such Bellingcat and the International

Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) clearly demonstrate the ability of journalists to competently and responsibly run these stories to ground. . Reimagining Human Intelligence – The Case for a Sunlight Strategy - Just Security

ON TWEETERSHIP: THE PITFALLS AWAITING MILITARY LEADERS ON SOCIAL MEDIA AND HOW TO AVOID THEM Joe Byerly and Dan Vigeant | 06.25.21

There is a problem in the military. Too many leaders identifying themselves as servicemembers (or even

as commanders) online pick up their smartphones in a state of heightened excitement after reading an

article, someone else’s comments online, or a real-life experience, and then impulsively tweet about it.

These tweets can become fodder for journalists, or even worse, inflame the passions of other social

media users and create digital dog piles that aren’t representative of military values.

When servicemembers see other military leaders share emotionally charged posts, fight trolls, or,

specifically, express outrage over a hot button social or political topic they can get sucked into the mob.

We have seen more than one #miltwitter mob go wild in the last year, and it seems like it’s happening at

an increasing rate.

Are We Really in Control When We Post on Social Media?

Numerous studies have been conducted to find the neurological link between social media and our

brains. Researchers have found that it affects multiple parts of the brain and can be linked to reward

processing, social cognition, imitation, and attention. Additionally, our relationship with social media is

also being associated with Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of human needs. In this modern age of

permanent connectivity to the online world, we have essentially equated social media to social

belonging.

As leaders, we all have a natural gravitational pull toward action (in this context, using our thumbs to

tweet or post). No matter how strong this urge can sometimes be, we should always take a second to

pause before hitting send. Social media is a valuable tool for military practitioners to share lessons

learned or connect and expand our networks, but it also taps into something primal. It unleashes an

electrical current of energy that was present long before the internet.

Would Pericles Have Shared His Hot Takes?

Nearly 2,500 years ago, an elder statesman in Athens named Pericles recognized a current that moved

between people when they congregated together. He understood this current could become so charged

that it had the power to override all logic and take the collective down the wrong path. As Thucydides

recounts in his history of the Peloponnesian War, Pericles used measured speeches to bring the citizens

of Athens down a notch when they became excited over a victory on the battlefield. When they grew

despondent over a battlefield loss, he used inspirational words to restore their confidence.

Pericles was old and knew he might not be around long enough to see the war ’s conclusion. So, he

warned them about the danger of letting their passions get the best of them, advising them to “to

attempt no new conquests, and to expose the city to no hazards during the war, and doing this, promised

them a favorable result” In other words, he warned them to not let their passions get the best of them.

Unfortunately, Pericles passed away before the end of the Peloponnesian War and men rose to

prominence that lacked his moderation. They inflamed the crowds to the point where logic went out the

window, and Athens did the exact opposite of what Pericles cautioned. Under their influence, Athens

launched unnecessary conquests and even slaughtered an entire city in the name of preserving its

democracy. Ultimately, the passions of the people, and the demagogues they followed, spelled ruin for

Athens. The famed city-state eventually lost the war.

On Tweetership: The Pitfalls Awaiting Military Leaders on Social Media and How to Avoid Them -

Modern War Institute (usma.edu)

THE CHALLENGE OF EDUCATING THE MILITARY ON CYBER STRATEGY

Malicious cyber activity is ranked by some as the primary threat to international security. The strategic implications of cyberspace are particularly salient in the military context. From an offensive perspective, the military has developed concepts for the use of cyber capabilities as an independent instrument of military power, as well as their use as part of shaping activities to enable conventional operations on the battlefield. From a defensive perspective, the U.S. Department of Defense is as vulnerable to cyber threats to its networks and critical warfighting capabilities as the rest of U.S. society, if not more so. Yet there are significant gaps in how the military educates the officer corps as a community about the nature and practice of cyber strategy and operations.

The professional military education system faces several challenges in how it teaches future leaders practicing the profession of arms in the cyber domain. Cyber strategy programs are inconsistent across the services, are often under threat of funding cuts, and can be altered capriciously in the absence of clear guidance on what needs to be taught. Moreover, some core professors in the cyber security field have limited practical experience, while others have limited academic background in teaching cyber strategy. Military reading curriculums more often feature fictional takes on cyber security than rigorous empirical accounts of the domain. War colleges and service schools have significant room to improve how they educate the officer corps to understand the cyber and information environment, including the core concepts and legal authorities critical to the domain.

The Cyberspace Solarium Commission was tasked with evaluating U.S. national cyber strategy and promoting the conditions to harness U.S. power in the cyber domain. In the context of improving U.S. military capabilities in cyberspace, the commission found that it would not be sufficient to just grow the cyber force or improve acquisition authorities. Rather, it is essential for military leaders across the services — beyond those directly engaged in planning and implementing cyber operations — to have a fundamental understanding of the role of the cyber domain in military operations and strategy. The commission’s March 2020 report contains a specific recommendation to enhance support for education on cyber strategy within the professional military education system. Specifically, the commission recommended that the war colleges and service schools establish permanent teaching and research faculty (sometimes called “Title 10 professors” at these institutions) “to communicate and investigate cyber strategy and

policy at the national level as it affects the armed forces.” This recommendation was intended to institutionalize cyber strategy education in professional military education institutions.

The Challenge of Educating the Military on Cyber Strategy - War on the Rocks

FOR A GREENER, MORE LETHAL FORCE, LOOK TO

STRATEGIC SEALIFT RECAPITALIZATION

JUNE 25, 2021 GUEST AUTHOR 1 COMMENT

Strategic Sealift Topic Week By Joshua Tallis and Ronald Filadelfo Recapitalizing strategic sealift vessels would provide a needed catalyst for green maritime technology development, driving toward the Biden administration’s new shipping climate target while improving the US Navy’s warfighting edge. A greener merchant fleet, enabled by technology developed during the recapitalization of the aging sealift fleet (the vessels that bring US troops and materiel to foreign shores) would address an important source of climate change and increase the sustainment reach of the logistics fleet (the auxiliary vessels that keep warships on station). Such a maritime green revolution might even improve lethality. Climate and the Shipping Forecast Shipping is the most efficient way that humans distribute goods. Yet the industry’s scale still makes commercial vessels substantial global emitters. Ships often burn cheap, heavy fuels, the dregs of the refinement process, which means that as few as 15 of the merchant fleet’s largest vessels give off as much nitrogen and sulfur as the entire world’s stock of automobiles. Marine-related black carbon emissions, while not the world’s largest source of soot, are rising relative to other sources. This disproportionately impacts Arctic ice melt because the black specks settle lower in the atmosphere, landing on ice and absorbing more heat. In total, if shipping were a country, it would be the sixth largest emitter of CO2, behind Japan and ahead of Germany. The merchant fleet has surely been moving to adopt more efficient vessels. A combination of optimized speed, more efficient engines, and larger hull sizes has contributed to substantial net improvements over time. Yet innovation has its obstacles. A recent move to low sulfur fuel in compliance with new International Maritime Organization (IMO) rules has allegedly increased emissions and may have contributed to a series of power failures at sea. Meanwhile, even in the face of environmental resistance by shipping lines to use Arctic routes, Russia continues to advertise the Northern Sea Route, raising the prospect of further environmental fallout from the shipping industry. It is in this context that the Biden administration has committed to join the IMO in reducing global shipping emissions to net zero by 2050.

For a Greener, More Lethal Force, Look to Strategic Sealift Recapitalization | Center for International

Maritime Security (cimsec.org)

How America Must Restructure Its Conventional Force Policy

A renewed focus on Joint Force Structure based on current threats is

overdue, and the methods for doing so are too generic.

Current and future adversaries, primarily Russia and China, continue to threaten

American leadership and security globally while intimidating their neighbors. To

counter their efforts, America must refocus how it structures its conventional

forces and move away from previous concepts.

America should embrace a concept of two simultaneous wars: a Land War in

Europe and a Maritime War in the Pacific. Structuring the Joint Force this way,

enabling it with updated technologies, and adjusting how it handles Anti-Access

Area Denial and “gray zone” environments will ensure its success for decades to

come.

Great Power Competition Despite two philosophically opposed administrations, the threat from the Great

Power Competition remains America’s number one security priority as described

in the 2017 National Security Strategy, the 2018 National Defense Strategy, and

the 2021 Interim National Security Strategic Guidance.

Russia continues to pursue efforts to undermine NATO unity and resolve by

exploiting weak European institutions and governments. It has shown

its willingness for armed conflict in Georgia and Ukraine and intimidates its

neighbors through periodic shows of force with forward-deployed troops, cyber-

attacks, and covert operations.

Russian servicemen of the Guards anti-aircraft missile

Regiment take part in drills at Opuk range, Crimea, March 2021. Photo: AFP

China continues to use economic inducements, penalties, and military threats to

coerce compliance with its political and security agenda. It has made clear that it

will stop at nothing short of total control of the South and East China Seas as well

as reacquiring sovereignty over Taiwan and that it is willing to use military force

to achieve these objectives.

North Korea is rapidly accelerating its cyber, nuclear, and ballistic missile

programs as it looks for means to ensure its security. While there has been a

thawing in the relationship between the two Koreas, the peninsula is still a

hotbed of potential for conflict. Their continued provocations serve to further

America’s security partnerships; however, they also risk nuclear proliferation in

the region.

Iran aggressively pursues nuclear enrichment, likely for weapons production. It

threatens its neighbors in the Arabian Gulf region, and provides massive support

to state-sponsored terror organizations.

As the United States removes most combat forces from the CENTCOM area of

responsibility and pivots towards Great Power Competition, this may likely

embolden Iran to increase its hostile actions to reassert its global presence and

counter Israel.

These competitions are not passing trends and require sustained national

attention and commitment. America’s adversaries exploit its binary view of “war”

and “peace” by exploiting the gray zone to challenge US leadership and resolve.

As a relatively young nation, the US is accustomed to its Eagle either pointing

towards the arrows or the olive branch. This binary view on global conflict is not

consistent with the ancient national identities of these “Axis of Evil” countries,

most of whom are comfortable with decades, if not centuries, of lasting gray zone

conflict, a concept foreign to the United States.

How America Must Restructure Its Conventional Force Policy – The Defense Post

Vaccine experts: Covid vaccines can help protect public against emerging variants

BYCLAUDETH MOCON-CIRIACO

JUNE 25, 2021

1 MINUTE READ

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority

(MMDA) organic personnel, office staff and traffic constable get their

Sinovac jabs as the government procures more vaccines to stop the

spread of Covid-19 and attain herd immunity.

With the threat of newer mutations like the “Delta plus” variant, two members of the Vaccine Expert Panel (VEP) urged the public to get vaccinated to have themselves protected.

“Have yourself vaccinated,” Dr. Rontgene Solante of the VEP said during the Kapihan Session of the Department of Health (DOH) on Friday, stressing that vaccines are still effective as an added layer of protection against the variants.

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“Forget about the variant at this point,” Solante stressed adding that the most important thing is that the vaccine will protect you from getting the severe form of the infection.

For his part, Dr. Isagani Padolina, also a member of the VEP, said that getting the vaccines will reduce the burden on the healthcare system.

Covid cases

As of 4 p.m. of June 25, the DOH logged 6,812 additional Covid-19 cases, bringing the total number of infections to 1,385,053.

There were also 2,867 recoveries and 116 deaths.

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Of the total number of cases, 4.0 percent (55,293) are active, 94.3 percent (1,305,608) have recovered, 1.74 percent (24,152) have died.

Nineteen duplicates were removed from the total case count. Of these, 12 are recoveries.

Moreover, 61 cases that were previously tagged as recoveries were reclassified as deaths after final validation.

All laboratories were operational on June 23, 2021 and all were able to submit their data to the Covid-19 Document Repository System.

Vaccine experts: Covid vaccines can help protect public against emerging variants | Claudeth Mocon-

Ciriaco (businessmirror.com.ph)

NEW RESEARCH SHOWS EXTENT OF CHINA’S COVER-UP OF COVID-19’S

ORIGINS

An American research scientist reported on Tuesday that Chinese researchers deleted genetic sequencing data for COVID-19 samples from a U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) database. The deletions highlight the extent of China’s efforts to stymie research into the beginnings of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jesse Bloom, a virologist from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, posted his findings this week on a public server for preprints, or scientific papers awaiting peer review. Bloom discovered that a data set containing SARS-COV-2 genetic sequences from early in the Wuhan outbreak was deleted from the NIH’s Sequence Read Archive, a permanent archive of sequencing data. While the data is no longer available in the NIH database, Bloom was able to reconstruct partial sequences from deleted files still available in Google Cloud. The NIH issued a statement explaining that Chinese researchers submitted the data in March 2020 and asked for the deletion in June 2020 because the sequences had been updated and would be submitted to an unspecified database. “Submitting investigators hold the rights to their data and can request withdrawal of the data,” NIH explained. Bloom noted on Twitter that the sequences are not included in China’s own sequence database.

It is unclear if Bloom ’s research will provide insight into whether the virus spread because of human contact with an infected animal or from a lab accident. Bloom argues that the deleted sequences show that samples from patients linked to the Huanan Seafood Market in Wuhan are not representative of early cases of the virus.

Bloom notes that there “is no scientific reason for the deletion” of the NIH data set, and it “therefore seems likely the sequences were deleted to obscure their existence” as part of an effort by Beijing to limit evidence of the early spread of the pandemic — evidence essential to understanding its origins.

President Joe Biden said following the G7 summit that Beijing has not allowed access to Chinese laboratories to assist with the COVID-19 origins investigation. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan highlighted the importance of additional data to understanding the origins of COVID-19. Accordingly, the G7 countries “pledged that they would have their national systems try to share analysis and information … both with [the] international investigation and with each other,” Sullivan said. He noted that China — which is not part of the G7 — has withheld “original data” from the World Health Organization (WHO).

In light of Bloom’s findings, the Biden administration should swiftly order an investigation to determine whether additional content was removed from the NIH database and whether the agency followed all appropriate procedures.

Bloom’s research also shows that Beijing does not control all of the scientific data related to COVID-19’s origins, so there may be creative ways to circumvent Chinese interference.

Some information is already available about what Beijing is hiding. The March 2021 WHO-China joint report on the pandemic’s origins noted that China is not providing access to more than 76,000 records from patients who had illnesses similar to COVID-19 in the earliest phase of the pandemic. Likewise, Beijing has not allowed sampling of blood donations from that period, which could help determine whether the virus was circulating in the fall of 2019. The State Department also issued a fact sheet just before Biden took office, explaining that Wuhan Institute of Virology researchers were sick with seasonal illnesses or COVID-19 in autumn 2019. That information has not been disputed by the Biden administration.

So far, the administration has not explained how it will increase the pressure on China to share the critical scientific data Beijing is now withholding. But the recovery of deleted records from the NIH database shows there may be information beyond the reach of the Chinese Communist Party that could help pinpoint the origins of the pandemic.

FDD | New Research Shows Extent of China’s Cover-Up of COVID-19’s Origins

FDA to add warning about rare heart condition to mRNA vaccines FDA TO ADD MYOCARDITIS WARNING TO mRNA SHOTS — Doran Fink,

deputy director of FDA's vaccines division, told the CDC’s outside vaccine advisers on

Wednesday that the agency was preparing to “quickly” add the warning to the mRNA

vaccines’ fact sheets, after hearing the panel confirm there’s a “likely association”

between the shots and cases of myocarditis and pericarditis in recipients. While the

cases are rare compared to the number of doses administered, the preponderance of

cases has been observed in men under 30.

An FDA spokesperson told Rx Pulse that the agency would provide more information

soon. The issue has taken on greater urgency as vaccine makers study immunizing

younger populations, vaccination uptake continues to dwindle and the dangerous Delta

variant spreads throughout regions of the country. Amid all those factors, the vaccine

advisory panel — plus a coalition of federal and private public health officials — clearly

stated Wednesday that the Covid shots’ benefits greatly outweigh the potential risks.

TO BOOST OR NOT TO BOOST — Another issue the committee weighed was what

data is needed to decide when and whether the population needs Covid vaccine booster

doses, something officials emphasized has yet to be determined (despite biotech CEOs

regularly opining about the timelines for boosters). The CDC’s Sara Oliver said the

agency’s working group on the issue doesn’t expect to make a recommendation until

declining vaccine effectiveness can be demonstrated, or if a variant evades the shot ’s

protection.

Other questions public health officials must study is whether the vaccine cocktails must

be reworked or if third doses are sufficient to offer booster protection, and whether

certain populations — like the immunocompromised or long-term care home residents

— should be carved out to receive boosters.

IN CON GRESS

HOUSE DEMS PROPOSE $3.5B FOR FDA APPROPRIATIONS — The House

Appropriations Agriculture-FDA Subcommittee will mark up a draft bill today that

would direct nearly $3.5 billion to FDA in fiscal 2022, Lauren writes. The measure

would amount to a $257 million boost over current spending and, counting user fees,

would total nearly $6.3 billion for the agency.

The proposal generally tracks with the Biden administration’s budget request for FDA,

though it wouldn’t provide the nearly $100 million boost to the agency’s tobacco center

sought by the White House. The full committee will mark up the bill Wednesday.

DEVICE INDUSTRY LOOKS TO CONGRESS TO CODIFY MCIT — Weeks after

CMS announced it is again delaying implementation of a controversial Trump-era plan

to automatically grant breakthrough devices four years of Medicare coverage, the device

industry is touting two legislative efforts to codify the plan into law.

On Wednesday a bipartisan collection of House lawmakers introduced H.R. 4043,

standalone legislation that would grant the four years of Medicare coverage to

breakthrough devices and require CMS to make a permanent coverage determination.

And similar text is included in Reps. Fred Upton (R-Mich.) and Diana DeGette's (D-

Colo.) recently released 21st Century Cures 2.0 discussion draft.

AdvaMed and the Medical Device Manufacturers Association — device trade groups that

have heavily lobbied for the policy — applauded the new legislative efforts.

FDA to add warning about rare heart condition to mRNA vaccines - POLITICO

Korean health officials split over impact of

delta variant

Son Young-rae, the South Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare`s

spokesperson, speaks during a press briefing on June 6. (Yonhap)

Top officials at two major public health offices -- the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency -- offered disparate views on the potential impact of the delta variant, first detected in India, on the pandemic situation here. Son Young-rae, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Welfare, downplayed the concerns over the delta variant in a closed-door briefing Thursday, saying that it did not present serious enough of a cause to delay the easing in social distancing rules scheduled for next week. “From what’s been revealed so far, the delta variant is no more resistant to vaccines than the other existing variants,” he said. Son said the alpha variant, first discovered in the UK, still represented the vast majority, or 84 percent, of over 2,200 variant cases spotted here, while the delta variant accounted for less than 10 percent. “Korea’s COVID-19 situation is stable. The share of the delta variant is relatively low,” he said. “It’s not necessary to keep the current intensity of social distancing on account of the variant, especially considering the socioeconomic costs of such restrictions.”

Korean health officials split over impact of delta variant (koreaherald.com)..

More hospitals prepared, oxygen supply sufficient: Indonesian health minister as COVID-19 cases surge

A patient suffering from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) breaths with a non-rebreather

mask in an emergency tent at a hospital in Jakarta, Indonesia, June 24, 2021. REUTERS/Ajeng

Dinar Ulfiana

By Kiki Siregar

JAKARTA: Indonesia’s Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said on Friday (Jun 25) that more hospitals and beds have been prepared in Jakarta to cope with another surge of COVID-19 cases, while assuring the public that there is sufficient oxygen supply on Java island.

This came after a record-breaking 20,574 new COVID-19 cases the day before, with Jakarta logging a record of 7,505 infections. Speaking during a press conference, the minister said that Persahabatan hospital, Sulianti Saroso hospital and Fatmawati hospital, all in the capital city, will be converted into full COVID-19 hospitals.

The government is also readying new makeshift COVID-19 hospitals in Jakarta. They will be located within the government subsidised housing complexes of Nagrak and Pasar Rumput. These makeshift facilities will treat asymptomatic patients and those with mild symptoms.

Meanwhile, Jakarta’s 2018 Asian Games Athlete's Village, which since last year has been turned into an emergency COVID-19 makeshift hospital, will treat patients with severe symptoms. “Thus, we will have hundreds of new beds with full equipment (as well as) experienced doctors and nurses to treat COVID-19 patients in Jakarta.

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“And we hope, this week the conversion will be finished so it can add the number of beds to treat Jakartans," Mr Sadikin said.

He added that emergency rooms in Jakarta's hospitals will also be converted into COVID-19 isolation rooms, while tents outside the hospitals will be set up to serve as emergency rooms.

Mr Sadikin stated that the country has 85,000 hospital beds, excluding the new COVID-19 hospitals and isolation rooms in Jakarta. He said that 60,000 beds are currently occupied.

More hospitals prepared, oxygen supply sufficient: Indonesian health minister as COVID-19 cases surge -

CNA (channelnewsasia.com)

Health & Environment

As Delta variant sweeps the West, Asia faces a choice:

stick to ‘zero-Covid’ approach or learn to live with it

The highly transmissible variant first identified in India has put a question mark over Europe’s summer and is starting to breach the defences of previously well-protected nations like Vietnam

While nations like Australia and Indonesia have responded with tighter restrictions, others such as Singapore suggest now is the time to ‘get on with our lives’

Hong Kong, the Delta coronavirus variant has emerged as a potential wild card that threatens to upend plans for returning to pre-pandemic normality. In Europe and North America, the rapid spread of the highly transmissible variant first identified in India has placed a question mark over hopes for a normal summer, even as climbing vaccination rates spur the rolling back of restrictions and resumption of tourism and travel.In the Asia-Pacific region, the variant is fuelling outbreaks in countries that have struggled to manage the virus, while reinforcing the hyper-cautious stance of “ zero-Covid ” economies reliant on strict border controls, which have prevented countless deaths but have also come under mounting criticism as other parts of the world look towards post-pandemic life.

As the pandemic officially nears the 18-month mark, the mutant strain has thrown into sharp relief the urgent need to ramp up vaccinations and the painful trade-offs that come with either trying to eliminate or co-exist with the virus. The Delta variant, now circulating in at least 80 countries, is believed to be 60 per cent more transmissible than the Alpha variant first identified in

Britain, which itself is about 50 per cent more infectious than the strain first identified in Wuhan, China. Delta also appears more resistant to vaccines than other strains, although fully vaccinated people continue to be well protected from serious disease and death.

As Delta variant sweeps the West, Asia faces a choice: stick to ‘zero-Covid’ approach or learn to live with

it | South China Morning Post (scmp.com)

Mapping the Coronavirus Outbreak Across the World

Updated: June 30, 2021, 1:21 PM GMT+8

Tracking Covid-19 Vaccine Tracker Global Cases U.S. Cases U.S. Regions

Brazil 2,454 88,032 150.8 N/A

U.K. 1,962 73,225 3,145.8 2.5

U.S. 1,830 101,892 1,411.6 2.8

France 1,645 86,316 N/A 6.0

Germany 1,132 46,511 793.7 8.0

Russia 932 38,247 1,020.9 8.1

India 304 23,150 311.2 0.5

Japan 117 6,345 123.3 13.1

Mainland China 3 66 N/A 4.3

Testing data as of June 29, 2021, 6:14 PM GMT+8

Sources: OECD for number of hospital beds (2016 for the U.S., 2017 for other countries),

government agencies and the COVID Tracking Project via Our World in Data for testing data

(various recent dates) (reported in the past 45 days) and the U.S. Census Bureau for population figures (2019).

The world is bracing for a new wave of Covid-19 infections, as the coronavirus pandemic has infected more than 180 million people and killed more than 3.9 million globally since late January 2020. Efforts many countries took to stamp out the pneumonia-like illness led to entire nations enforcing lockdowns, widespread halts of international travel, mass layoffs and battered financial markets. Recent attempts to revive social life and financial activities have resulted in another surge in cases and hospitalizations, though new drugs and improved care may help more people who get seriously ill survive.

Getting to a Flatter Curve 👆

The first 530 days with more than 100 confirmed cases

Asia

Other Show deaths 👆

01002003004005001 yrDays since 100 confirmed cases1001,00010,000100,0001,000,00010,000,00030,000,000CasesMainland ChinaFranceU.K.Hong KongU.S.AustraliaBrazilIndiaRussiaTaiwanNew Zealand

Note: JHU CSSE reporting began on January 22, 2020, when mainland China had already surpassed 500 cases.

Source: Johns Hopkins University Center for Systems Science and Engineering

181,813,620

Confirmed cases worldwide

3,937,893

Deaths worldwide

Jurisdictions with cases confirmed as of June 30, 2021, 1:21 PM GMT+8

1–99

100–999

1,000–9,999

10,000–99,999

100,000–999,999

1,000,000–9,999,999

10 million or more Where deaths have

occurred Deaths Cases

U.S. 604,467 33,651,915

Brazil 515,985 18,513,305

India 398,454 30,362,848

Mexico 232,803 2,513,164

Peru 191,899 2,048,115

Russia 132,314 5,428,961

U.K. 128,390 4,791,628

Italy 127,542 4,259,133

France 111,230 5,835,885

Colombia 105,934 4,213,074

Argentina 93,668 4,447,701

Germany 90,883 3,735,399

Iran 84,127 3,192,809

Spain 80,829 3,799,733

Poland 75,005 2,879,811

Show more 👆

Note: Totals for Denmark, France, the Netherlands, the U.K., and the U.S. include overseas

territories and other dependencies. Cases and deaths for cruise ships have been separated in accordance with JHU CSSE data.

More Coverage From Bloomberg

Sign up for our daily coronavirus newsletter Stories about the coronavirus outbreak from Bloomberg News Virus Update from Bloomberg News The Future of Travel in the Covid Era How Covid Is Shifting Human Behavior Around the World The Covid Resilience Ranking

The epicenter of the pandemic has continued to shift throughout the year, from China, then Europe, then the U.S., and now to developing countries like Brazil. Cases globally surpassed 10 million in late June, but ever since infections have been multiplying faster. The U.S. and India have the most infections, accounting for more than a third of all cases combined.

Global Cases Added Per Day

New cases: 338,713

Jan 21, 2020

Jun 29, 2021

Brazil

New cases: 64,903

Jan 21, 2020

Jun 29, 2021

U.K.

20,261

Russia

20,217

Iran

12,717

U.S.

11,596

France

3,395

Germany

569

Mainland China

9

India

0

Note: On February 14, 2020, Hubei officials changed their diagnostic criteria, resulting in a spike in reported cases.

Countries took drastic measures to mitigate the spread of Covid-19 on their homefront—with varying degrees of success. More than 140 governments placed blanket bans on incoming travelers, closed schools and restricted gatherings and public events, according to data compiled by Oxford University’s Blavatnik School of Government and Bloomberg reporting.

As countries loosen lockdowns in an effort to reboot their economies, many have seen a resurgence of infections. The number of new daily cases in the U.S. rose to record highs after some states relaxed social distancing requirements. Even places that successfully contained infections earlier in the year, like China and South Korea, have seen cases bubble back up. Theories that warmer weather in the Northern Hemisphere would bring relief appear to be unfounded.

How the Outbreak Spread Country by Country 👆

Seven-day rolling average of new deaths and cases

Asia

Other Show cases 👆

Mar 2020Jan 2021Jun 2900.5K1.0K1.5K2.0K2.5K3.0K3.5K4.0KNew deaths by dayU.S.IndiaRussiaU.K.

Note: Shown are the 15 places with the highest totals of confirmed cases, as of June 29. Negative values resulting from governments revising their totals have been excluded from rolling average calculations.

The “worst is yet to come” given a lack of global solidarity, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head of the World Health Organization, said at a briefing in Geneva on June 29.

In May, the WHO emphasized the need for a plan that includes testing for the virus and its antibodies, effective contact tracing and isolation, and community education. Antibody tests on the market that could potentially indicate a person’s immunity have been unreliable so far. Researchers and drugmakers are racing to develop treatments that could hold the key to recovery.

Gilead Sciences Inc.’s antiviral remdesivir is one of the first widely used drugs for Covid-19. It received an emergency use authorization from U.S. regulators in May, after a trial found it sped recovery by about four days in hospitalized patients. It was also part of U.S. President Donald Trump’s treatment after he tested positive for the coronavirus in early October, along with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.’s antibody cocktail and the generic drug dexamethasone.

Vaccines are also in development, though the study of one leading candidate from the University of Oxford and AstraZeneca Plc is on hold in the U.S. while regulators investigate a potential safety issue.

Coronavirus: Mapping Covid-19 Confirmed Cases and Deaths Globally (bloomberg.com)

More Than 3.01 Billion Shots Given: Covid-19 Tracker In the U.S., 325 million doses have been administered

Updated: June 30, 2021, 3:33 AM GMT+8

Vaccine Tracker Global U.S. U.S. Vaccine Demographics FAQ Covid-19 Tracker

The biggest vaccination campaign in history is underway. More than 3.01 billion doses have been administered across 180 countries, according to data collected by Bloomberg. The latest rate was roughly 43.2 million doses a day.

In the U.S., 325 million doses have been given so far. In the last week, an average of 896,412 doses per day were administered.

World Map of Vaccinations

More than 3.01 billion doses have been administered—enough to fully vaccinate 19.6% of the

global population

no dat a01102030%of population covered Note: “Population covered” divides the doses administered for each vaccine type by the number

of doses required for full vaccination. Data gathered from government agencies, public

statements, Bloomberg interviews and the World Health Organization and Johns Hopkins University.

Enough doses have now been administered to fully vaccinate 19.6% of the global population—but the distribution has been lopsided. Countries and regions with the highest incomes are getting vaccinated more than 30 times faster than those with the lowest.

Uneven Access to Vaccines

Least wealthy

Most wealthy

The wealthiest 27 places have 23.2% of the vaccinations…

Vaccines

India

Mainland China

U.S.

👆 Hover for more comparisons

Population

India

Mainland China

…but 10.4% of the world's population

Note: Vaccine access calculations account for the number of doses needed for full protection;

some vaccines require a two-dose regimen while others require just a single dose. Countries and

regions are ordered by GDP per capita (PPP).

When will life return to normal?

While the best vaccines are thought to be 95% effective, it takes a coordinated campaign to stop a pandemic. Anthony Fauci, the top infectious-disease official in the U.S., has said that vaccinating 70% to 85% of the U.S. population would enable a return to normalcy.

On a global scale, that’s a daunting level of vaccination. At the current pace of 43.2 million a day, it would take another year to achieve a high level of global immunity. The rate, however, is steadily increasing, and new vaccines by additional manufacturers are coming to market.

The Path to Immunity Around the World

In the U.S., the latest vaccination rate is 896,412 doses per day, on average. At this pace, it will

take another 6 months to cover 75% of the population.

↑↓

Average daily rate estimate

Dec. 31

Feb. 14

March 31

May 15

June 29

Doses administered: 5M

4

3

2

1

0

Note: Immunity calculations take into account the number of doses required and the current

rate of administration for each vaccine type. The “daily rate estimate” is a seven-day trailing

average; interpolation is used for jurisdictions with infrequent updates. *Coverage may exceed

100% in some places, as shots may be administered to non-residents. Data are from Bloomberg’s Covid-19 Vaccine Tracker.

Did we miss a place? Drop us a link

Are we bending the curve yet?

Israel was first to show that vaccinations were having a nationwide effect. The country has led the world in vaccinations, and by February more than 84% of people ages 70 and older had received two doses. Severe covid cases and deaths declined rapidly. A separate analysis in the U.K. showed similar results.

It’s now a life-and-death contest between vaccine and virus. New strains threaten renewed outbreaks. In the early stages of a campaign, the effect of vaccinations are often outweighed by other factors of transmissibility: virus mutations, seasonality, effectiveness of mask use and social distancing. In time, higher vaccination rates should limit the Covid-19 burden around the world.

Vaccinations vs. Cases

Covid rates have generally flattened or declined where vaccination rates are highest. Currently, 32 places have administered enough shots to cover at least 40% of the population.

United States (50.8% covered)

↑↓

Jan. 16

Feb. 26

April 8

May 19

June 29

People covered: 75%

50

25

0

Seven-day average Jan. 16

Feb. 26

April 8

May 19

June 29

New cases per million: 1,000

800

600

400

200

0

Note: “People covered” divides the doses administered for each vaccine type by the number of

doses required for full vaccination. Vaccine data from Bloomberg’s Covid-19 Tracker. Cases data: Johns Hopkins University.

Methodology and Analysis

What’s changed? What’s the best way to interpret vaccine data? Read our blog for more . . .

Since the start of the global vaccination campaign, countries have experienced unequal access to vaccines and varying degrees of efficiency in getting shots into people’s arms. Before March, few African nations had received a single shipment of shots. In the U.S., 97.9 doses have been administered for every 100 people.

Delivering billions of vaccines to stop the spread of Covid-19 worldwide will be one of the greatest logistical challenges ever undertaken.

Race to End the Pandemic

Seychelles leads the world, with enough vaccinations to cover 71.7% of its population

↑↓

UAE

UAE

Seych.

Seych.

U.K.

U.K.

U.S.

U.S.

Aruba

Aruba

Afgh.

Afgh.

Angola

Angola

Alb.

Alb.

Andorra

Andorra

Argen.

Argen.

Armenia

Armenia

Antigua

Antigua

Aus.

Aus.

Austria

Austria

Azer.

Azer.

Belgium

Belgium

Benin

Benin

B. Faso

B. Faso

Bang.

Bang.

Bulg.

Bulg.

Bahrain

Bahrain

Baha.

Baha.

Belarus

Belarus

Belize

Belize

Bermuda

Bermuda

Bol.

Bol.

Brazil

Brazil

Barb.

Barb.

Brunei

Brunei

Bhutan

Bhutan

Bots.

Bots.

C.A.R.

C.A.R.

Switz.

Switz.

Chile

Chile

Mainland China

Mainland China

Iv. Coast

Iv. Coast

Camer.

Camer.

DR Congo

DR Congo

Rep. Congo

Rep. Congo

Col.

Col.

Comoros

Comoros

C. Verde

C. Verde

Co. Rica

Co. Rica

Cuba

Cuba

Curaçao

Curaçao

Cayman

Cayman

Cyprus

Cyprus

Cz. Rep.

Cz. Rep.

Germany

Germany

Dji.

Dji.

Domca.

Domca.

Den.

Den.

Dom. Rep.

Dom. Rep.

Alg.

Alg.

Ecuador

Ecuador

Egypt

Egypt

Spain

Spain

Est.

Est.

Ethio.

Ethio.

Finland

Finland

Fiji

Fiji

France

France

Micronesia

Micronesia

Gabon

Gabon

Georgia

Georgia

Ghana

Ghana

Guinea

Guinea

Gambia

Gambia

Guinea-Bis.

Guinea-Bis.

Eq. Guinea

Eq. Guinea

Greece

Greece

Grenada

Grenada

Greenland

Greenland

Guat.

Guat.

Guyana

Guyana

H.K.

H.K.

Honduras

Honduras

Croatia

Croatia

Hungary

Hungary

Indon.

Indon.

Is. Man

Is. Man

India

India

Ireland

Ireland

Iran

Iran

Iraq

Iraq

Iceland

Iceland

Israel

Israel

Italy

Italy

Jamaica

Jamaica

Jordan

Jordan

Japan

Japan

Kazak.

Kazak.

Kenya

Kenya

Kyrg.

Kyrg.

Camb.

Camb.

St. Kitts

St. Kitts

S. Korea

S. Korea

Kuwait

Kuwait

Laos

Laos

Leb.

Leb.

Liberia

Liberia

Libya

Libya

St. Lucia

St. Lucia

S. Lanka

S. Lanka

Lesotho

Lesotho

Lithu.

Lithu.

Lux.

Lux.

Latvia

Latvia

Macau

Macau

Mor.

Mor.

Monaco

Monaco

Moldova

Moldova

Mada.

Mada.

Mald.

Mald.

Mex.

Mex.

N. Mace.

N. Mace.

Mali

Mali

Malta

Malta

Myan.

Myan.

Monte.

Monte.

Mong.

Mong.

Moz.

Moz.

Mauritan.

Mauritan.

Mauritius

Mauritius

Malawi

Malawi

Malay.

Malay.

Nam.

Nam.

Niger

Niger

Nigeria

Nigeria

Nicar.

Nicar.

Netherl.

Netherl.

Norway

Norway

Nepal

Nepal

Nauru

Nauru

N.Z.

N.Z.

Oman

Oman

Pakistan

Pakistan

Panama

Panama

Peru

Peru

Phil.

Phil.

P. N. Guinea

P. N. Guinea

Poland

Poland

Portugal

Portugal

Par.

Par.

Qatar

Qatar

Rom.

Rom.

Russia

Russia

Rwanda

Rwanda

S. Arabia

S. Arabia

Sudan

Sudan

Senegal

Senegal

Sing.

Sing.

Solomon

Solomon

S. Leone

S. Leone

El Salv.

El Salv.

San Marino

San Marino

Somalia

Somalia

Serbia

Serbia

S. Sudan

S. Sudan

Sao Tome

Sao Tome

Surinm.

Surinm.

Slvk.

Slvk.

Slvn.

Slvn.

Sweden

Sweden

Eswatini

Eswatini

Chad

Chad

Togo

Togo

Thailand

Thailand

Tajik.

Tajik.

Timor-L.

Timor-L.

Tonga

Tonga

Tr. Tobago

Tr. Tobago

Tunisia

Tunisia

Turkey

Turkey

Taiwan

Taiwan

Uganda

Uganda

Ukraine

Ukraine

Uruguay

Uruguay

Kosovo

Kosovo

Uzbek.

Uzbek.

St. Vincent

St. Vincent

Venez.

Venez.

Vietnam

Vietnam

Samoa

Samoa

Yemen

Yemen

S. Africa

S. Africa

Zambia

Zambia

Zimb.

Zimb.

EU

EU

Canada

Canada

Jan. 8

Feb. 20

April 4

May 17

June 29

People covered: 80%

60

40

20

0

Note: “People covered” divides the doses administered for each vaccine type by the number of doses required for full vaccination. Data from Bloomberg’s Covid-19 Vaccine Tracker

Global Vaccination Campaign

% of population

Countries and regions

Doses

administered

Enough

for %

of

people

given

1+

dose

fully

vaccinated

Daily rate of

doses

administered

Global Total 3,014,609,721 – – – 43,234,298

Mainland China 1,206,714,000 43.1 – – 22,424,286

EU 359,935,369 40.5 50.0 32.8 4,156,360

India 332,581,423 12.2 19.8 4.2 5,505,514

U.S. 325,152,847 50.8 54.2 46.4 896,412

Brazil 96,913,929 23.1 33.9 12.2 830,496

U.K. 77,303,533 57.9 66.7 49.0 380,779

Germany 72,806,699 43.8 54.0 35.9 812,861

France 53,704,086 41.4 52.0 34.3 586,397

Italy 50,661,205 42.0 55.8 30.2 522,461

Turkey 49,112,184 29.5 41.0 18.1 782,689

Mexico 43,912,990 17.2 23.6 14.9 526,431

% of population

Countries and regions

Doses

administered

Enough

for %

of

people

given

1+

dose

fully

vaccinated

Daily rate of

doses

administered

Japan 41,836,154 16.6 22.2 10.9 1,273,409

Indonesia 41,634,512 7.8 10.6 5.0 721,851

Spain 40,565,038 43.6 53.8 36.8 515,122

Russia 38,000,000 12.9 15.7 10.2 346,939

Canada 36,608,209 48.8 66.7 19.5 508,056

Poland 28,601,320 37.7 44.0 33.7 276,542

Chile 22,494,947 58.9 65.5 54.1 157,273

Argentina 20,221,697 22.5 36.1 8.9 263,003

Show m or e 👆

Note: Population coverage accounts for the number of doses required for each vaccine

administered. The daily rate is a 7-day average; for places that don’t report daily, the last-known average rate is used.

U.S. Vaccinations: State by State

Roughly half of the U.S. population has now received at least one dose, and states are flush with supply. Drugmakers have promised to deliver enough shots to fully vaccinate more than 300 million people in the U.S. by the end of June. That’s enough to cover everyone ages 12 and older—the entire population for which vaccines are currently approved.

Distribution in the U.S. is directed by the federal government. Pfizer and BioNTech’s vaccine, as well as Moderna’s shot both require two doses taken several weeks apart. J&J’s inoculation requires just a single dose.

Time to Deliver

Vaccine makers pledge 700M doses for the U.S. by the end of July—enough to cover 400M

people

Delivery targets

Projected Pfizer

Moderna

J&J

March

May

July

Aug.

People covered: 400M

300

200

100

0

Note: Targets are provided by the manufacturers and don’t always align with government forecasts for availability.

The introduction of J&J’s one-shot option should make it easier to vaccinate hard-to-reach populations. So far, 180 million Americans have received at least one dose of a vaccine—69.8% of the adult population. At least 154 million people have completed a vaccination regimen.

Vaccines Across America

Across the U.S., enough doses have been administered to cover 50.8% of the population,

and 85% of the delivered shots have been used Populat ion Cover ed% of Supply Used

036404448% ASCT

RI CT DE DC GU MP AS VI

Note: “Population covered” divides the doses administered for each vaccine type by the number

of doses required for full vaccination. Data added after Feb. 20 is from the CDC and includes

doses administered by federal entities in state totals. Prior data from the Bloomberg Covid-19 Tracker. It can take several days for counts to be reported through the CDC database.

A new beginning

It takes about two weeks after a final vaccine dose for immunity to fully develop. After that, masks and social distancing are no longer necessary, according to the latest CDC guidance issued on May 13. It’s a dramatic change in guidance that caught many by surprise. Life can begin to return to normal. Grandparents can spend time with their grandchildren again.

Unvaccinated people, including children, should still wear masks indoors, according to the CDC. Masks are still required by many businesses and state or local governments.

U.S. Vaccinations vs. Cases

Covid rates have generally flattened or declined in states with the most vaccinations.

Currently, 26 places have administered enough shots to cover at least 50% of the population.

New York (58.2% covered)

↑↓

Jan. 16

Feb. 26

April 8

May 19

June 29

People covered: 75%

50

25

0

Seven-day average Jan. 16

Feb. 26

April 8

May 19

June 29

New cases per million: 1,500

1,000

500

0

Note: “People covered” divides the doses administered for each vaccine type by the number of

doses required for full vaccination. Vaccine data from Bloomberg’s Covid-19 Tracker. Cases data: Johns Hopkins University.

Younger, unvaccinated populations are increasingly viewed as key to heading off a future resurgence. Until recently, vaccine eligibility was mostly based on age, occupation, and underlying medical conditions. Now, across the U.S., anyone can sign up for a shot at their local pharmacy with little or no wait.

How State Vaccinations Stack Up

Vermont leads all states, with enough vaccinations to cover 71.2% of its populations

↑↓

U.S.

U.S.

Miss.

Miss.

Vt.

Vt.

Alaska

Alaska

Ala.

Ala.

Ark.

Ark.

Ariz.

Ariz.

Calif.

Calif.

Colo.

Colo.

Conn.

Conn.

D.C.

D.C.

Del.

Del.

Fla.

Fla.

Ga.

Ga.

Hawaii

Hawaii

Iowa

Iowa

Idaho

Idaho

Ill.

Ill.

Ind.

Ind.

Kan.

Kan.

Ky.

Ky.

La.

La.

Mass.

Mass.

Md.

Md.

Maine

Maine

Mich.

Mich.

Minn.

Minn.

Mo.

Mo.

Mont.

Mont.

N.C.

N.C.

N.D.

N.D.

Neb.

Neb.

N.H.

N.H.

N.J.

N.J.

N.M.

N.M.

Nev.

Nev.

N.Y.

N.Y.

Ohio

Ohio

Okla.

Okla.

Ore.

Ore.

Pa.

Pa.

R.I.

R.I.

S.C.

S.C.

S.D.

S.D.

Tenn.

Tenn.

Texas

Texas

Utah

Utah

Va.

Va.

Wash.

Wash.

Wis.

Wis.

W.Va.

W.Va.

Wyo.

Wyo.

Jan. 8

Feb. 20

April 4

May 17

June 29

People covered: 80%

60

40

20

0

Note: Two doses are needed for full protection with the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, while the J&J shot requires a single dose. Data from Bloomberg’s Covid-19 Vaccine Tracker

After focusing first on hospitals and other institutional health-care settings, states expanded the number of places that offer the shots. Mass vaccination centers were created from sport stadiums, theme parks, convention halls and race tracks. Now those sites are beginning to close, as millions of doses are shipped each week directly to local pharmacies.

Tests for dosing, safety, and effectiveness are underway in young children and infants, with results expected later this year.

Tips and Feedback: Help us improve the Covid-19 Vaccine Tracker

The Path to Immunity in the U.S.

In New York, the latest vaccination rate is 63,896 doses per day, on average. At this pace, it will take another 3 months to cover 75% of the population.

↑↓

Average daily rate estimate Dec. 31

Feb. 14

March 31

May 15

June 29

Doses administered: 600K

400

200

0

Note: Vaccinating roughly 70% to 85% of a country or region’s population would enable a return

to normalcy, according to top U.S. infectious disease doctor Anthony Fauci. Immunity

calculations take into account the number of doses required and the current rate of administration for each vaccine type. Data are from Bloomberg’s Covid-19 Vaccine Tracker.

U.S. Vaccination Campaign

% of population

Jurisdiction

Doses

administered

Enoug

h for

% of

peopl

e

give

n 1+

dose

fully

vaccinat

ed

Daily rate

of doses

administer

ed

Suppl

y

used

U.S. Totals 325,152,8

47

50.8 54.

2

46.4 896,412 85.2

%

California 42,513,54

8

55.7 61.

2

49.7 124,854 86.5

%

Texas 25,616,73

1

45.9 48.

1

41.0 74,437 80.5

%

New York 21,748,39

0

58.2 59.

9

53.9 63,896 90.8

%

Florida 21,015,78

3

51.2 53.

5

45.7 71,344 84.5

%

Pennsylvania 13,862,09

2

56.2 62.

7

49.5 30,145 88.6

%

Illinois 12,947,45

2

52.9 59.

3

46.1 45,414 88.3

%

Federal

Entities*

11,153,91

7

– – – 29,644 88.5

%

Ohio 10,672,06

7

47.4 48.

2

44.7 21,726 86.1

%

% of population

Jurisdiction

Doses

administered

Enoug

h for

% of

peopl

e

give

n 1+

dose

fully

vaccinat

ed

Daily rate

of doses

administer

ed

Suppl

y

used

New Jersey 9,819,195 57.4 62.

7

55.0 24,114 85.0

%

Michigan 9,411,471 48.8 51.

4

47.0 17,989 81.2

%

Virginia 9,215,489 55.9 58.

9

51.7 22,544 89.0

%

Massachusetts 8,825,910 66.1 70.

3

61.5 19,334 90.6

%

North Carolina 8,626,841 42.6 45.

2

39.2 13,132 73.9

%

Washington 8,543,021 58.4 61.

1

54.4 26,125 91.1

%

Georgia 8,406,166 40.6 43.

2

36.5 26,570 75.2

%

Maryland 6,861,505 58.9 61.

8

55.9 25,636 81.2

%

Arizona 6,485,370 46.0 49.

5

40.2 16,409 80.0

%

Colorado 6,177,682 55.5 57.

8

51.7 17,299 88.0

%

Wisconsin 5,898,378 52.6 53.

6

49.4 15,516 96.5

%

Show m or e 👆

Note: The category entry for Federal Entities isn’t counted in the country total because those

vaccinations are already included in relevant state totals. The “Unassigned” entry refers to

vaccinations from CDC’s U.S. totals that the agency didn’t assign to a specific state or territory.

“Doses administered” figures include all vaccinations within a state, regardless of a person ’s

residency, while population coverage data only accounts for residency. “Shots used” shows the

proportion of administered vaccines compared with the total doses received by a state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Curious about how we collect our data? Wondering why we made certain decisions for the tracker? We have answers . . .

Vaccine Timeline

Bloomberg is tracking the development of nine of the globe’s most promising vaccines. A total of seven vaccines are now available for public use, in limited quantities, in at least 180 countries.

Nations have poured billions of dollars into developing new vaccine technologies, testing them in thousands of volunteers, scaling up manufacturing, and then bringing them to market in record time.

None of these shots, on its own, is enough to inoculate a global population of some 7.8 billion people. But together they represent humanity’s best chance of ending a scourge that has claimed more than 3 million lives and triggered global economic calamity.

More Than 3.01 Billion Shots Given: Covid-19 Vaccine Tracker (bloomberg.com)

Benigno Aquino’s lost liberal ‘yellow’ legacy in the Philippines

The late former president’s liberal reformist agenda was upended by his failure to address structural problems, which successor Rodrigo Duterte seized upon

But his legacy of decency, commitment to democracy and national sovereignty may one day again prove relevant in a post-populist Philippines

The public response to the death of former Philippine president Benigno “Noynoy” S. Aquino III on Thursday has so far been decidedly mixed. While some social media influencers continued bashing him, other supportive posts showed yellow ribbons hung in largely high-end neighbourhoods.

This popular music-inspired symbol (“Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree”) refers to the welcome planned by supporters for his father, Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jnr, the leading opponent of the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos who was assassinated at the Manila International Airport after attempting to return from exile in 1983.

But even this limited sympathy is in stark contrast to the huge anti-government protests following his father’s killing and the national grieving after his mother, former president Corazon “Cory” C. Aquino, died in 2009, setting up Noynoy Aquino’s successful presidential campaign a year later.

Benigno Aquino’s lost liberal ‘yellow’ legacy in the Philippines | South China Morning Post (scmp.com)

He served our country well

By: Ramon R. del Rosario Jr. - @inquirerdotnet

Philippine Daily Inquirer / 05:04 AM June 26, 2021

He was an honest, decent, and very private man. He was also one of our most effective presidents.

President Noynoy Aquino did not have a remarkable stint in Congress prior to his landslide

election as president. He won mainly as a result of our country’s outpouring of love and sympathy

on the passing of his mother, our beloved President Cory. He was elected by a people eager to

regain their faith in their leaders after 12 years of division amid corruption in government’s highest

levels. Filipinos gave him their trust, which he reinforced by forming a Cabinet made up of men

and women of very impressive competence and integrity.

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President Noynoy’s leadership was quiet, humble, and respectful, and it was effective. Through his

personal integrity and his administration’s credibility, diligence, and competence, he gained the

confidence and support of the majority of Filipinos, not the least of whom was the business

community. As chair of the Makati Business Club, I was often the spokesperson for the advocacies

and concerns of the business community voiced through the Philippine Business Groups and the

Joint Foreign Chambers and had ample opportunities to interact with the President and his key

advisers and congressional leaders. We were treated with respect and our views were discussed

seriously, and while we did not always agree, mutual trust was established and we became very

willing supporters and collaborators in the pursuit of common economic goals. The PPP model of

public-private partnerships came to life and gave rise to numerous infrastructure and other vital

projects.

Even outside purely economic concerns, the business sector found an administration willing to

listen and respond, and thus through Philippine Business for Education, we collaborated with the

Department of Education and became principal advocates of the shift to the K-to-12 basic

education system, a very significant and much-needed reform for Philippine education. In support

of Philippine history and culture, the PNoy administration provided unprecedented funding for an

entirely new National Museum of Natural History, and when the project needed support from the

private sector, the response was massive and immediate, and the result is now present for all to see,

a living example of a world-class public-private partnership.

He served our country well | Inquirer Opinion

RODRIGO DUTERTE: WHY THE ICC’S

INVESTIGATION WILL NOT GUARANTEE A

FAIRER OR SAFER PHILIPPINES

WRITTEN BY TOM SMITH

24 June 2021

Shortly before she finished her term of office on 15 June, the ICC’s outgoing

chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda offered hope to victims, human rights groups

and opposition to the regime of Rodrigo Duterte in the Philippines, when she

called for a full investigation into its suspected crimes against humanity. The

“war on drugs” waged by the president of the Philippines has killed more than

20,000 people according to neutral observers and caused untold damage to a

nation with a recent history of violent dictatorship and a culture of corruption

and impunity.

Unlike Ferdinand Marcos, who was able to fly safely into exile in Hawaii with his

wife, selected cronies and a billion dollars worth of loot, Duterte doesn’t enjoy

the same level of international protection, so will have to rely on his local

cronies. But there are lots of them, plenty of whom are entrenched in positions of

power. These cronies owe him everything and include his daughter Sara who

may even become his successor in the presidential palace if she runs for

election in 2022.

Public trust in the Philippines police and military and confidence in the ability of

democratic institutions to resist the next authoritarian leader will take a

generation to rebuild. But the election next year will have been decided before

the ICC’s investigation reports. So it’s the election, rather than the ICC that will

determine the future direction of Philippines society. The omens aren’t good.

Likely successors

Candidates are beginning to come forward for next May’s elections and

include some of the usual faces from the Philippines’ most influential family

dynasties, including the Marcoses. But the big issue will be whether a candidate

is pro or anti-Duterte. The opposition desperately needs to unite under a single

figure and the current vice-president, Leni Robredo is an outstanding candidate.

Elected on a separate ballot under the Philippines’ constitution, Robredo has

been a constant thorn in Duterte’s side, a brave beacon of liberal progressive

leadership.

Branding an ICC investigation into Duterte as yet another inquiry on a

developing nation is sure to play well for his successors and their supporters.

Meanwhile, the pro-Duterte camp is quite crowded. Celebrities, including the

boxer Manny Pacquiao or Marcos’s son, Ferdinand, or “Bongbong” as he is

known, are likely to have to wait it out if Sara Duterte is anointed by her father,

as many expect. Sara is hardly likely to allow any cooperation with an ICC

investigation into her father.

Sara Duterte, Mayor of Davao City. Image credit: Wikimedia.

She’s equally unlikely to undermine his legacy or revoke his brutal flagship

policies that have left so many families grieving with no sense that the justice

system offers any accountability.

Broken system

Filipino political analyst Julio Teehankee has repeatedly warned that the broken

system matters more than the personalities. Duterte came to power on a

promise to clean up politics, but the system has become further compromised

by rampant corruption and endemic crony capitalism. Meanwhile, a politicised

military and police force has led to an increasingly militarized form of

governance. This will all take substantial reform programmes to rectify.

Duterte promised to “destroy the oligarchs” and replace the rule of “imperial

Manila” with a new model of federalism to localise governance. Instead, he

promoted his own oligarchs and scrapped his federalist agenda, which aimed

to move central power away from Manila and localise administrative politics.

To be fair, federalism would have been just as likely to cement the power of

local clans as it would be to empower local populations. But Duterte has broken

any promises he made that could have changed things for the better. And,

more tragically, he kept those promises that have brought death, misery and

destruction. The electorate can thus be forgiven for having little faith in the next

candidate that offers grand visions.

Will the ICC case become an election issue?

If the important thing is locking up Duterte, then by all means rejoice at the

prospect of an ICC investigation. But if the prospects of a better system for the

people of the Philippines is the key concern, then it’s the election that matters

most. And it’s worth considering how an ICC investigation running in parallel with

an election would work — and to whose benefit.

Rodrigo Duterte: Why the ICC’s investigation will not guarantee a fairer or safer Philippines —

9DASHLINE

Duterte, Aquino, and the ICC

One of the best foreign policy decisions that former President Benigno S. Aquino III did

was to ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) ten years ago, in

2011. The Senate subsequently concurred with that ratification, thus putting the

Philippines under the jurisdiction of the ICC.

Former Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa explained the significance of this visionary

act of Aquino: “Ratification of the Rome Statute enhances Philippine commitment to

human rights and is our contribution to an effective international criminal justice system.

It complements Republic Act No. 9851, which enables our country on its own to

prosecute international crimes and strengthens human rights ’ enforcement in our

country.” Republic Act No. 9851, or the Philippine Act on Crimes against International

Humanitarian Law, Genocide and Other Crimes Against Humanity, was signed into law

in December 2009.

It took more than a decade of lobbying by human rights groups for this momentous

decision to happen. One of the leaders in that effort was Attorney Harry Roque,

currently President Duterte’s spokesperson. Rappler reported in 2018 that Secretary

Roque, after we joined the ICC, wrote in his blog: “To be candid, I never thought that

membership in the ICC was possible, at least before I become geriatric. This is because

of the many atrocities under both the Marcos and Arroyo regimes that remain

unpunished. Well, it's always a pleasure to be proven wrong. Here, credit should go to

both the Senate and to President Benigno Aquino III. It was the latter who reversed the

Arroyo policy of rejecting the ICC as a means of ending impunity."

He also said: "As I ponder on the future of the Philippines as the latest member of the

ICC, I look back to the 11 long years that took the Philippine Coalition for the ICC to

finally convince the Philippines to be a member of the Court with melancholy and pride.

Surely, though, we cannot afford to sit long on our laurels as the path ahead remains

long and winding. Be as it may, the message has been sent: no more impunity!"

On June 14, 2021, Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda announced that the preliminary

investigation which started since 8 February 2018, on the situation in the Philippines in

the context of the Duterte administration’s war on drugs has been concluded. As such,

the prosecutor is now requesting the International Criminal Court to authorise the

commencement of an investigation into the situation in the Philippines in relation to War

on Drugs campaign by the Philippine government She determined that there is a

reasonable basis to believe that the crime against humanity of murder has been

committed on the territory between 1 July 2016 and 16 March 2019 in the context of the

Government of the said campaign.

As reported by Prosecutor Bensouda, extrajudicial killings, perpetrated across the

Philippines, appear to have been committed pursuant to an official State policy of the

Philippine government. Police and other government officials planned, ordered, and

sometimes directly perpetrated extrajudicial killings. They paid police officers and

vigilantes bounties for extrajudicial killings. State officials at the highest levels of

government also spoke publicly and repeatedly in support of extrajudicial killings and

created a culture of impunity for those who committed them.

Duterte, Aquino, and the ICC - Manila Standard

Governance opportunities under Dutertismo

In his first State of the Nation Address in 2016, President Duterte and his team pronounced the new

administration’s 10-point socioeconomic agenda, which in the next year was converted to a “Zero

to 10-point” agenda. The President presented himself as a strongman populist, and enjoyed a

supermajority hold on Congress.

Going into its sixth and final year, the Duterte administration is thus far caught between its

campaign promises and Zero to 10-point agenda, and its actual performance and achievements.

While we can also argue endlessly about the gaps and missteps in the administration’s track record,

this will only be a counterproductive debate. Instead, the more valuable effort is to look into the

governance prospects for the next administration based on key lessons derived from the past five

years.

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Political will and firmness are prime requisites for effective national leadership. But political

integrity is just as important. Credibility will have to be anchored on performance, policies, and

decisions that are evidence-based and grounded on the genuine national concerns and grievances of

the population. Political integrity should cascade all the way down to the Cabinet level, as well as

to advisers, presidential allies in Congress, and the First Family. If people feel that their

government caters to their gut issues, especially in the face of the extraordinary hardships brought

about by the pandemic, then they will believe that the government is one with the people.

Fifteen months of lockdown experience suggests the need to deemphasize social control and put

more importance on the T3 approach (test, trace, treat), health care infrastructure, and a speedy

vaccine rollout. The woes of unemployment, poverty, inflation, and a depressed economy currently

confronted by the population demand a more strategic approach to the long-term and short-term

effects of the pandemic. In this, social protection in the form of SAP (social amelioration program)

is inevitable—but it should not be politicized to foster mendicancy and dependency among the

populace or, worse, political patronage, especially with the coming elections in 2022.

What further differentiates this era is the existence of the online world and the drive toward

digitalization. There is exponential value in the presence of both physical and digital infrastructure,

and this is where the private sector could expend much-needed expertise and investments, thereby

striking a balance between public-private partnership and official development assistance schemes.

Additionally, the country also confronts disinformation and cybersecurity threats, which poses

formidable challenges to any government intent developing a safe digital economy.

When it comes to regional and global affairs, a sensible foreign policy is proven to be vital for any

administration. However, pronouncing and implementing an “independent” policy that is in reality

bilaterally fixed and generates asymmetrical relations between the Philippines and another country

can only prove detrimental, as shown under this administration and its pronounced pivot to China.

An independent foreign policy must uphold national interests, peace, co-prosperity, and the rule of

law.

In terms of addressing perennial national problems, especially in today’s pandemic context which

has exacerbated many such problems, it has become all too clear that while an all-of-government

approach is the first natural step, this should be complemented by an all-sectoral or multisectoral

program of action. The private sector, civil society, academe, and media are also key ingredients in

realizing the kind of inclusive and participatory governance that one hopes the next administration

will pursue and put in place.

Governance opportunities under Dutertismo | Inquirer Opinion

Employ the charter For the past 12 years, NGCP practically had its way on government property it is leasing, at a great loss to government and the nation.

Applying a solution to the creeping foreign control over vital services in the country, such as electricity, water and telecommunications, does not need to be complicated as the basic law of the land had provided for that, a government policy consultant had said.

Alien domination had arisen as a result of the revelations made on the presence of likely members of the Communist Party of China who have been embedded by foreign partners in the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), which raises national security concerns.

NGCP operates the assets of the National Transmission Corporation (TransCo), including the key electricity grid that reaches the remotest part of the nation.

The expert who Daily Tribune consulted noted the infrastructure placed in the hands of NGCP also encompasses telecommunications with the rollout of fiber optics cable that far exceeded what it required for communications and data transfer for systems operations.

The Tribune source also cited events that indicated NGCP may have been exercising control over dams that are the source of water supply in Luzon.

“Ask the government if it is aware of who controls the release of water during typhoons,” the expert challenged.

The source added the NGCP dilemma had gone beyond regulatory concerns.

NGCP won the concession contract in an auction held in 2009 by the state-owned holding firm Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management (PSALM).

The concession deal was apparently prepared by former officials of PSALM who have been acting in behalf of some powerful interests, including former PSALM corporate secretary Mutya Alabanza who is now NGCP spokesperson.

There were questions raised on the auction, primarily on the manner of the submission of the bids and the offers made, suggesting that it was rigged. Remember that name, Mutya Alabanza: She is key to the current situation, the source added.

The source cited the Constitution’s preamble and Section 3 Article 2 of the Constitution that will cut the Gordian knot of foreign control.

The preamble started with “We, the sovereign people,” which speaks of where sovereignty resides, the source noted.

Article 2, Section 3 provided that “Civilian authority is, at all times, supreme over the military. The Armed Forces of the Philippines is the protector of the people and the State.”

Thus, he explained the Department of National Defense is mandated to resolve the problem through the AFP, which is the only instrument of the government cited in the Charter as having the task of being the protector of the people and the State.

The source said proof NGCP is dead set on setting up a telecommunications system, which will have a reach more extensive than the networks of duopoly Smart Communications and Globe Telecom, was the construction of the Sorsogon-Samar Submarine Fiber Optical Interconnection Project awarded to China ’s telecommunications giant Huawei.

For the past 12 years, NGCP practically had its way on government property it is leasing, at a great loss to government and the nation. The shackles should now be discarded and public property should be restored for the benefit of the sovereign people.

Employ the charter | Commentary | Daily Tribune

China is contributing to the ‘Cold War

mentality,’ too You’re reading an excerpt from the Today’s WorldView newsletter. Sign up to get the rest, including news from around the globe, interesting ideas and opinions to know, sent to your inbox every weekday. Support our journalism. Subscribe today.

Communist Party members hold party flags in Beijing on June 22 in front of a floral decoration

for the upcoming 100th anniversary of the founding of China's ruling Communist Party. (Ng Han

Guan/AP)

Next week, China’s Communist Party will mark the centenary of its founding. Authorities in Beijing have already closed off Tiananmen Square as plans for a grand, triumphant ceremony on July 1 proceed. One hundred years ago, the party held its first clandestine meeting at a girls’ school in Shanghai during a time of political turmoil. Now, it stands as a colossus on the international stage, in command of what will soon become the world’s largest economy and buoyed by the belief that it has restored China to its historical place of primacy in global affairs. In a speech Thursday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi hailed the centenary as a moment to recognize “a new historical starting point,” as “the Chinese people will soon complete the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects” and shift toward deepening “cooperation” and “partnerships” with other countries. He reiterated China’s belief in “mutual benefit and win-win,” what’s now Beijing’s stock language whenever discussing its expanding global economic and political reach.

Stonic | SUV & MPV | Kia Motors Philippines

Was the Biden-Putin Summit a Success? The White House set clear red lines on cyberwar, but don’t expect much progress in the months to come.

By Emma Ashford, a senior fellow in the New American Engagement Initiative at the Atlantic Council’s Scowcroft Center for

Strategy and Security, and Matthew Kroenig, deputy director of the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security at the Atlantic

Council.

Swiss President Guy Parmelin (C) leads U.S. President Joe Biden (L) and Russian President Vladimir

Putin to meet media during the U.S.-Russia summit at Villa La Grange on June 16, 2021 in Geneva,

Switzerland. Biden is meeting his Russian counterpart, Putin, for the first time as president in

Geneva, Switzerland. PETER KLAUNZER - POOL/KEYSTONE VIA GETTY IMAGES

JUNE 25, 2021, 11:19 AM

Emma Ashford: Good morning, Matt! Are you recovered from the last couple of weeks of summit-palooza? It seemed as if President Joe Biden’s overseas meetings would never end.

Matthew Kroenig: Let’s dive right into foreign affairs. With our twin plagues of COVID-19 restrictions and cicadas now mostly behind us, there are few obvious subjects for small talk. We covered the first part of the president ’s trip in our last column, but we didn’t get to the summit with Russian President

Vladimir Putin. And with the Iranian elections, Benjamin Netanyahu out of office in Israel, and the Taliban advances in Afghanistan, there is much to discuss.

Was the Biden-Putin Summit a Success? – Foreign Policy

Japan’s murky management of Fukushima nuclear wastewater On 13 April 2021, the Japanese government announced plans to dispose of the wastewater stored at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean over a period of 30 years.

The plant has about 1000 wastewater tanks that can hold up to 1.37 million tons of contaminated water. Currently, 1.25 million tons are being stored, which accounts for about 90 per cent of the total storage capacity. The tanks are expected to fill up by the autumn of 2022, which prompted the Japanese government to adopt the least expensive option — disposing the wastewater into the sea, starting from 2023.

The United States and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) remain sympathetic to the Japanese decision, saying that it meets the international standard. On the other hand, China and South Korea have voiced concerns about the decision. They are distrustful of and dissatisfied with the sudden decision made by the Japanese government. The difference is starkly highlighted in how the wastewater is being referred to by different countries. Japan and the United States call it ‘treated water’ while China and South Korea define it as ‘contaminated water’.

The Japanese government explained that it will fully treat and dilute the wastewater until the contamination level is reduced to at least one-hundredth of its original concentration. Officials say that tritium will be reduced to one-fortieth of the Japanese government’s normal standard. Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso even claimed that the treated water will be drinkable.

The Japanese government also made it clear that before the accident in 2011 the Fukushima nuclear plant disposed of 2.2 trillion becquerels of tritium into the sea each year, which caused no problems. They added that because tritium is a weak radioactive isotope, most of the material will exit the human body, meaning its negative impact will be small.

Despite the Japanese government’s efforts to convince people outside of the country, the most vocal opposition has come from within Japan. The Japan Fishermen’s Association argued that they will not accept the Japanese government’s decision. They explain that the decision went against the government’s promise in 2015 that the release would not happen without their consent. Fishermen from Fukushima and Ibaraki are particularly sensitive about the potential consumer backlash over the radioactive wastewater release, which will directly impact their livelihoods. About 70 per cent of fishermen oppose the government’s decision. It remains unclear whether the Japanese government will be able to persuade them.

Concerns from neighbouring countries are another hurdle to overcome. There is little sign that the Japanese government fully consulted adjacent countries before it announced the decision. Because of the lack of prior consultation and reliable notice, the Japanese government’s decision should be regarded as a unilateral move. South Korea and China should not approach this issue to drag down Japan’s efforts to resolve the problem. At the same time, it is Japan’s responsibility to be attentive to neighbouring countries’ legitimate concerns.

Securing transparency in the process of implementing the plan is another challenge. Despite the Japanese government’s explanation, it remains uncertain whether various nuclides other than tritium can be reliably removed using the Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS). Passing on the correct and reliable information to concerned parties in and outside the country is necessary. Japan should incorporate third-party specialists to provide objective and reliable information about the process.

Finally, verifying the safety of the water with international standards would give comfort to and garner trust from concerned parties, including Japanese fishermen. The IAEA could mobilise experts or build a verification team on behalf of Japan and its neighbouring countries so that all concerned regional countries can be persuaded about the safety of the water.

The Japanese government should better fulfil its responsibilities, justify the necessity of its decision, remain transparent about its implementation of the plan and be resilient in verifying the safety of the water it disposes of.

Japan’s murky management of Fukushima nuclear wastewater (eastasiaforum.org)